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Parkside Early Childhood Center classrooms are full as more Rockford families seek early learning

opportunities.

ROCKFORD, Mich. — Rockford Public Schools continues to deliver on its commitment to expanding early

childhood opportunities for families. As demand for early learning programs grows, the district has

expanded Developmental Kindergarten, filled all eight full-day preschool classrooms at Parkside Early

Childhood Center and continues to see strong interest from families seeking high-quality early childhood

education.

“We had such a positive experience with our oldest son at Parkside, so we knew we wanted that same

experience for our younger children,” said RPS parent Taylor Porrett. “Our second child is at Parkside

now, and we already plan to send our third when the time comes. It has been a wonderful place for our

kids to learn, grow and become excited about school.”

Full-day preschool enrollment for 3- and 4-year-olds has increased from 76 students in 2024-25 to 134

students in 2025-26 and 141 students this school year—an increase of more than 85% in two years. All

eight full-day preschool classrooms at Parkside are currently full, with additional families remaining on a

waitlist.

Developmental Kindergarten at Parkside has also grown. RPS expanded the program from two

classrooms serving 33 students last year to three classrooms serving 56 students this year, an increase of

nearly 70%. 

The growth in Developmental Kindergarten extends district-wide. Enrollment increased from 178

students in September 2025 to 216 students this fall, an increase of more than 21%.

Today, Parkside Early Childhood Center serves 256 students through a range of early childhood

programs and services, including full-day preschool, Developmental Kindergarten and Early Childhood

Special Education.

Beyond Parkside, RPS has also expanded its role in the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP), Michigan’s

state-funded preschool program for eligible 4-year-olds. This school year, RPS oversees two GSRP

classrooms serving 34 students. RPS employs the classroom staff and implements the HighScope

curriculum used across district early childhood programs, creating greater consistency and connection

across early learning experiences.

Parkside also provides programs and services for children ages 3 through 5 who qualify for special

education. These include two Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) classrooms, as well as the

Supported Independent Program (SIP) and Supported Speech Group (SSG). Together, these programs

provide specialized instruction and support based on individual student needs.

“We made a commitment to expand early childhood opportunities for families in Rockford, and it is

encouraging to see families embracing those opportunities,” said Superintendent Dr. Steve Matthews.

“These early years are an important part of a child’s development, and we want to provide high-quality

learning experiences that help prepare children for continued success.”

At Parkside, the focus extends beyond preparing children academically for kindergarten. Through

learning, play and relationships, students are developing confidence, independence and social-

emotional skills that will support them as they continue through school.

“At Parkside, we want every child to feel known, supported and excited to learn,” said Parkside Early

Childhood Center Principal/Director Melissa Cochrill. “Our staff is intentional about creating high-quality

learning experiences that help children build confidence, develop relationships and grow socially,

emotionally and academically. We’re laying the foundation for them to continue learning and

succeeding as they move through Rockford Public Schools.”

That work supports the district’s RAMS XII strategic plan and its focus on providing high-quality learning

opportunities, supporting the whole child and preparing students for future success.

With full classrooms, growing enrollment and families continuing to seek early childhood opportunities,

RPS will continue evaluating community needs and ways to provide young learners with a strong start.

More information about early childhood programs and services at Rockford Public Schools is available at:

RPS Early Childhood Programs

There is a correction for our Fall Rampage. 

The Rampage featured a letter from the superintendent that included an error on page 2. 

If approved, the non-homestead operating millage would generate $9.5 million annually or approximately $1,200 per student. 

To read our current Rampage in full just click the button below:

Rampage District Newsletter

Rockford Public Schools Recognized Nationally for Excellence in Financial Transparency 

District earns one of country’s highest honors in financial reporting, underscoring continued confidence in its management of public resources.

Rockford, MI — Rockford Public Schools has been awarded the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting (COE) for its Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) by ASBO International, a global organization representing school business officials.  

The COE is one of the highest honors in school financial reporting, recognizing districts that demonstrate exceptional transparency, accuracy, and accountability in how they present financial information to their community.  

“This recognition reflects our district’s ongoing commitment to responsible financial stewardship for our community,” said Superintendent Dr. Steve Matthews. “We take seriously our responsibility to ensure taxpayers understand how their dollars are managed and invested in student success.” 

To receive the COE award, Rockford Public Schools submitted its ACFR for a rigorous review by independent experts and was evaluated against national standards for clarity, completeness, and adherence to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Districts that earn this recognition go beyond basic reporting requirements to provide stakeholders with accessible, comprehensive financial information.  

Rockford Public Schools’ continued participation in the COE program highlights a sustained commitment to high-quality financial practices and continuous improvement. This recognition further reinforces the district’s strong financial position, reflected in its recent “A” bond rating from S&P Global Ratings, which underscores disciplined financial management and long-term planning.  

“Together, recognitions like the COE award and our ‘A’ from S&P demonstrate our commitment to transparency, accountability, and careful stewardship of taxpayer dollars,” said Board of Education President Jarrod Folsom. “Our community can be confident that we are managing resources responsibly while continuing to invest in high-quality educational opportunities for students.”  

The Annual Comprehensive Financial Report includes detailed information on district revenues, expenditures, assets, and long-term financial planning, helping community members, board members, and stakeholders better understand how resources are allocated to support students and schools.  

Rockford Public Schools encourages community members to review its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, which is available on the district’s website.  

Rockford Public Schools serves more than 7,600 students across 14 schools and is recognized as a leader in academic achievement and innovation, including receiving recent recognition as a Blue Ribbon District of Excellence and an Advanced Placement Achievement District.  

ROCKFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS BOARD OF EDUCATION UNANIMOUSLY APPOINTS LISSA GEGLIO-WEIDENFELLER AS NEWEST TRUSTEE 

Rockford, MI | May 18, 2026 

The Rockford Public Schools Board of Education has unanimously appointed Lissa Geglio-Weidenfeller as its newest trustee, effective immediately. Following an evening of interviews with five outstanding community candidates, the Board voted 6-0. Geglio-Weidenfeller will serve until the November election is certified. Then the person who wins the November election will serve the remainder of the term vacated by Tricia Anderson. The Board offered sincere thanks to the 16 candidates who stepped forward in service to Rockford students, families, staff, and schools. 

Geglio-Weidenfeller brings more than two decades of educational leadership rooted entirely in Rockford Public Schools. She served as Principal of North Rockford Middle School from 2006 to 2025 and previously as Assistant Principal at Rockford High School, supporting thousands of students and staff members through budgeting, staffing, curriculum alignment, student support systems, and district-wide assessment work. She pioneered the Counseling Dog Program at North Rockford Middle School, served as the district's NWEA Coordinator, and contributed to strategic planning, school safety, professional learning, and college and career readiness initiatives. She currently serves as a University Supervisor at Ferris State University and is completing her Ph.D. in K-12 Educational Leadership at Western Michigan University. 

"We are thrilled to welcome Lissa to the Board," shared Jarrod Folsom, President of the Rockford Public Schools Board of Education. "What stood out to me was Lissa’s breadth and depth of knowledge and experience in K-12 public education, her longstanding commitment to the Rockford community and RPS, and her genuine interest in learning the governance role and working collaboratively with the Board and Superintendent. Her leadership aligns with the priorities of RAMS XII, and we are confident she will bring an experienced, thoughtful, and student-centered voice as we continue working together to strengthen opportunities for every Ram to learn, connect, contribute, and succeed."  

Lissa’s appointment arrives at a meaningful moment for the district as Rockford Public Schools continues implementing the RAMS XII Strategic Plan. Geglio-Weidenfeller's experience in data-informed decision-making, student wellness, multi-tiered systems of support, school safety, and collaborative leadership connects directly to the plan's five pillars: Academic Excellence, Wellness and Preparedness, Social Responsibility and Community Engagement, Collaborative Culture, and Organizational Effectiveness. 

"Rockford Public Schools has always been more than a school district to me. It is a community built on shared purpose and a deep commitment to our students," shared Geglio-Weidenfeller. "I have seen firsthand the dedication of our teachers, counselors, custodians, itinerant staff, support staff, administrators, security, bus drivers, and families, and I believe our children thrive when we work together so that every student is challenged to think critically, act compassionately, and succeed boldly. I am grateful for the opportunity to take on this new role in governance, supporting the staff who serve our students every day, and helping to ensure every student feels connected, valued, and prepared for the future. I am honored to join the Board in guiding our district forward in ways that reflect both our values and our vision." 

About Rockford Public Schools 

Rockford Public Schools is a suburban district located in Rockford, Michigan, serving more than 7,700 students across 14 school buildings, including eight elementary schools, two middle schools, and three high school buildings. With more than 1,300 employees and a tradition of academic excellence, every school in the district has been recognized as a State of Michigan Blue Ribbon School. Student achievement consistently ranks among the top districts in Kent County. For more information, visit Rockford Public Schools or contact Rockford Public Schools at 350 N. Main Street, Rockford, MI 49341. 

Press Release: 

April 23, 2026

On April 20, 2026, Board Trustee Tricia Anderson resigned from the Rockford Public Schools Board of Education. We thank Trustee Anderson for her commitment to our students and her advocacy for ensuring that our school district operates at a high level. We wish Trustee Anderson the best in future endeavors. 

When a board member resigns, the board is required to fill the vacancy within thirty (30) days by appointment in line with district board policy 0142.5. The board seeks to fill the vacancy with a qualified and interested candidate who will serve through December 31, 2026.  In November, in addition to the regularly scheduled election of three board positions, an election to fill the partial term set to expire in 2028, will be held.

Today, the Rockford Public School District begins seeking applications for the current vacant position for the board of education. An individual will be appointed to fill the vacant position through December 31, 2026 and will be replaced by the individual elected to the position (based on the November 3, 2026 election results) on January 1, 2027. To be eligible to be considered an individual must be a citizen of the United States and is a qualified and registered elector and resident of the district.

Those eligible and interested in filling this seat through December 31, 2026 must do the following:

• Submit a one-page letter of interest outlining your interest and eligibility

• Submit a resume that outlines relevant experience or credentials

• Answers to each of these questions in 300 words or less:

  • What do you see as the role of a school board member? 

  • What will you do to be an effective board member?

  • What would you like to see changed in the district and how do you envision your role in that change?

Please send the required information electronically to Jodi Nester via email at jnester@rockfordschools.org.  The deadline to be considered for this vacancy is Monday, May 4th at 3:00 PM. No materials will be accepted after the deadline. All completed applications will be verified in writing upon receipt and then submitted to Board of Education Secretary, Andrea Jacobson for further action.  

The Board will review the applications and schedule interviews during the week of May 11th.  The board will meet in open session to interview applicants and appoint a new trustee. The new trustee will be seated by May 20, 2026.