214@100: RMHS, an 'unfinished' masterpiece

The Home of the Mustangs opened in fall of 1971, but the building was not completed until January 1972. That first semester was a curious mix of students, staff and construction workers. On the first day of school, students and staff had to hurdle over piles of rubble on their way to class - and they were warned by then-Principal Bob Hosse not to distract the workers.

In its initial design, Rolling Meadows High School was architecturally experimental, built around the era's open-school concept. There were no doors on the classrooms, and the walls of the classrooms were removable. Even the bathroom stalls were doorless.

These were challenging conditions under which to open District 214's seventh school. Making matters worse, it was blisteringly hot that fall, and the air conditioners were not yet functional. "It was chaos, but in some ways a joyful chaos," retired English teacher Bill Leece says. "I believe that in suffering there may come unity, and that was true of RMHS. We were all brothers and sisters in sack cloth and hair shirts. We learned to speak gently and kindly to one another."

Leece believes the open-classroom days, which lasted 15 years, set the tone for Rolling Meadows. "We laughed loudly and often, developed a tolerance for inconvenience and silliness, and yet, counted ourselves blessed to work in a district like 214," Leece says.

• 214@100 is a celebration of District 214's centennial; 100 people, places, things and events that have shaped its unique history. To contribute ideas, email us at district 214@dailyherald.com.