9/24/26 Press Release
Rockford Public Schools learned today that the plaintiffs in the Mead v. Rockford Public Schools case have decided to voluntarily dismiss their lawsuit. This was not a settlement. The District did not pay the plaintiffs any money or agree to any other terms in order for them to withdraw their claims. And despite well-publicized allegations to the contrary, Rockford staff never lied to the parents or changed any records for the purpose of hiding anything from them. We are confident that the evidence would have proven this without a doubt had the case proceeded. We recognize the critical role that parents play in their children’s lives, value our partnerships with families, and remain committed to working closely with our students and their families to foster an educational environment where students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.
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Good afternoon,
The Rockford Action Model for Success (RAMS) has served as Rockford's strategic planning process for over thirty years. Every three years, we engage our students, community, and staff in evaluating our current status and determining our future direction as a district.
Strategic plans are most effective when they create a clear vision for our students and outline specific action steps to achieve that vision. Currently, we are in the final year of RAMS XII. Over the next several months, we will develop RAMS XIII, which will guide us through the 2027-28, 2028-29, and 2029-30 school years.
The first step in this process is to form a RAMS XIII steering committee to assist district leadership. This committee will consist of a diverse group of stakeholders, including students, parents, community leaders, business leaders, board of education members, and staff. Together, they will collaborate with district leadership to guide our strategic planning process.If you are interested in being considered for a position on the RAMS XIII steering committee, please complete this form: RAMS XIII Steering Committee Interest Form.
There will be two meetings in November to help finalize our community survey. Following this, the steering committee will convene periodically over the first six months of 2027 to review and guide our progress. I recognize that a board election is scheduled for November. To stay on track with our planning timeline, we will begin the RAMS XIII process this fall. Following the election, we will ensure that the Board of Education is informed and involved as the process moves forward.
If you would like to contribute to this important initiative, please complete the survey. We are looking for a wide cross-section of our community to help shape our strategic planning efforts.
Thank you,
Steve
Dr. Steve Matthews, Superintendent
Rockford Public Schools
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:
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:
Complete 2026–2027 Student Registration in PowerSchool
We are excited to welcome our students back for the upcoming school year! As shared last week, our district has transitioned to PowerSchool, our new student management system.To ensure your student is ready for the first day, all parents and guardians must complete a critical 2-step registration process:
Thank you to the families who have already completed both steps!
- Create a Parent Portal Account
- Complete the Returning Student Form (updates student information for the 2026–2027 school year)
Important Details:
Need Help?
- Bus Transportation: The Returning Student Form includes your Transportation Registration. If you plan for your student(s) to ride the bus, please complete this form by Friday, August 15, so routes can be finalized.
- Missing Login Info? If you did not receive your student’s unique Access ID and Access Password, please contact your student's school’s main office. You will need these details to create your Parent Portal Account.
- Multiple Students: Once your Parent Portal Account is created, please be sure to complete the verification form for each of your returning students.
- New Enrollees: Students new to the district, including DK and K students, will receive Access IDs and passwords, along with the Returning Student Form, midweek. The Returning Student Form includes transportation registration.
Email Support:
For assistance with technical issues that do not relate to Access IDs and Access Passwords, email us at: powerschoolsupport@rockfordschools.org
Online Resources:
For ongoing updates and guides, please visit our PowerSchool Support Webpage:
PowerSchool: Everything You Need To Know
Thank you for your patience and partnership as we onboard our school community into this new system!
