Rockford Public Schools -

We’re listening.

We know there are a lot of questions about our latest proposal.

To help clear up any confusion, we’re continuously updating the FAQs on our bargaining landing page.

Check out the latest info at https://www.rps205.com/offer.

Congrats to Jefferson HS senior Mikiah Gerrity! Mikiah was recognized at Tuesday’s City Council meeting as Rockford’s 2026–27 Youth Poet Laureate. She will promote literacy & literature among residents of all ages. Mikiah is a state Poetry Out Loud champ.
Photo: City of Rockford

We want to thank both bargaining teams for a productive and focused session last night. What began as a meeting scheduled from 3 to 6 p.m. extended until 8:30 p.m. A clear sign that meaningful dialogue was happening. 

These conversations are complex and often challenging, but when both sides come to the table ready to listen and problem-solve, real progress can be made.

While more detailed information will be shared with REA members this weekend, here are a few highlights from the district's current proposal:
-A three-year agreement
-Annual salary increases of 4.0%
-Year 1: 4.0% with lane movement
-Year 2: 4.0% with step and lane
-Year 3: 4.0% with step and lane
-A one-time $700 ratification bonus

Our educators deserve to feel valued, this proposal reflects that.

At the same time, we are stewards of public funds, and we know our responsibility to taxpayers is just as important. Our goal has always been to offer competitive, fair compensation that honors our staff while keeping long-term stability in mind.

We appreciate the continued professionalism of both bargaining teams and remain committed to reaching a final agreement that supports our staff, strengthens our schools, and reflects the values of the Rockford community.

All RPS 205 schools will be closed tomorrow, Friday, January 23, due to cold weather. All after-school activities will also be cancelled including Y Care. The RPS 205 Administration Building, Sterling Holley, & the Operations Support Center will be open.

West Middle School CAPA students, under the direction of Theatre teacher Michael Apperson, put on The Play that Goes Wrong. Today, they got to perform in front of 400 students from West View, Rolling Green, Ellis, Lewis Lemon and Lathrop elementary schools.

LAST CHANCE: Student Code of Conduct Community Listening Session tonight from 5-7 in East High School's Library! (Multilingual presentation). Your voice matters. Share your thoughts on proposed changes for next school year.

Catch this week’s high school basketball games from anywhere with live play-by-play and color analysis on the RPS 205 Athletics YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@RPS205Athletics

📅 1/21
Guilford vs. Auburn
Boys Varsity Basketball

📅 1/23
Auburn vs. East
Girls Varsity Basketball

As always, you can follow each school’s Hudl page to watch various team competitions being live streamed. These may or may not have audio.

Auburn: https://fan.hudl.com/usa/il/rockford/organization/21180/auburn-high-school
East: https://fan.hudl.com/usa/il/rockford/organization/12357/east-high-school
Guilford: https://fan.hudl.com/usa/il/rockford/organization/13904/guilford-high-school
Jefferson: https://fan.hudl.com/usa/il/rockford/organization/22969/jefferson-high-school

Tune in, follow the action, and enjoy the game—live from wherever you are!

The Rockford School District is closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

CAPA students at West Middle School present The Play That Goes Wrong! Performances are tonight at 7 & Saturday at 5:30 & 7 PM. Tickets: $10 general admission, $5 students & seniors. Students have poured their hearts into this production, so come out & support their amazing work!

East High School Newcomer students proudly shared science projects with volunteers and peers. Using Google Slides and molecule models, they explained favorite molecules and real-life uses—building confidence in academic English. Many arrived in the U.S. less than a year ago.

The 13th Annual RPS Athletic Hall of Fame recognized the Class of 2026 inductees! We honored longtime Guilford football coach Mel Gilfillan & the 2011 & 2014 Guilford Boys Bowling Teams—IHSA State Champions. The ceremony was held during the Rumble in the Rock at RVC. Congrats!

REMINDER: Student Code of Conduct Community Listening Session tonight from 5-7 in Auburn High School's Library! Review proposed changes for next school year. Can't make it? The next session will be held on January 21 @ East HS Library from 5-7PM (Multilingual Presentation).

Join the Rockford Symphony Orchestra and Rockford Public Schools for their Musical Instrument Drive. Donate gently used instruments and help local students discover the joy of music.
🎶 January 24 & April 25 • 10am–1pm
📍 Kresge Hall, Riverfront Museum Park, 711 N. Main, Rockford
More details at rockfordsymphony.com/instrumentdrive

Join us for a public open house at RPS 205’s College & Career Education Center, The QUAD!

🗓 Thursday, January 29
⏰ 4–7 p.m.
📍 4151 Samuelson Road, Rockford

Student leaders will give tours all evening. District leadership will provide brief remarks at 5 p.m.

RPS welcomes 62 student teachers for the spring semester! They attended a full-day orientation to kickstart their teaching journey. We are excited to see their growth and success in our classrooms.

♟️ Big moves by the Flinn Middle School Chess Team! This past Saturday at De La Salle High School in Chicago, the team earned 2nd place out of 13 teams. Even sweeter—back in November, they took 1st place! Checkmate, champions! 🎉

Flashback Friday: Students attended the Academy Expo in October, meeting hundreds of local industry experts who provided hands-on career demonstrations. This event helps students decide what Academy they will choose for 10th – 12th grade. Check out our highlight video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOn55rn7aq0

It was a "sticky" situation at Carlson Elementary this morning! Student Council organized a donation drive and collected 500 hats and gloves. Because they achieved their goal, students who met school expectations got to duct-tape Principal Scott Rogers and Mrs. Ray to the wall. We asked the student organizers of the event how they felt that they achieved this.
Carly: "Happy. It just really supports everyone who doesn't have gloves and hats, so they don't get cold outside." 
Finnick: "It makes us feel really good because we got hats, gloves, and coats for everybody that doesn't have any. This was a fundraiser for our school, and we got to raise money for our school and help other kids in need." 
Arlo: "Now there's a bucket of hats and gloves for the kids that need them to play outside so they can just have a fun time."

Way to go Cougars!