Welcome

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