Welcome

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 8^th grade students on the PSAT met or exceeded the standard in English Language Arts. Over 80% of our 11^thgraders 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