Rockford Public Schools (RPS 205) hosted a public‑input session on Monday night at Ellis Elementary School, inviting parents from across the district to help shape a new strategic plan.
According to Rockford News First, the session was facilitated by the consulting firm Performance Fact, which is assisting the district in gathering community feedback. Superintendent Larry Huff emphasized that the plan’s primary goal is to improve student outcomes while keeping the curriculum relevant and engaging for students. He said, “Seeing what our community thinks is working in our school system, but also some opportunities for improvement. I think it’s very important and vital to get their feedback.”
Parents shared a range of observations and suggestions. Helen Perry, a parent of three, highlighted the importance of listening to children, especially after incidents of bullying. “Listening to the children when they speak because we’ve already had a few instances with bullying and my child feeling like she was heard,” Perry told the group. She also expressed optimism about students “blossoming in their own ways” as schools continue to grow.
Superintendent Huff outlined several focus areas he hopes will be reflected in the final document. He cited chronic absenteeism, school safety, and staff morale as key priorities. “I hope to see the strategies that we put into place to reduce chronic absenteeism, to make sure our kids know that they can come to safe schools, safe environment, make sure our staff feels important, so that’s very important to me during this process,” Huff said.
The district plans to finalize the strategic plan by late February or early March of next year, after incorporating the input gathered at events like this one. The timeline allows for additional community meetings and a period of public comment before the plan is adopted by the school board.
What’s next: Rockford Public Schools will hold additional public‑input sessions in the coming weeks, followed by a draft release for comment. The final strategic plan is slated for approval by the school board in late February or early March.
Sources: rockfordnewsfirst.com
