Find It Fast
Stay Connected
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 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 nine 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 rockfordschools.org or contact Rockford Public Schools at 350 N. Main Street, Rockford, MI 49341.
Superintendent's Updates
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
Events
-
24 Aug 2026
-
First Student DayDate: Aug 24Calendar: RPS District Calendar
-
-
4 Sep 2026
-
No SchoolDate: Sep 4Calendar: RPS District Calendar
-
-
7 Sep 2026
-
No SchoolDate: Sep 7Calendar: RPS District Calendar
-
-
16 Sep 2026
-
Early ReleaseDate: Sep 16Calendar: RPS District Calendar
-
-
30 Sep 2026
-
Early ReleaseDate: Sep 30Calendar: RPS District Calendar
-
-
14 Oct 2026
-
Early ReleaseDate: Oct 14Calendar: RPS District Calendar
-
-
28 Oct 2026
-
Early ReleaseDate: Oct 28Calendar: RPS District Calendar
-






