RPS Announcements & Closings

Previous Next PausePlay Gallery Permalink

Welcome

Rockford Public Schools

District Updates

RPS Bond Proposal 2025 & Kent ISD Enhancement Millage Proposal

Click HERE to learn more!

Stay Connected

October 17, 2025
How would the 2025 Bond Proposal help us Build for the Future?

We would be building for the future by providing safe and functional spaces that support and enhance educational programs. We would do this by:

  • Adding air-conditioning to all remaining schools that need it.
  • Improving safety and security by installing electronic door locks for all classrooms.
  • Enhancing entry circulation and safety by improving students' experiences and strengthen safety at Rockford HS and East Rockford MS.
  • Gyms and/or cafeterias will be added to all remaining elementary schools to allow all to have separate gym and cafeteria spaces.
  • Updating aging infrastructure, such as: mechanical, electrical, plumbing, roofs, and outdated systems.
  • Enhancing outdoor facilities (restrooms, seating, entry/exit) to improve community experience.
  • Updating technology infrastructure. 
  • Playground equipment upgrades to all remaining schools.
  • Replacing aging buses to maintain the replacement cycle to keep the bus fleet modern and safe.


Superintendent's Updates

District Update, 10/14/25

Good afternoon,

At the Board of Education meeting this past Monday night, the following actions and reports were on the agenda:

  • Rockford Education Association (REA - teachers and certified staff) wage agreement was ratified
  • Rockford Education Support Personnel Association (RESPA - paraprofessionals, administrative assistants, custodians, food service, bus drivers) wage agreement was ratified
  • There was the first reading of the fall policy update
  • A stage turntable purchase was approved
  • Two extra classroom sets of furniture were approved for Edgerton Trails
  • Bond update report
  • Student achievement report

The bond update highlighted information on the upcoming bond election. A proposal is on the ballot to approve continuing our millage rate at 7 mills for capital improvement projects. This proposal is a zero mill increase and continues the millage rate at 7 mills. By approving the continuation of our current rate, we will generate revenue to support maintaining our facilities and creating new opportunities for our students and community. There are a variety of projects that would be undertaken if this proposal is approved. The full list is on the district website, but highlights include:

  • Air conditioning for our elementary buildings and Parkside Early Childhood Center (6 of 8 elementary buildings do not have air conditioning)
  • Gyms for the four elementary buildings that do not have a separate gym and cafeteria
  • Electronic door locks for all interior classroom doors
  • Outdoor bathrooms and bleacher improvements at North and East Rockford Middle Schools
  • Renovations to the Rockford High School Performing Arts Center
  • Construction of the RAM Center - an indoor turf facility with instructional space for a new Beyond the Rock studio, graphic design classroom, and a student-run retail store
  • Career and technical education (CTE) classroom expansion at Rockford High School
  • Bus purchases on a regular cycle

More information is available at our district website: 2025 RPS Bond Proposal and Enhancement Millage Proposal - Our District - Rockford Public Schools

I would encourage you to get informed and to vote. Absentee ballots are available now. Election day is November 4.

Monday night’s student achievement report highlighted the progress that has been made by our students. We have worked hard over the past several years to sharpen our focus on teaching and learning. Our teachers collaborate now more than ever. We use data to make decisions about how to help students. And the results show that we are making progress.

Are we where we need to be? No. But we are continuing to make progress. 88% of our 8th grade students on the PSAT met or exceeded the standard in English Language Arts. Over 80% of our 11thgraders met or exceeded the standard in reading and writing on the SAT.

The fall play “Clue” will have four shows November 7, 8, and 9. Tickets are available now. Ludus - ROCKTIX

As always if you have questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out or to talk with me when you see me in the community.

Steve

Dr. Steve Matthews

Superintendent

Rockford Public Schools

Events

  • 29 Oct 2025
  • 12 Nov 2025
  • 26 Nov 2025
    • Thanksgiving Break
      thru Nov 28 2025
      Thanksgiving Break
      Date: Nov 26 - Nov 28
      Calendar: RPS District Calendar
  • 10 Dec 2025
  • 22 Dec 2025
    • Winter Break
      thru Jan 4 2026
      Winter Break
      Date: Dec 22 - Jan 4
      Calendar: RPS District Calendar
  • 19 Jan 2026
  • 4 Feb 2026

Calendar

Calendar
Last Month Previous October 2025 Next Next Month
S M T W T F S
      1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15
16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29
30 31  

We Are Social

Rams News and Views 36

This edition Dr. Matthews speaks with Mike Ramm, Jen Domagalski, and Matt Puett about the upcoming bond and what it will fund.

Beyond the Rock

Rams vs. Hudsonville Football Promo

RHS Homecoming Game 2025