Find It Fast
Stay Connected
Press Release:
April 23, 2026
On April 20, 2026, Board Trustee Tricia Anderson resigned from the Rockford Public Schools Board of Education. We thank Trustee Anderson for her commitment to our students and her advocacy for ensuring that our school district operates at a high level. We wish Trustee Anderson the best in future endeavors.
When a board member resigns, the board is required to fill the vacancy within thirty (30) days by appointment in line with district board policy 0142.5. The board seeks to fill the vacancy with a qualified and interested candidate who will serve through December 31, 2026. In November, in addition to the regularly scheduled election of three board positions, an election to fill the partial term set to expire in 2028, will be held.
Today, the Rockford Public School District begins seeking applications for the current vacant position for the board of education. An individual will be appointed to fill the vacant position through December 31, 2026 and will be replaced by the individual elected to the position (based on the November 3, 2026 election results) on January 1, 2027. To be eligible to be considered an individual must be a citizen of the United States and is a qualified and registered elector and resident of the district.
Those eligible and interested in filling this seat through December 31, 2026 must do the following:
Submit a one-page letter of interest outlining your interest and eligibility
Submit a resume that outlines relevant experience or credentials
Answers to each of these questions in 300 words or less:
What do you see as the role of a school board member?
What will you do to be an effective board member?
What would you like to see changed in the district and how do you envision your role in that change?
Please send the required information electronically to Jodi Nester via email at jnester@rockfordschools.org. The deadline to be considered for this vacancy is Monday, May 4th at 3:00 PM. No materials will be accepted after the deadline. All completed applications will be verified in writing upon receipt and then submitted to Board of Education Secretary, Andrea Jacobson for further action.
The Board will review the applications and schedule interviews during the week of May 11th. The board will meet in open session to interview applicants and appoint a new trustee. The new trustee will be seated by May 20, 2026.
Superintendent's Updates
Good afternoon,
Yesterday, May 12th, was the last day for our Rockford High School seniors. This Friday they will return to their elementary schools in caps and gowns to inspire the next generation. And next Monday, May 18, the class of 2026 will graduate.
Board agenda highlights from our Board of Education on Monday, May 11, include:
- Discussed the board vacancy
- 16 community members applied to fill the vacancy
- 5 were chosen to interview after the initial screening
- Jennifer Kempa
- Jacob Kurth
- Miguel Quintanilla
- Brian Vella
- Lissa Geglio-Weidenfeller
- Interviews will take place on Thursday, May 14, starting at 6:00 PM
- Bond refunding
- Furniture purchase for River Valley Academy
Information on the board agendas can be found at our district website.
The last day of school is approaching quickly. We have the long Memorial Day weekend coming with no school on May 22 and May 26.
Hopefully the weather will warm up and we will enjoy good weather for the end of school.
Steve
Dr. Steve Matthews, Superintendent
Rockford Public Schools
Events
-
22 May 2026
-
No SchoolDate: May 22Calendar: RPS District Calendar
-
-
25 May 2026
-
No School - Memorial DayDate: May 25Calendar: RPS District Calendar
-
-
4 Jun 2026
-
Half DayDate: Jun 4Calendar: RPS District Calendar
-
-
5 Jun 2026
-
Half DayDate: Jun 5Calendar: RPS District Calendar
-
-
24 Aug 2026
-
First Student DayDate: Aug 24Calendar: RPS District Calendar
-
-
4 Sep 2026
-
No SchoolDate: Sep 4Calendar: RPS District Calendar
-
-
7 Sep 2026
-
No SchoolDate: Sep 7Calendar: RPS District Calendar
-






