Superintendent's Evaluation

Rockford Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Steve Matthews Receives Highest “Effective” Rating in Annual Performance Review

[Rockford, MI, December 11, 2025] — The Rockford Board of Education has completed its annual evaluation of Superintendent Dr. Steve Matthews, awarding him an “Effective” rating, the highest rating under the evaluation scale used by the district. This rating reflects the Board’s continued confidence in Dr. Matthews’ leadership and his commitment to ensuring Rockford Public Schools remains one of Michigan’s top-performing districts.

The evaluation was conducted using the state-approved Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) Superintendent Evaluation instrument, a research-informed tool used by districts across Michigan. The MASB framework provides a consistent, credible, and objective approach to superintendent evaluation, assessing performance across critical areas of professional practice, including governance, community connections, staff relations, business and finance, instructional leadership, student growth, and progress toward districtwide goals outlined in RAMS XII. Dr. Matthews earned “Effective” ratings across all categories.

Board President Jarrod Folsom stated, “Dr. Matthews continues to provide strong, student-focused leadership for Rockford Public Schools. His Effective rating reflects not only his commitment to academic excellence and clear communication, but also the way he aligns daily decisions to the long-term priorities we have set together in RAMS XII. From teaching and learning to safety, staffing, and facilities, he keeps our students at the center of every decision. Our community benefits every day from the stability, expertise, and forward-looking leadership he brings to the district.”

This year’s evaluation highlights shared progress by Dr. Matthews and the district leadership team in advancing RAMS XII, the district’s 2025–2027 strategic plan organized around Academic Excellence, Wellness and Preparedness, Social Responsibility and Community Engagement, Collaborative Culture, and Organizational Effectiveness.

Under Dr. Matthews’ leadership, Rockford Public Schools achieved significant milestones over the past year, including:

• Continued progress on the implementation of the RAMS XII Strategic Plan, aligning teaching, support systems, operations, and community partnerships to the shared goal of helping every student learn, connect, contribute, and succeed.
• Strengthened academic performance and positive student growth trends across grade levels, supported by high-quality instruction and collaborative professional learning communities.
• Expansion of student learning experiences, including STEAM, literacy, outdoor education, and real-world pathways that prepare students for future success.
• Ongoing success of the district’s Grow Your Own program and strategic staffing efforts to recruit, retain, and develop high-quality educators and support staff.
• Repurposing Parkside as an Early Childhood Center to create a more effective and developmentally appropriate learning environment for Parkside students, with the added benefit of expanding early childhood access and strengthening equity for families.
• Investments in student wellness, safety, and preparedness, including updated safety protocols and strengthened academic and behavioral support systems.
• Strong fiscal stewardship, including another clean audit demonstrating responsible management of taxpayer resources and long-term financial stability.
• Purposeful business and operations leadership connecting budget, facilities planning, and long-term operational improvements to RAMS XII priorities.

Dr. Matthews expressed gratitude for the Board’s feedback and the partnership shared across the district. “I am thankful for the confidence the Board has placed in our leadership team and in the direction outlined in RAMS XII,” said Dr. Matthews. “Every day, our staff challenge students to think critically, act compassionately, and succeed boldly. The Effective rating reflects the collective commitment of the entire Rockford community, and it comes with a responsibility to keep improving outcomes for every learner.”

Looking ahead, the Board and administration will continue to use the evaluation findings to guide district priorities, including expanding high-quality instructional opportunities, strengthening student wellness and safety supports, broadening community and college-career connections, and aligning resources so that every student can learn, connect, contribute, and succeed.

For more information about Rockford Public Schools, including the District’s RAMS XII strategic plan, please visit www.rockfordschools.org