What This Contract Means for an Experienced Teacher
Based on teachers' steps, they would receive around a 4% to 8% raise each year for the three-year contract. They also would have the opportunity for additional raises through lane movement. Here is an example of an 11-year teacher with a bachelor’s degree.
This educator mentors new staff, leads his grade-level team, and co-leads the school’s student voice council. His current salary is $72,397.
With the proposed increases and ongoing step movement, he’s projected to earn $88,000+ by year three. Add in stipends for his leadership roles, and his income will continue to grow.
Please visit rps205.com/offer for more information on our current proposal.
Based on teachers' steps, they would receive around a 4% to 8% raise each year for the three-year contract. They also would have the opportunity for additional raises through lane movement. Here is an example of an 11-year teacher with a bachelor’s degree.
This educator mentors new staff, leads his grade-level team, and co-leads the school’s student voice council. His current salary is $72,397.
With the proposed increases and ongoing step movement, he’s projected to earn $88,000+ by year three. Add in stipends for his leadership roles, and his income will continue to grow.
Please visit rps205.com/offer for more information on our current proposal.
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
📅 2/4
Jefferson vs. Guilford
Boys Varsity Basketball
📅 2/6
Auburn vs. Jefferson
Boys 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/.../organiz.../21180/auburn-high-school
East: https://fan.hudl.com/.../organization/12357/east-high-school
Guilford: https://fan.hudl.com/.../organ.../13904/guilford-high-school
Jefferson: https://fan.hudl.com/.../orga.../22969/jefferson-high-school
Tune in, follow the action, and enjoy the game—live from wherever you are!
📅 2/4
Jefferson vs. Guilford
Boys Varsity Basketball
📅 2/6
Auburn vs. Jefferson
Boys 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/.../organiz.../21180/auburn-high-school
East: https://fan.hudl.com/.../organization/12357/east-high-school
Guilford: https://fan.hudl.com/.../organ.../13904/guilford-high-school
Jefferson: https://fan.hudl.com/.../orga.../22969/jefferson-high-school
Tune in, follow the action, and enjoy the game—live from wherever you are!
Supporting New Teachers Through Real Pay Increases
Based on teachers' steps, they would receive around a 4% to 8% raise each year for the three-year contract. They also would have the opportunity for additional raises through lane movement. Let’s take a look at an example for a first year teacher.
This educator is in her first year of teaching, leading a bilingual first-grade classroom filled with newcomer students.
Her starting salary is $47,958. By year three of the contract, her salary would increase to $58,529.
Please visit rps205.com/offer for more information on our current proposal.
Based on teachers' steps, they would receive around a 4% to 8% raise each year for the three-year contract. They also would have the opportunity for additional raises through lane movement. Let’s take a look at an example for a first year teacher.
This educator is in her first year of teaching, leading a bilingual first-grade classroom filled with newcomer students.
Her starting salary is $47,958. By year three of the contract, her salary would increase to $58,529.
Please visit rps205.com/offer for more information on our current proposal.
Let's keep our kids safe.
We want to clear up some confusion.
The REA shared a phone number claiming to be a “hotline” for RPS 205 families.
That number was not created, authorized, or endorsed by the district.
Sharing unofficial and unapproved contact info creates real confusion and potentially puts student safety at risk.
If we ever change how you contact the district, you'll hear it from us directly.
Until then, nothing has changed.
For accurate information, updates, and support, please continue to visit rps205.com
We want to clear up some confusion.
The REA shared a phone number claiming to be a “hotline” for RPS 205 families.
That number was not created, authorized, or endorsed by the district.
Sharing unofficial and unapproved contact info creates real confusion and potentially puts student safety at risk.
If we ever change how you contact the district, you'll hear it from us directly.
Until then, nothing has changed.
For accurate information, updates, and support, please continue to visit rps205.com
National School Counseling Week highlights the unique contributions of school counselors within U.S. school systems and their tremendous impact on student success. They provide students with academic, college/career and social/emotional development. We celebrate and thank them.
We’re disappointed that last night’s bargaining session didn’t get us to a deal but we’re not done trying.
We still believe the offer on the table is a fair and responsible one.
Based on teachers' steps, they would receive around a 4% to 8% raise each year for the three-year contract.
They also would have the opportunity for additional raises through lane movement.
This offer respects the hard work of our teachers and helps us move forward quickly, starting as soon as it’s ratified.
We were also clear with the REA leadership that if a strike happens, very few days are likely to be made up. We’re already well into the school year, and the calendar simply doesn’t allow for much flexibility to add days back. That means educators could lose between $360 and $500 a day, depending on where they fall on the salary schedule.
The REA leadership brought back a version of their previous proposal that remains well outside what is fiscally responsible for our district and taxpayers.
We’re set to meet again on Thursday, February 5, and we’ll be there, ready to keep talking.
In the meantime, we’re moving ahead with plans to make sure students stay safe, warm, and fed if a strike does happen. More details will be shared with families soon.
We’re still hopeful and won’t stop working toward a solution that is in the best interest of our teachers and community.
Please visit rps205.com/offer for more information on our current proposal.
We still believe the offer on the table is a fair and responsible one.
Based on teachers' steps, they would receive around a 4% to 8% raise each year for the three-year contract.
They also would have the opportunity for additional raises through lane movement.
This offer respects the hard work of our teachers and helps us move forward quickly, starting as soon as it’s ratified.
We were also clear with the REA leadership that if a strike happens, very few days are likely to be made up. We’re already well into the school year, and the calendar simply doesn’t allow for much flexibility to add days back. That means educators could lose between $360 and $500 a day, depending on where they fall on the salary schedule.
The REA leadership brought back a version of their previous proposal that remains well outside what is fiscally responsible for our district and taxpayers.
We’re set to meet again on Thursday, February 5, and we’ll be there, ready to keep talking.
In the meantime, we’re moving ahead with plans to make sure students stay safe, warm, and fed if a strike does happen. More details will be shared with families soon.
We’re still hopeful and won’t stop working toward a solution that is in the best interest of our teachers and community.
Please visit rps205.com/offer for more information on our current proposal.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the public open house at RPS 205’s college and career education center, The QUAD. Student ambassadors led tours of this state-of-the-art building while teachers showed off what their classes have to offer for our high school students.
TONIGHT: Join us for a public open house at RPS 205’s College & Career Education Center, The QUAD!
⏰ 4–7 p.m.
📍 4151 Samuelson Road
Student leaders will give tours all evening. District leadership will provide brief remarks at 5 p.m.
See what The Quad is all about!
⏰ 4–7 p.m.
📍 4151 Samuelson Road
Student leaders will give tours all evening. District leadership will provide brief remarks at 5 p.m.
See what The Quad is all about!
We’re excited to share the results of a GPA and attendance study we did on last year’s high school students. We believe we can make a tangible connection between improved GPA & attendance numbers and participating in sports/activities. Being on a team produces positive, measurable outcomes for our RPS 205 students!
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
📅 1/27
Guilford vs. Jefferson
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!
📅 1/27
Guilford vs. Jefferson
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!
We understand the Rockford Education Association (REA) has voted to authorize a strike.
While we’re disappointed by that outcome, we respect the process, and we’re actively working to schedule another bargaining session this week.
In the meantime, our number one focus remains our students.
We’re putting plans in place to ensure every child has access to a safe, welcoming space.
If a strike occurs, RPS 205 will keep all elementary, middle, and special programs open. These will not be instructional days, but meals will be available and our safe spaces will be staffed and ready to support families.
We’ll also open designated community spaces to help provide structure and support during the school day.
More details will be shared with families very soon.
We know this is a difficult moment for everyone.
But we’re here, and remain hopeful that we’ll move forward together.
While we’re disappointed by that outcome, we respect the process, and we’re actively working to schedule another bargaining session this week.
In the meantime, our number one focus remains our students.
We’re putting plans in place to ensure every child has access to a safe, welcoming space.
If a strike occurs, RPS 205 will keep all elementary, middle, and special programs open. These will not be instructional days, but meals will be available and our safe spaces will be staffed and ready to support families.
We’ll also open designated community spaces to help provide structure and support during the school day.
More details will be shared with families very soon.
We know this is a difficult moment for everyone.
But we’re here, and remain hopeful that we’ll move forward together.
Join us at 27 Aluna Restaurant (124 N. Main St, Rockford) this Saturday from 11 AM–1 PM for an open house reception. Student artwork from RESA, West, Marshall & Lincoln will be on display through Feb. 21. Come support our talented middle school artists & a great local restaurant!
This is a reminder that school IS in session tomorrow, Monday, January 26 as a normally scheduled day! See you bright & early!
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.
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
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.
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!
📅 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!
