September 9, 2025

District Update, 9/9/25

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

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