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Good evening,
The state has still not passed a budget for either the general fund or the school aid fund.
But they have passed a continuation budget for the next 48 hours. In doing so they are signaling that they will have the budget bills passed shortly.
Free breakfast and lunch will continue Wednesday and Thursday.
In a text message exchange with Rep. Posthumus he indicated that there is a line item in the budget for free breakfast and lunch moving forward. That gives me confidence that free breakfast and lunch will continue next year.
I will keep you posted over the next 48 hours.
But, for now, plan on free breakfast and lunch continuing for now.
Steve
Dr. Steve Matthews
Superintendent
Rockford Public Schools
Superintendent's Updates
Good afternoon,
The state budget is theoretically complete.
The problem is that we have no confirmation of what the school aid budget will be or if they have included any money to continue the free breakfast and lunch programming for the 2025-2026 school year.
As a result, we are moving ahead with our plan to begin charging for breakfast and lunch starting October 1. We do this reluctantly. But the cost to fund meals for our students over the course of one month is approximately $400,000. We do not have a fund balance that would allow us to cover that expense.
Many have asked what the price will be starting October 1. Here is our plan:
- Breakfast - $2.00
- Lunch - $3.00
- Milk only - .55 cents
All lunch meals have an entrée, fresh fruit, lettuce salad, fresh vegetable, and milk choice.
If something changes before Wednesday, and the state agrees to fund free breakfast and lunch, I will let you know.
For now, those not eligible for a free or reduced breakfast or lunch will pay starting October 1. If you are unsure if you qualify for a free or reduced lunch, please fill out the application. There is a link to the application on the Food Service website here: Food Service - Departments - Rockford Public Schools
Also you can add money to your account via this link: https://payments.efundsforschools.com/v3/districts/55022
Steve
Dr. Steve Matthews
Superintendent
Rockford Public Schools
Events
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15 Oct 2025
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Early ReleaseDate: Oct 15Calendar: RPS District Calendar
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29 Oct 2025
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Early ReleaseDate: Oct 29Calendar: RPS District Calendar
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12 Nov 2025
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Early ReleaseDate: Nov 12Calendar: RPS District Calendar
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26 Nov 2025
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Thanksgiving Breakthru Nov 28 2025Thanksgiving BreakDate: Nov 26 - Nov 28Calendar: RPS District Calendar
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10 Dec 2025
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Early ReleaseDate: Dec 10Calendar: RPS District Calendar
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22 Dec 2025
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Winter Breakthru Jan 4 2026Winter BreakDate: Dec 22 - Jan 4Calendar: RPS District Calendar
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19 Jan 2026
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No School - All Staff PDDate: Jan 19Calendar: RPS District Calendar
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