By: Jim Pearson, RPS 205 Director of Communications
This past weekend, like many of you, I carved out some quality time with my family.
But with our superintendent search underway and questions from my siblings never in short supply, I was immediately asked the one thing on everyone’s mind:
“What are we really…and I mean really looking for in a new superintendent?”
It’s a fair question.
Because the superintendent isn’t just another role within RPS 205.
It may be one of the hardest, most important jobs in education.
And while I’m just one voice in a very large RPS pond, here’s how I’d answer:
I’m looking for a champion for every child.
Someone who keeps students at the center of every decision and believes every single kid in Rockford deserves to feel safe, supported, and challenged to succeed.
Our next leader should also be a listener and a connector.
Someone who shows up in our schools, at our events, and in our neighborhoods.
And who listens with humility, turning feedback into action.
We need an innovator. Someone who embraces change.
Because Rockford is changing. Our students are changing. And our schools must keep up.
We need a leader who doesn’t just react to change but welcomes it.
A bridge builder.
Someone who can navigate politics, complexity, and pressure without ever losing sight of our kids.
And yes, we need a leader who celebrates our diversity and makes sure every student, family, and staff member feels seen, valued, and heard.
That’s what I’d look for.
But at the end of the day, this search isn’t about filling a position.
It’s about stepping into a moment of change.
And it’s about finding the leader who’s ready, really ready, to step into it with us.
Because our next superintendent isn’t simply part of the district.
They are RPS 205.
To learn more about the superintendent search, or to apply, visit us at https://www.rps205.com/page/superintendent-search