Superintendent's Update

10/9/26

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 18:32:00 GMT

Three Things to Know About the Non-Homestead Operating Millage

Most of us don’t think much about how public schools are funded in our state and in our district. And frankly, Michigan’s school funding system can be complicated.

But the non-homestead operating millage does not have to be. As we approach the November 3 election, I hope every Rockford voter understands three important things about the proposal.

1. It does not apply to your principal residence.

The non-homestead operating millage is not levied on a homeowner’s principal residence. It applies primarily to businesses, commercial and industrial properties, rental properties, second homes, and vacation homes.

This proposal replaces an existing operating millage. It does not create a new source of operating revenue for Rockford Public Schools.

2. It supports the day-to-day operation of our schools.

The approximately $9.5 million generated annually through the non-homestead millage supports the work happening in our schools every day. It helps pay for classroom instruction, teachers and support staff, student transportation, utilities, instructional materials, technology, school safety, student services, and building maintenance.

This is different from a bond or sinking fund. Those dollars are generally restricted to buildings, facilities, technology, and other capital needs. The non-homestead millage is operating revenue that supports the programs, services, and people our students rely on each day.

3. If it is not renewed, Rockford Public Schools loses approximately $9.5 million in annual operating revenue.

For the 2026-27 school year, Rockford Public Schools receives $10,300 per student through Michigan’s foundation allowance. Part of that funding comes from the local non-homestead operating millage. The state provides the remaining portion.

The simplest way to think about it is that the local revenue and the state contribution are two pieces of the same per-pupil funding. The non-homestead millage is not additional money on top of the $10,300 per student. It is already part of how that amount is funded.

If the district does not collect the full 18 mills, the state does not replace that missing local revenue. Rockford would lose approximately $9.5 million in annual operating revenue.

Part of our responsibility as a school district is making sure our community has clear and accurate information about how our schools are funded. I hope this makes an otherwise complicated topic a little easier to understand.

Dr. Steve Matthews, Superintendent

6/9/26 Update

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Good afternoon,
Our school year officially ended last Friday, June 5th.
I am grateful to all of you for the support you provided this year. The support you gave was greatly appreciated. Together we continue to offer our students multiple opportunities in learning, the arts, and athletics.
Thank you!
Last night's board meeting was focused on the budget. State law requires that each school district must finalize the current year's budget and adopt a preliminary budget for the next school year by June 30. The state requires us to do this even though they have not finalized the school aid budget for next year. It makes planning a bit challenging.
We followed the law and our board last night approved a final budget for the 2025-26 school year and approved a preliminary budget for the 2026-27 school year. These budgets show that we are spending more than we receive in revenue. We are working to reduce our expenses. Last year we eliminated an administrative position, and we also reduced our teaching staff by over 15 positions. Efforts to bring our budget into balance will continue this year.
The board agenda and board packet can be found on our district website under the Board of Education link in the "Our District" tab.
Summer projects in the district include the following:
Freshman Center Media Center upgrade
New student furniture at the Freshman Center and Rockford High School
We have had an outstanding spring sports season.
Girls' lacrosse - STATE CHAMPIONS!
Girls' soccer - Regional champions
Playing the state semifinals on Tuesday, June 9
Girls' track and field - MITCA (Michigan Interscholastic Track Coaches Association) - STATE TEAM CHAMPION
Baseball - District champions
Softball - District champions
Girls' tennis - state team qualifier
Girls' water polo - 4th in the state
Boys' rugby - two varsity teams - Division 2 state runner-up and Division 1 state runner-up
Congratulations to those teams, athletes, and coaches.
I hope that you have great plans for the summer. Whatever your plans I would encourage you to find and read good books.
Steve
Dr. Steve Matthews
Superintendent
Rockford Public Schools

6/1/26 District Update

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Good afternoon,

The last week of the school year is upon us. As you contemplate your summer plans, I would encourage you to make time to read during the summer.

And I would encourage you to remember these words from Kate DiCamillo – a renowned children’s author: Reading should not be presented to children as a chore, a duty. It should be offered as a gift.

Reading is important for all of us - young and old. But it is especially important for students. Students often experience what is called the "summer slide." The summer slide characterizes the learning loss that can occur when students are out of school and not using the skills they learn during the school year. The loss impacts our students when they return to school and have to "catch-up" after their summer vacation.

One way to combat the summer slide is to make plans to read.

And to help with that here are some suggestions. Suggestions for both our students and for adults.

The Lion's Run by Sara Pennypacker

Lucas lives in an orphanage in Nazi occupied France. He wants to stand up for himself and his country but often lacks courage or insight into how to do that. He rescues a litter of kittens and this forces him to learn to stand up. He takes them to an abandoned stable and meets a stranger that will upend his life.

This is a great story that late elementary and middle school students (and their parents) would enjoy.

Telephone of the Tree by Allison McGhee

Ayla loves trees. So did her best friend Kiri. An accident took Kiri and Ayla struggles with grief and her longing for her friend. It is a tender story about the power of healing and the lessons to be learned so that we can move on.

Read it with you late elementary or middle school student.

A Strange Thing Happened in Cherry Hall by Jasmine Warga

A wonderful story about friendship, a ghost, a missing painting, and a turtle named Agatha. The painting is missing inside a museum. Rami and Veda try to solve the mystery. It touches on themes of belonging, fitting in, and knowing who you are.

Bye Forever, I Guess by Jodi Meadows

Ingrid is trying to navigate being thirteen. Middle school friends have proved challenging. This book explores the complicated life of middle school. It touches on friendship, online gaming, and the power of books to touch middle school students.

The Magician’s Elephants by Kate DiCamilla

A magician conjures up an elephant and a young boy’s world suddenly is full of possibilities and adventure. Peter longs to find his sister and wonders if the elephant is the key. It is a book full of longing and hope. It is a great read for students in late elementary.

The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Moss

A mysterious free little library changes the lives of two young friends – Evan and Rafe. It’s a mystery about the town they live in and their quest to find the truth. It explores finding your way and the power of books. Great for late elementary and middle school.

The Trouble with Heroes by Kate Messner

Finn takes on a summer challenge. The challenge is presented to him as an alternative way to make amends for something he did. It is a great story told in verse for middle school students. It is a story about family and friendship and finding your way.

And Then Boom! By Lisa Fipps

Joe’s life is a mess. He can’t depend on his Mom. His grandmother cares for him but then tragedy strikes. He tries to navigate on his own but things don’t go well. It is a story that deals with important themes of finding yourself, friendship, caring for each other, and, ultimately, hope. Great for middle school students.

The Inheritance Game by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Avery inherits a fortune but it comes with unexpected twists. It is a book filled with intrigue and twists. A great story for high school and above.

How to Stop Time by Matt Haig

Tom Hazard ages so slowly that he spans time. It is his secret and he struggles to find his way. It is a story about finding yourself, identifying what is important in life, and coming to terms with mortality. Great for high school students and adults.

Midnight on the Potomac by Scott Ellsworth

A great book about the last year of the Civil War. It explores in depth the decisions that were made and how conspiracies and spies and secret agents helped bring the war to an end. It is a great book that exposes history in a new way.

The Gales of November: the Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald by John U. Bacon

A book that explores the impact of great lakes shipping on the world and what life was like on a boat that sailed the Great Lakes. The book’s center is the tragedy of the boat the Edmund Fitzgerald but it reveals more about America’s economic boom and how sailors helped fuel it.

The Zorg: A Tale of Greed and Murder That Inspired the Abolition of Slavery by Siddharth Kara

The Zorg was a boat that was part of the slave trade, but it came to be part of a tragic story for dozens of slaves and it fueled the push to end slavery worldwide. An intriguing read.

I hope that you have read great books this year. Continue reading with your children this summer. Modeling reading for your children is a powerful influence to help them continue to develop their skills, but, more importantly, develop a lifetime love of reading.

Steve

Dr. Steve Matthews, Superintendent

Rockford Public Schools

5/13/26 Update

Wed, 13 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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 meeting 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 25.

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

4/22/26 Update

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Good afternoon,

Happy Earth Day!

In the Rockford Public Schools, we can celebrate because all of our elementary buildings are certified “green” schools. As part of being a Michigan “Green School”, each school has to complete at least 10 or more environmental activities within an academic year. Green schools aim to foster environmental stewardship and reduce their ecological footprint. Our outdoor education program lead, Tara Dzirbowicz, deserves credit and thanks for helping educate our students and lead our staff in this process.

Items of note from our 4/19/26 Board of Education meeting:

Approved the hire of an art teacher for Rockford High School.
Passed a staff appreciation resolution to recognize our Rockford Public School staff for their contributions to our school district.
- Staff appreciation week is the week of May 4th.
- Staff Appreciation Day is May 5th.
Approved the purchase of new iPads for grades K-1.
- The cost of these were paid from the sinking fund.
- The devices will support assessment and instruction.
- The devices replace devices purchased in 2019.
The Rockford Education Foundation provided the Board with an overview of their support for our district.
Our Early Childhood leadership provided an update on our early childhood programming.

Tricia Anderson, board trustee since 2022, resigned from the Board this week. Ms. Anderson has been a strong voice for students and the district. We wish her well as she moves forward.

As a result, there will be a board opening. Per policy the board has 30 days to fill the vacancy. More information on what that process will look like will be coming out later this week.

Spring sports started slowly in the wind, rain, and cold, but things are picking up this week.

Frozen Jr., our 8, 9, and 10 grade student play, will run May 7, 8, and 9. I saw the students practicing yesterday. They are working hard. Tickets are available at Ludus - ROCKTIX – rocktix.org.

In addition, our theater students are also directing and starring in one act plays April 29, 30, and May 1. These shows will be in the Blackbox theater at Rockford High School. Tickets also available at Ludus - ROCKTIX – rocktix.org.

Enjoy the nice weather!

Steve

Dr. Steve Matthews, Superintendent

Rockford Public Schools

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