Superintendent's Update

3/11/26 Update

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Good afternoon,

As you are aware our Rockford High School boys’ basketball team beat Northview High School in a thrilling game on Tuesday night. This win catapults the Rams to the Division One semifinals on Friday, March 13, at noon, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.

Congratulations to Coach Clough and our Rockford High School boys’ basketball team!

After careful consideration, I wanted to alert you that school will be in session on Friday.

All students will have school on Friday, March 13, including preschool and child care.

If you want to make a different choice for your student and have them attend the game, please be sure to call in their absence and it will be excused.

I understand that there are many families who will want to attend the game. I have been to the Breslin for our girls’ basketball team on a Friday school day each of the last three years, and it is awesome to see the tremendous crowd that Rockford brings to the game.

We have adjusted schedules in the past. The first time the boys made the semifinals in 2012, school was cancelled. Then the girls made the semifinals and school was cancelled. Then the girls made it once more and, again, we pivoted to a half day for secondary. For each of those choices there are complications.

For 9-12 high school students, we will judge the interest in having a high school student fan bus. This will offer high school students a chance to be safely transported to and from the game. Look for a survey from Mr. Clark.

While I would like to see as many Rockford Rams in the Breslin Center as possible, we recognize the importance of having school for students and families. Keeping schools in session is positive for student learning. Canceling school inconveniences many of our families.

Therefore, after careful evaluation, I have decided that we will have school as planned on Friday, March 13, 2026.

I made this decision for the following reasons:

We have no state forgiveness days left.
The majority of DK-12 students historically have not attended the game.
Our families depend on the schools every day.

To be clear, we will have a regular school day on Friday, March 13.

If you and your children want to attend the game, please call in their absence and it will be excused.

Go Rams!

Steve

Dr. Steve Matthews

Superintendent

2/26/26 Update

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Good afternoon,

This week marks the end of our second trimester. This is more important at the Freshman Center/Rockford High School level as classes often change each trimester. But for all of us, this reinforces that this school year is moving quickly.

I wanted to highlight a couple of things:

First, our mid-year assessment data of K-8 students continues to demonstrate that great things are happening in our classrooms. Our Fall ’25 to Winter ’26 achievement shows high achievement.

It is evident that our teachers are teaching and our students are learning! Well done!

Second, Lifetouch, the school photography provider, has been caught up in some rumors circulating on social media. We have reviewed these rumors and feel confident that they are false. Lifetouch has been a trusted partner and we expect them to continue to be for the district.

The CEO of Lifetouch has responded in this recent post: Public Statement from Ken Murphy, Lifetouch Group CEO, on recent rumors around student privacy. - Lifetouch

I share this because I wanted you to know that we are aware of these rumors and have spent time evaluating them. Student safety will always be a priority for us.

Finally, the high school theater production of Les Misérables is coming March 13 – 15 and March 20 – 22. Tickets are available here: Ludus - ROCKTIX

Our wrestling, bowling, basketball, gymnastics, hockey, boys’ swim and dive, dance, and cheer teams have had a tremendous winter season. We wish them all good luck as they head to postseason and to their end of season tournaments.

Believe it or not, our spring sports seasons will begin in just a few short weeks.

Steve

Dr. Steve Matthews, Superintendent

Rockford Public Schools

2/11/26 Update

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Good afternoon,

Highlights of the Board of Education meeting on Monday, February 9, include the following:

Approved purchasing of 7 new buses.
Approved opting into two School of Choice programs:
- Kent ISD Collaborative School of Choice Program (students from any Kent ISD school district)
- Section 105c School of Choice Program (students from contiguous ISDs).
  The School of Choice application window opens in April; details can be found on district webpage: Enrollment Procedures - Rockford Public Schools
Approved classroom furniture for the Freshman Center and Rockford High School.
Approved policy changes to public participation at Board meetings:
- The public can sign up to speak via a google form linked within the meeting notice for each board meeting date. This signup must be done by 5:00 PM on the day of the meeting.
- The public can sign up in person at the RPS Admin Building starting 30 minutes before the meeting. In-person signup will begin at 5:30 PM for the 6:00 PM board meeting.
Outdoor education presented a report on their activities this year.

As a reminder, Board of Education meetings now begin at 6:00 PM. Board of Education meeting information can be found on our district website including a link to a video of each meeting.

This week there was an incident across the street from Rockford High School. In consultation with the Kent County Sheriff’s Department, it was determined that the Freshman Center, the high school, and Roguewood Elementary should go into “secure mode.” Our students and staff responded well and there was no panic or concern at any of the buildings. This is a good reminder of why we practice our safety protocols. Information can be found on our district website: Security - Departments - Rockford Public Schools

As a reminder, we have Standard response Protocols that we follow to keep us safe. Our response to an incident is determined by the incident. In this case, the incident was not a direct threat to the school and was outside and away from the school. Thus, we went into secure mode which means there is not a direct or immediate threat. We kept students in the building, they were free to travel inside the building, and we monitored the doors to ensure that the threat did not escalate.

The Rockford High School production of Les Miserables is scheduled for the weekends of March 13 – 15 and March 20 – 22. Tickets are available at Ludus - ROCKTIX

The state budgeting process will begin shortly. To remind the community, the Governor first proposes her budget, then the House and Senate propose their budgets. Then the three parties work together to reconcile and develop a final budget. Governor Whitmer was scheduled to unveil her proposal February 11.

As a reminder, our district must have an approved budget for the 2026-2027 school year by June 30.

Our mid-winter break is scheduled for this weekend – February 13 – 16. School will resume on February 17.

Steve

Dr. Steve Matthews

Superintendent

Rockford Public Schools

1/27/26 Update

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Good afternoon,

Our weather in January certainly has been challenging for everyone.

I understand the difficulty of closing schools. For working parents finding childcare or caring for children while trying to work is challenging. But I am equally aware of the challenges that come when we keep schools open. Sending buses onto snowy roads and having high school drivers navigating those same snowy roads comes with its own set of problems. In addition, we must ensure that staff can get to school in a timely manner so that they will be able to greet students as they arrive.

So, as I said, winter is challenging.

The extended forecast is not encouraging. But as I have learned in my 18 years as a Superintendent, you make the best decision you can and you focus on keeping everyone safe.

Our snow days start early. Kyle Forman, our district mechanic, drives the roads – east to west and north to south. Allison Clements, our Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations, consults with me as well. Shawn Hayward, our Director of Maintenance and Operations, keeps track of the plows and those who shovel the snow. And our transportation team – those that drive our buses – are invaluable in weather like this. All of these people are greatly appreciated.

In January, our K-8 students have been testing with our NWEA assessment. These assessments in math and reading help us both evaluate our instruction and identify how to help each student. Our teachers work with our students to help them understand how these assessments are valuable in showing the progress that each student makes. The assessments give us insight into each student and help our teachers in their grade level and department teams make sure that each student is receiving what they need to continue moving forward.

Our Fine Arts program had a chance to shine this past week. At the Michigan Music Conference, Allie Holden, our North Rockford Middle School orchestra teacher, was recognized by the Michigan Chapter of the American String Teachers Association with their Early Career Recognition Award. Mandy Scott and Jed Scott led several of our students in all-state choirs. Jenny Allen, our East Rockford Middle School orchestra teacher, led a session helping other teachers learn to be better orchestra teachers. In addition, we had several students selected to perform with all-state ensembles.

The Rockford Education Foundation is hosting their annual spring gala – The Taste. This event highlights the great work that the Rockford Education Foundation does as a partner with our district. If you can participate in this event on March 5^th I would encourage you to make your plans now. Information can be found on the Rockford Education Foundation website: The Taste

Here’s wishing for sunshine and warmer temperatures.

Steve

Dr. Steve Matthews

Superintendent

Rockford Public Schools

1/14/26 Update

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Good afternoon,

The Rockford Public Schools’ Board of Education met on Monday. Three important points from that meeting:

The meeting was the organizational meeting for 2026. Officers for this calendar year are:
1. President – Jarrod Folsom
2. Vice-president – Christie Ramsey
3. Secretary – Andrea Jacobson
4. Treasurer – Jake Himmelspach
Board meeting dates and times were established.
1. Dates for board meetings can be found here: Board of Education - Our District - Rockford Public Schools. They are the second Monday of the month except for April which is the third Monday.
2. Board meetings will start at 6:00 PM.
A revised public comment policy was introduced. It will be discussed and voted on in February.
1. The current public comment policy will be in effect in February.

Edgerton Trails will host a Luminary Hike through our outdoor education space on Tuesday, January 27th, starting at 6:00 PM. Look for the luminaries as you arrive!

Remember Monday, January 19^th – Martin Luther King Jr. Day – is a non-school day. I would encourage you to talk with your children about the impact of Dr. King’s message regarding the importance of education and character. Our teachers will have a day of professional development that day.

It has been a wild weather winter. I have really appreciated the snow coming on the weekends!

Steve

Dr. Steve Matthews, Superintendent

Rockford Public Schools

1/14/26 Update

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Good afternoon,

The Rockford Public Schools’ Board of Education met on Monday. Three important points from that meeting:

The meeting was the organizational meeting for 2026. Officers for this calendar year are:
1. President – Jarrod Folsom
2. Vice-president – Christie Ramsey
3. Secretary – Andrea Jacobson
4. Treasurer – Jake Himmelspach
Board meeting dates and times were established.
1. Dates for board meetings can be found here: Board of Education - Our District - Rockford Public Schools. They are the second Monday of the month except for April which is the third Monday.
2. Board meetings will start at 6:00 PM.
A revised public comment policy was introduced. It will be discussed and voted on in February.
1. The current public comment policy will be in effect in February.

A community survey is still active. It asks questions related to how you receive information from the district and priorities for our facilities. The survey is open through January 18th and can be found on our district website front page under our Stay Connected tab or here: Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management

Our district outdoor education students at Edgerton Trails will host a Luminary Hike through our outdoor education space on Tuesday, January 27th, starting at 6:00 PM. Look for the luminaries as you arrive!

It has been a wild weather winter. I have really appreciated the snow coming on the weekends!

Steve

Dr. Steve Matthews, Superintendent

Rockford Public Schools

1/5/26

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Happy new year, Rockford, and welcome back to school!

We have developed a survey that asks you to provide us with some feedback on how we continue to move the district forward. The survey is administered by the Kent Intermediate School District. I would appreciate it if you would take the time to provide us with some feedback. You can access the survey by clicking the following button:

Rockford Community Bond Perception and Engagement Survey

Thank you in advance for your comments,

Steve

Dr. Steve Matthews, Superintendent

Rockford Public Schools

12/18/25 Update

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Good evening,

Rockford Community Bond Perception and Engagement Survey

As we prepare for our winter break, I hope that you and your family have a wonderful holiday. Enjoy time together. Read some good books. And get ready to start school again on January 5.

Steve

Dr. Steve Matthews, Superintendent

Rockford Public Schools

12/9/25 District Update

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Hello Rockford,

Highlights from the December 8^th Board of Education meeting:

Approved a video monitoring system for buses purchased recently.
- Each of our buses has a video monitoring system
Approved replacement of the Rockford High School bleachers.
- Bleachers were original to the high school
Approved replacing the Rockford High School athletic wing elevator.
- Elevator was original to the building
Approved replacing the Rockford High School boiler.
- Boiler was original to the building

All of these improvements were with funds from the 2019 bond.

The board also had a literacy presentation that highlighted our performance on both the M-STEP and the NWEA. Our NWEA fall performance shows that every grade level from 1^st through 8^th is close to or above the 90^th percentile in reading. This is a nationwide test, so the results show that our students perform at or above 90% of the students who take the assessment throughout the nation.

The performance of our students is a credit to our staff and to our families. Together we are providing a supportive and challenging learning environment that helps them learn the skills that helps our students learn the skills and knowledge they need to be successful.

We also have a robust plan in place to help all students. Our tiered system of support provides classroom, small group, and individual support for students so that all can be successful.

This time of year makes me think through and think about the many blessings that I have. One of the blessings is to be in a community like Rockford and to be part of a dynamic and supportive school district. Thank you for all that you do to help create and sustain our district.

My wish for you is that you have a wonderful Holiday season!

Steve

Dr. Steve Matthews, Superintendent

Rockford Public Schools

District Update

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Good afternoon,
Thursday night, November 20th, is a night that a group of Rockford High School girls won’t soon forget.
Why? Because their hearts were broken.
Our Rockford High School girls’ volleyball team had achieved a lot this year. Ranked number one. One loss on the season. Winners in every way.
But on this particular Thursday, in the state Division One semi-final, they lost. Their second match loss of the year.
These students will never forget that game. Years from now they will look back and wonder - minds filled with "what-ifs" and "if we had just . . .”
But, from where I sit, I believe that our students will also not forget that game because they will recognize - not today, not tomorrow, maybe not for a while - that success is difficult to achieve. This game came at the end of a long season. They had worked hard. They had been at it since the middle of August. They had played through injury and exhaustion and frustration. They had found joy in being together and supporting one another.
Now as the seasons had changed and the days had become shorter, and as the final goal was within sight, they lost. Through the season they had managed to find ways to win, reaching within one game of playing for a championship.
It’s a lesson we all learn. But it is a hard lesson.
Our boys’ water polo team, football, boys’ soccer, and our marching band all learned similar life lessons this fall.
I am proud of our girls’ volleyball team, just as I am proud of every Rockford team. We support athletics and extracurriculars and provide opportunities because it helps our students learn lessons. Lessons in teamwork and hard work and resilience and grit.
And lessons in how to move on once your heart is broken.
Sometime in the next couple of weeks you will receive a survey. It is a bond follow up survey. I would appreciate if you would complete it and give us your thoughts on how we might begin to move forward. It will ask about priorities, and it will help us identify what might be next for us.
Our winter collage concert is coming – December 10 and 11. Tickets are free, but you must have a ticket to attend. You can find tickets starting November 26 at rocktix.org.
I hope that you have a great Thanksgiving. When we return it will be December!

Steve
Dr. Steve Matthews
Superintendent
Rockford Public Schools

District Update

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Good afternoon,

Tuesday, November 11th is STEAM Night for students and their families in grades DK – 5^th. The event is being held at East Rockford Middle School from 5:30 – 7:30 PM. There will be lots of fun activities that will highlight how we are working with our students to develop problem solving, critical thinking, and collaboration skills.

As you are aware, the bond proposal did not pass. The proposal that was placed on the ballot was the result of over two years of work. It started with our strategic plan – RAMS XII. A facilities audit was completed. Then a community committee reviewed options, and a plan was presented to the Board of Education. The Board approved the ballot measure, and the proposal was put on the ballot.

The election result was not what I had hoped.

What it showed was that I need to connect with our community, listen, and identify options for moving forward. We will take time to do that. There will be no bond proposal on the ballot in 2026. It will take time to identify a new plan.

The Board of Education agenda and information for the meeting on November 10^th is available on our district website. Highlights include:

Approving PowerSchool for our new student information system
Approving policy changes
Recognizing the retirement of our counseling dog, Chillie, from North Rockford Middle School

This week marks the end of the first trimester of our school year. It has been a wonderful school year so far. Thank you for all that you have done to help your children this year. Working together we have continued to create positive and effective learning environments and create good places for students to learn and grow.

Steve

Dr. Steve Matthews

Superintendent

Rockford Public Schools

District Update 10/28/25

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 21:29:00 GMT

Good afternoon,

Our Rockford High School Marching Band goes to Ford Field in Detroit on Saturday to compete in the Michigan Competing Bands Association state championship. They have had a wonderful season. It has not been without its challenges, but they have risen to the occasion. We wish them well on Saturday.

Clue is the high school play this fall. It will take place on November 7, 8, and 9. It has two full casts and there will be four shows starting Friday, November 7. Tickets are available at Ludus - ROCKTIX. Be sure to come see our incredible student performers supported by the student crew and technicians.

Tuesday, November 4, is election day here in Rockford. There are two important ballot proposals.

First, there is a ballot proposal to renew our millage rate at 7 mills. If approved this would generate revenue to support a variety of projects in the district:

Air conditioning for all remaining buildings
- 6 of our 8 elementary buildings and the Parkside Early Childhood Center do not have air conditioning
Install electronic door locks on all interior classroom doors
Add a gym and/or cafeteria at the four elementary buildings that do not have separate gyms and cafeterias
Add outdoor bathrooms, improve bleachers, and improve exit/entry space at North Rockford Middle School and East Rockford Middle School outdoor athletic complexes
Replace playground equipment
Replace aging buses
Renovate the Rockford High School Performing Arts Center
Construct the Ram Center, an indoor turf facility with new Beyond the Rock studio, graphic design classroom, retail store run by our students, and a physical therapy or certified nurse assistant space for career education
Create additional career and technical education classrooms at Rockford High School
Enhance student collaboration spaces throughout the district
Renovate and improve early childhood spaces
Update technology

The bond millage supports our facilities, technology, and buses. The funds generated from this millage cannot support teachers or salaries of any employees in the district.

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

The second proposal is for the enhancement millage from the Kent Intermediate School District. The is also a millage renewal. This millage supports our general fund which does support our people – teachers, custodians, secretaries, administrators, and other staff.

Please be sure to vote on November 4. If you have an absentee ballot, please be sure to turn it in by Tuesday, November 4.

We have had a great start to the school year. Thank you for the support that you provide our students and staff. Together we continue to build a great district for our students and our community.

Steve

Dr. Steve Matthews

Superintendent

Rockford Public Schools

District Update, 10/14/25

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 15:38:00 GMT

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

10/7/25 District Update

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 13:10:00 GMT

After the uncertainty of last week, I wanted to provide some clarity on our state budget and its impact here in Rockford.

School meals were included in the state budget. Free breakfast and lunch will continue through the 2025-2026 school year for all students at all schools.

Our per pupil allocation was increased to $10,050 per student. That is an increase over what we have received the last two years. Since 2023/24 we have received $9,608 per student. So, an increase was well past due.

The budget continues to provide funds to supplement our transportation budget. Our district is 100 square miles. We spend over $5.3 million dollars for transportation - drivers, mechanics, fuel, and parts. That $5 million does not include buses which we have paid for through our bonds.

Thank you for reaching out to our state legislators and advocating for our district. It had a positive impact on this process.

The budget uncertainty was frustrating. However, it has not impacted the wonderful things that are going on in our school district this year.

Steve

Dr. Steve Matthews

Superintendent

Rockford Public Schools

District Update, 9/29/25

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 21:57:00 GMT

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

District Update, 9/25/25

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 00:53:00 GMT

Good afternoon,

As you are aware, the Rockford Public Schools, like every school district in the state of Michigan, does not have a 2025-2026 school budget. Legally, the legislature was required to pass a school aid budget by July 1.

They did not.

The next school aid budget deadline is October 1 – a few short days away.

The most immediate impact of the legislature’s lack of action is that funding for the continuation of school meals has not been finalized.

As I have mentioned previously, current funding for our school meals program ends September 30. I was hopeful that funding would be settled by now and delayed sending something out prematurely.

But, it is clear, that we might not know if the state will continue to fund the breakfast and lunch program moving forward. And you need to know how to plan.

The Governor and the Senate want to continue the program. The House does not want to set designated funds aside for this program.

We anticipate that the legislature and the Governor will finalize a school aid budget soon.

Starting October 1, without any movement on the state budget, Rockford will begin to charge for breakfast and lunch for those students not eligible for free and reduced meals.

Thank you for your patience as we wait for legislative action and for the completion of the state budgeting process. Should the state fund free breakfast and lunch, we will participate in that program.

I will keep you posted.

Steve

Dr. Steve Matthews, Superintendent

Rockford Public Schools

District Update, 9/22/25

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 00:24:00 GMT

Good afternoon,

The school aid budget, due July 1, has still not been completed. The legislature is required by law to pass the school aid budget - Public Act 94 of 1979 (the State School Aid Act) was amended in 2018 to specifically mandate that the Legislature and Governor enact the K-12 school aid budget by July 1. Alas the law has no penalty for not passing the budget. So even though the legislature has broken the law they will not suffer any consequence for their inaction.

So here we sit.

No budget and no real indication that a budget will be passed soon.

For those of you who are interested the process is not simple or quick.

The legislature has to agree on a budget that can be passed by a majority of both the House and Senate.
Then it has to go to the Governor for signature into law.
Before the Governor will sign it, the Governor has her staff and the attorneys in her office review the bill to ensure that it is legal, clear, and has no unintended consequences.
After passage of the bill, it can be another two weeks before the Governor is ready to sign the bill.

So, what does that mean for us?

Our district is fortunate. We have cash reserves. They are not meant for this but, for now, we have the ability to withstand a disruption from the state.

If you are willing, I would encourage you to reach out to our legislators.

The message is simple:

We need a budget for the school year that has already started.
It is irresponsible for the legislature to expect schools to cover expenses for this school year without knowing our budget.
The school aid budget should be used to support K-12 education.
School aid needs to support K-12 education as much as possible.
- Universities and colleges already receive funding from the school aid budget even though when Proposal A started in 1994, they were funded exclusively from the general fund.
- Higher education is important but they can raise tuition or expand enrollment to generate revenue.
- K-12 public school districts do not have those options.
Proposal A in 1994 was sold to the voters as a K-12 funding source.
Taking money from K-12 to fund roads is not acceptable.
Strong public schools should be a priority.
School aid needs to be a priority.
- Public schools received no additional state aid in the 2024-2025 school year.
- Our per pupil allocation has been $9608 per student for 2 years.
- Public schools need an increase in state aid to make up for the lack of a cost-of-living increase in 2024-25 and the rising costs in 2025-26.
School aid needs to be funded with continuing funds – not one-time budget gimmicks.
Critical funds for school transportation, school meals, and school safety and mental health needs to be part of the school funding package.

Our State Representative is Bryan Posthumus, BryanPosthumus@house.mi.gov Office: 517-373-0830

Almost a billion dollars of the school aid budget goes to fund colleges and universities already. The House Budget plan diverts almost $1.8 million more dollars from the school aid budget to colleges and universities and away from K-12 education. If the House budget is enacted, that would total almost $2.5 billion from school aid to colleges and universities. Colleges and universities are important but not at the expense of K-12 education.

The House budget also combines many categories of funds into a one-time allocation of an additional $1975 per student. While appreciated it does not give districts the ability to plan for the 2026-2027 school year and beyond. While it looks good on paper it does nothing to bring financial stability in the long-term to districts.

Our State Senator for Rockford and Plainfield Township is Mark HuizengaSenMHuizenga@senate.michigan.gov Office: 517-373-0797 and for Algoma, Cannon, Courtland, Grattan, and Oakfield Townships is Rick Outman SenROutman@senate.michigan.gov Office: 517-373-3760.

A simple email or call to their office from you highlighting these key points would be helpful.

This email, while longer than it should have been, is meant to reassure you and call you to action.

Steve

Dr. Steve Matthews, Superintendent

Rockford Public Schools

District Update, 9/9/25

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 21:09:00 GMT

Good afternoon,

As our school year enters its third week, I would like to say thank you to everyone who has helped to make this year a success.

First, our students. They have come to school ready to learn. They have been eager and focused.

Next, our parents. You did a wonderful job preparing your children for the start of school. Speaking for the Rockford staff, we deeply appreciate all that you have done to support us as the school year has started.

Next, our staff. From our maintenance and custodial department that prepared the buildings and grounds, to our bus drivers, food service staff, administrative assistants, teachers and administrators who worked hard to make sure school was ready, I extend my thanks. A special shout out to our tech department for making sure our technology was ready. All have done a great job of ensuring that we were prepared to welcome our students and families back to school.

Finally, Mother Nature. Aside from a bit of rain, the temperatures have been wonderful!

On Monday, September 8, our Board of Education held its monthly meeting. More information is available on our website - Board of Education - Our District - Rockford Public Schools – but here are key agenda items:

Emergency Operations Plans: The Board of Education approved our Emergency Operations Plans after a presentation by Executive Director of Safety and Security, Scott Beckman.
- The state of Michigan is requiring districts to approve emergency operation plans by January of every even-numbered year.
  - Rockford is ahead of the pack and approved our plans last night.
- The presentation introduced the revised Standard Response Protocol (SRP).
  - The state of Michigan is requiring all districts to move to a state-wide SRP by October 2026.
    - Again, Rockford is moving forward already.
- The Standard Response Protocol identifies a state-wide language for schools.
  - More information will be sent to parents later in the month, just before we introduce this language to our students.
  - There will also be signs posted throughout our facilities to ensure that everyone knows the standard response protocol.
  - There are five cues:
    - Hold – Stay in your room or area. Clear the halls.
    - Secure – Get inside. Lock outside doors. (As a reminder, all outside doors are always locked during the school hours in Rockford.)
    - Lockdown – Locked, lights off, out of sight.
    - Evacuate – To the announced location.
    - Shelter – Strategy will vary depending on the hazard.
  - Again, more information and details will come in a letter to parents at the end of September.
Parkside Early Childhood Library: The Board of Education approved using grant funds to support enhancing the library for our Parkside Early Childhood Center.
- We kept books in the media center that are appropriate for young learners and moved titles for older elementary students to our other elementary buildings.
- This grant allows us to enhance the options for our Developmental Kindergarten and preschool students at Parkside.
Orchestra Update: Our three orchestra teachers – Kyle Pitcher – Rockford High School, Jennette Allen – East Rockford Middle School, and Allison Holden – North Rockford Middle School – presented a report to the Board of Education on the continued developed of our orchestra program. Currently, 497 students participate in orchestra in grades 6 – 12.
Bond Update: A report on the November 4 bond election was presented to the board. The bond request is to approve keeping our millage the same at 7 mills. Doing so would generate $230 million dollars in revenue to support a variety of projects around the district including:
- Air conditioning the elementary buildings.
- Adding gyms or cafeterias to the 4 elementary buildings that do not have both a gym and a cafeteria.
- Adding electronic door locks to all classroom doors.
- Replacing playground equipment that is aging.
- Renovating the performing arts center.
- Building an indoor turf facility.
- Building new spaces for digital media (Beyond the Rock), sports marketing, and business programming.
- Enhancing career and tech classroom space at Rockford High School.
Additional bond information can be found here: RPS Bond Proposal 2025 - Our District - Rockford Public Schools

We value the partnership we have with our parents and community. Together we continue to make Rockford a place where all students and families can find success.

Steve

Dr. Steve Matthews

Superintendent, Rockford Public Schools

PS: I share happenings in our school district on Instagram and X. Follow me @docsmatthews

August 25, 2025 Update

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 13:04:00 GMT

There’s nothing quite like the first day of school in Rockford—the buses rolling in, the laughter in the hallways, the proud parents snapping photos at the front doors. It’s a fresh start for all of us, and I couldn’t be more excited to see our students back and ready to learn.

Every year we focus on giving our Rockford Public Schools students every opportunity to succeed—whether that’s through innovative classrooms, strong extracurricular programs, or the caring guidance of our teachers and staff. This year will be no different.

Over the summer, our teachers, staff, and administrators have been working hard to make sure every student has the tools, support, and opportunities they need to thrive. We are focusing not only on academic excellence, but also on helping our students grow in character, creativity, and confidence. Whether in the classroom, on the stage, or on the athletic field, we are committed to preparing students for success.

In addition to the excitement of a new school year, we have an important vote coming this November. At the Board of Education meeting on Monday, August 11, the board approved a bond proposal for the November ballot. The bond proposal would ask our community to keep our millage rate the same in order to generate revenue to support a variety of projects in our district. The projects are separated into two major categories and include the following:

Building for the Future:

Providing safe and functional spaces that support and enhance educational programs.

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

Advancing Excellence:

Creating learning environments that enhance innovation and opportunity.

Performing Arts Center renovation: new seats, stage, walls, and interior improvements.
Construction of the Ram Center: indoor turf fieldhouse for athletics, fine arts, and community recreation. Classroom spaces for digital media, sports marketing, and business programming.
Career exploration classrooms at Rockford HS: expanding hands-on learning through Robotics, Skilled Trades, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math), and Health Sciences.
Enhance students' experiences: renovating student-centered collaboration spaces.
Early childhood renovations: updating spaces to enhance programs for our youngest learners and to enhance safety.
Update educational technology.

This proposal asks you, the voters, to keep our millage rate the same. Keeping the rate the same allows us to generate the revenue needed to support these facility improvements, needed maintenance, improve technology, and replacing buses. While the rate will stay the same, what a taxpayer pays is based on the value of a property. In Rockford, property values have been rising. Those rising property values allow us to generate the revenue needed to support these projects.

More information is available on our district website.

I hope that you and your family have a great start to the new school year. I look forward to seeing you at school!

August 21, 2025 Update

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 21:00:00 GMT

Good afternoon,

This email has two important parts.
First, school starts this coming Monday – August 25.
As a staff we have spent time preparing for this important day. Throughout the summer our staff has moved furniture, cleaned rooms, finished some and started other construction projects, enrolled students, and connected new technology like network switches and student devices.
Just this week, our staff has thought deeply about continuing to create a positive school culture, reviewed safety protocols, focused on how to ensure our students learn, reviewed bus routes, continued our exploration of artificial intelligence and its application in schools, and ensured that our school breakfast and lunch menus are ready.
As you look forward to the first day of school on Monday, August 25, be sure to review school day routines with your children.
What time will we be getting up? What time will we be going to bed?
When do we leave for school?
Am I walking, taking the bus, or being driven to school?
Where do we pick up the bus?
What time does the bus come?
Am I packing a lunch or getting lunch at school?
When will I do homework?
Where will I do homework?
Where do we go after school?
Talking through the school schedule and the school day with your children will be very helpful as the first day of school arrives.
Most students will have some level of anxiety. That is normal. Listen to your children. Reassure your children. Everyone at school wants your child to have a great experience on their first day. If they have questions they can ask the adults in the school.
Together we will get through the first day, and the first few days, of school successfully.
We are excited to welcome your children back to a great school environment.
I also wanted to update you on an important issue in Lansing that could impact our students, staff, and programs in the coming months.
State law mandates that lawmakers approve a K-12 school funding budget by July 1 each year so districts like ours can plan and operate with certainty. That deadline has passed, and no agreement has been reached. And it appears that no agreement is near.
We are moving forward trying to anticipate what will come, and that is challenging and uncertain. We have even heard talk that this may drag on until the end of September. If no agreement is reached by September 30th, there is a possibility of a state government shutdown. That could possibly delay our state aid payment scheduled for October.
At the heart of the deadlock is a proposal to redirect dollars from the School Aid Fund – the fund voters were promised would be dedicated to K-12 education – to other priorities, including road repairs. While there are many important priorities in our state, education is certainly one of them. The School Aid Fund, approved by voters in 1994, was established to provide fair and equitable statewide funding for public schools.
Our last 2024-2025 school aid payment was sent to us on August 20th. We receive no additional state aid until October 20th. We cannot operate indefinitely without resources. The solution seems simple: lawmakers should approve a K-12 budget that safeguards School Aid Fund dollars for their original purpose – educating Michigan’s children.
I have reached out to our elected representatives to urge them to pass a school aid budget. But, it would be very helpful if our parents would reach out as well and I encourage you to do so.
The message is simple:
Strong public schools should be a priority.
School aid needs to be a priority.
Public schools received no additional state aid in the 2024-2025 school year.
Public schools need a boost to make up for the lack of a cost-of-living increase in 2024-25 and the rising costs in 2025-26.
School aid needs to support K-12 education as much as possible.
Higher education is important but they can raise tuition or expand enrollment to generate revenue.
K-12 public school districts do not have those options.
School aid needs to be funded with continuing funds – not one-time budget gimmicks.
Critical funds for transportation, school meals, and school safety and mental health needs to be part of the school funding package.
Our State Representative is Bryan Posthumus, BryanPosthumus@house.mi.gov Office: 517-373-0830
Our State Senator for Rockford and Plainfield Township is Mark Huizenga SenMHuizenga@senate.michigan.gov Office: 517-373-0797 and for Algoma, Cannon, Courtland, Grattan, and Oakfield Townships is Rick Outman SenROutman@senate.michigan.gov Office: 517-373-3760.
A simple email from you highlighting these key points would be helpful.
Thank you for any time you could give to this important matter.
All of us look forward to seeing your children at school on Monday, August 25.

Steve

Dr. Steve Matthews
Superintendent
Rockford Public Schools

August 13, 2025 Update

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 21:00:00 GMT

Good afternoon,

School starts on Monday, August 25! Less than two weeks away!

At the Board of Education meeting on Monday, August 11, the Board of Education approved a bond proposal for the November ballot. The bond proposal would ask our community to keep our millage rate the same in order to generate revenue to support a variety of projects in our district. The projects are separated into two major categories and include the following:

Building for the Future:

Providing safe and functional spaces that support and enhance educational programs.

Add air-conditioning to all remaining schools that need it.
Improve safety and security by installing electronic door locks for all classrooms.
Enhance 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.
Update aging infrastructure, such as: mechanical, electrical, plumbing, roofs, and outdated systems.
Enhance outdoor facilities (restrooms, seating, entry/exit) to improve community experience.
Update technology infrastructure.
Playground equipment upgrades to all remaining schools.
Replace aging buses to maintain the replacement cycle to keep the bus fleet modern and safe.

Advancing Excellence:

Creating learning environments that enhance innovation and opportunity.

Performing Arts Center renovation: new seats, stage, walls and interior improvements.
Construction of the Ram Center: indoor turf fieldhouse for athletics, fine arts and community recreation. Classroom spaces for digital media, sports marketing and business programming.
Career exploration classrooms at Rockford HS: expanding hands-on learning through Robotics, Skilled Trades, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) and Health Sciences.
Enhance students' experiences: renovating student-centered collaboration spaces.
Early childhood renovations: updating spaces to enhance programs for our youngest learners and to enhance safety.
Update educational technology.

Over the next several weeks, information will be shared on the details of this proposal. You can also find information on our website: RPS Bond Proposal 2025 - Our District - Rockford Public Schools

It is important to note that keeping the rate the same allows us to generate the revenue needed to support these facility improvements, needed maintenance, improve technology, and replace buses. While the rate will stay the same, what a taxpayer pays is based on the value of a property. In Rockford, property values have been rising. Those rising property values allow us to generate the revenue needed to support these projects.

The state budget is not yet complete. As we enter this school year our district, like every district in the state, does not know what their budget will be.

One of the major impacts of not knowing the budget surrounds the uncertainty of school breakfast and lunch. We will begin the school year as we ended last year with free breakfast and lunch. That will last through September 30. At that point, if there is no state budget, we may have to make a change. But for now, we will have no change in our breakfast and lunch program to start the school year.

The next few days will be busy ones in our district.

Parkside Early Childhood Center staff moved into the new early childhood center on August 12.
New staff orientation was August 13-15.
Staff Welcome Back is August 20-21.
Parking lots at the Freshman Center and stadium parking lot are complete.
The first phase of the interior renovation to the Freshman Center is on track.
Final interior updates to North Rockford Middle School are being completed.

Our athletic teams started formal practice on August 11. Our Rockford High School marching band is hard at work on their 2025 program.

Our elementary open house events will occur in August. Information is available on each school's webpage.

As we enjoy the last few weeks of summer our Rockford Public Schools’ staff is excited about the new school year and welcoming back students!

Steve

Dr. Steve Matthews
Superintendent
Rockford Public Schools

July 30, 2025 Update

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 12:00:00 GMT

Good afternoon,

School starts on Monday, August 25! Less than four weeks away. The next few weeks will be busy ones in our district!

Final work is being done on the Parkside Early Childhood Center.
- On the inside the painting and locker removal are almost complete.
- The new developmentally appropriate playground is almost ready.
Parking lots at the Freshman Center and stadium are almost complete.
The first phase of the interior renovation to the Freshman Center is on track.
- Students will notice changes to the cafeteria.
- The large group instruction room (LGI) has been sealed off and work will continue this school year to create a new STEAM Lab.
- Work will finish at the Freshman Center next summer with updates to the media center.
Final interior updates to North Rockford Middle School are being completed.
Our building administrators return on August 4.
New staff orientation will be August 13, 14, and 15.
Our all staff welcome back in August 20.
School starts August 25!

For some of our students, the 2025-2026 school year has already begun. Our Rockford High School marching band had its band camp last week.

Our fall high school athletic program welcomes our athletes back for practice on August 11. Actual athletic events start during the month of August. Check out our district website and the athletics link for our athletic calendar.

Our elementary open house events will occur in August. Information will be shared on dates and times in August.

As we enjoy the last few weeks of summer our Rockford Public Schools’ staff will focus on ensuring that we are ready when the first bell rings on August 25!

Steve

Dr. Steve Matthews
Superintendent
Rockford Public Schools

July 16, 2025 Update

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 20:00:00 GMT

Good afternoon,

Summer is flying by! I hope you are having a wonderful summer.

We continue to prepare for the start of the 2025-2026 school year. At the Rockford Public Schools Board of Education meeting on Monday, July 14, some important administrative updates were approved.

Ricky Clark - Rockford High School Principal
Chelsea Cates - Rockford High School Assistant Principal
Nick Davis - Rockford Freshman Center Assistant Principal
Al Reickard - North Rockford Middle School Principal
Kayla Garza - Controller in the business office
Jodie Fish - Assistant Food Service Director

The board also approved the following teacher new hires:

McKenzie Barazoto - Spanish Immersion Roguewood Elementary
Margarita Ramirez Rios - Spanish Immersion Roguewood Elementary
Lindsay Cooper - English teacher Rockford High School
Jordan Tucker - EI teacher

The board also accepted the retirement of Lissa Weidenfeller, longtime principal at North Rockford Middle School. Ms. Weidenfeller has been a tremendous asset to our district. She will be missed.

The board also heard a bond concept. School construction bonds pay for facility improvements and additions, technology, and buses. As the bonds are repaid, the community has the opportunity to keep the millage rate the same and generate revenue for new projects. In Rockford we have such an opportunity coming up. The board heard a report on a series of potential projects that could be undertaken if the millage rate was renewed. These new bond projects fall under two broad themes:

Building for the future: Investing in safe, functional, and future-ready spaces to support learning from the ground up.

Add air conditioning:
- All 8 elementary schools without air conditioning would receive air conditioning.
Gymnasium additions:
- Four new gyms would be constructed at the elementary buildings that do not have gyms: Belmont, Cannonsburg, Lakes, and Valley View.
Electronic door locks:
- Interior classroom electronic door locks to ensure safety in each building would be installed.
Outdoor restroom facilities:
- At both East Rockford Middle School and North Rockford Middle School, outdoor restrooms would be built near athletic fields.
Replace aging infrastructure:
- Parking lots, roofs, mechanical, electrical, and plumping upgrades.
Playground upgrades:
- Each elementary school playground would be updated.
Technology infrastructure:
- Wiring, public address systems, clocks.
Rockford High School main entrance and cafeteria:
- Expand and improve the entry to the high school and cafeteria.
East Rockford Middle School entrance and corridor renovation:
- Create a more welcoming entrance and multi-use space.
Buses:
- Continue to replace buses on a regular schedule.

Advancing excellence: Create dynamic learning environments that support student success, innovation, and opportunity.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) addition:
- Support hands-on learning and career readiness for students at the high school.
Renovate the Performing Arts Center:
- New seats, stage, lighting, walls, dressing rooms, storage space, black box, and interior improvements.
Multi-purpose facility:
- Multipurpose indoor facility for athletics, marching band, and community education.
Educational technology:
- Update student devices and instructional technology.
Student unions:
- Reimagine and renovate student-centered learning and gathering spaces at Rockford High School and East Rockford Middle School.
Early childhood renovations:
- Update spaces that support our preschool and childcare programs.

These projects came to the board after a comprehensive facility review, multiple conversations with a community committee, and conversations with our Interschool Advisory Council and other parent groups. The board took no action but will consider the proposal at the August meeting.

The first day of school is August 25. I have seen back-to-school displays in stores already!

Enjoy the rest of summer.

Steve

Dr. Steve Matthews
Superintendent
Rockford Public Schools

July 7, 2025 Update

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 21:00:00 GMT

Good morning,

I wanted to update you on the North Rockford Middle School Principal position.

After the school year ended, Lissa Weidenfeller informed us that she intended to retire from her North Rockford Middle School principal position effective July 1. Ms. Weidenfeller has guided North for many years and, along with her staff, has elevated North to one of the best middle schools in our region and in our state. She will be missed.

As with any position in our district, we want to make sure that we have the right people in the right place. So, we have taken some time to think through what would be the best next step.

Part of our decision making has also been driven by an examination of our administrative staffing and our budget. Ms. Weidenfeller’s retirement, while unexpected, has given us an opportunity to review our current administrative staffing and examine our administrative staffing relative to our budget.

Given these multiple factors and working to ensure that we have people in the right place, I have decided to move Al Reickard to North Rockford Middle school to serve as the principal. Mr. Santillan will continue to serve as the assistant principal.

As you know, Mr. Reickard was the Freshman Center Assistant Principal during the past year, but he is no stranger to North. Mr. Reickard previously served as the Assistant Principal at North and has been in our district for many years; first as a student and later as a teacher, coach and administrator.

Mr. Reickard understands our district. He is also well prepared to continue moving North forward, ensuring that our students have an outstanding academic environment and providing our students with multiple co- and extra-curricular opportunities.

I am excited for Mr. Reickard. He will be an outstanding principal at North.

I am also excited about our leadership team at North – Mr. Reickard and Mr. Santillan. They will do great things together and our students and staff will benefit from the leadership that they will provide.

Steve

Dr. Steve Matthews
Superintendent
Rockford Public Schools

June 29, 2025 Update

Sun, 29 Jun 2025 12:00:00 GMT

Good afternoon,

I wanted to provide an update on the high school principal search.

As you are aware, the high school principal serves an important role in any district. The same is true in our district. The high school principal is a very visible position that supports the culture not only of the high school but of the entire district. The high school principal helps to shape the perception of how our community, and how other communities, see Rockford. The position is important.

Mr. Hosford's time in Rockford has officially come to a close. He begins his job as an Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources in Forest Hills on July 1. Mr. Hosford did a tremendous job building the culture, being a visible presence, and helping people see the positive things going on in Rockford. More importantly, he is a good person and a good friend. I wish him well on his next journey.

Here in Rockford, over the past several weeks we have been conducting a search for our new high school principal. It has been a robust process led by Dr. Korie Wilson-Crawford.

A profile of the characteristics and qualities that we desired in our high school principal was developed.
- Over 40 staff members from the high school assisted through two sessions in developing that profile.
A posting over several weeks generated 22 applications
After a review of the applications 6 were chosen for the first round of interviews
- A panel of 14 led by Dr. Wilson-Crawford conducted the interviews
  - High school staff, building and district administrators, and a parent were on the panel
After the first round, 2 candidates were asked back for a second interview
- A panel of 16 led by Dr. Wilson-Crawford conducted the interviews
  - High school staff, building and district administrators, a parent and a student were on the panel
One finalist was chosen to interview with Cabinet.

The final interview confirmed the recommendation of the interview committee.

Ricky Clark will be the next principal of Rockford High School.

Mr. Clark has been part of our district for many years. He has served in a variety of roles. He was teacher/athletic director at the middle school and assistant principal at the high school. Before coming to Rockford Mr. Clark was a teacher and a coach in Grandville.

Our high school needs an instructional leader who can lead people. Mr. Clark has the qualities needed to be successful at Rockford High School. He understands our high school. He has a clear vision of the next steps needed to move our high school forward. And he cares deeply for the staff and students at Rockford High School.

Mr. Clark will be a person who can help us continue to move forward and continue to build on the momentum that Mr. Hosford brought to the high school.

Mr. Clark officially begins July 1.

Steve

Dr. Steve Matthews
Superintendent
Rockford Public Schools