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Mrs. Linda Hernandez, Superintendent
District Profile

The Rockford Public Schools is an educational system committed to excellence.

Today's students face an increasingly global community, head-spinning changes in technology, and the likelihood that they will change careers - not just jobs - several times during their adult lives. It is our role to help prepare students for jobs or further education, to be good citizens, and to meet the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities each individual will encounter.

Our students come from around the world - and from diverse economic and social backgrounds. And like you, people almost everywhere need positive role models. The high-quality education offered in Rockford is made possible each year through the dedicated work of educators who recognize that commitment to the learning process takes time, professional competence and determination to succeed.

The Rockford Public School District covers about 170 square miles and serves over 28,000 students. An Elementary Student Assignment Plan offers neighborhood school and district-wide choice options, providing a variety of educational settings and program choices for families. At the middle and high school levels, the Secondary Student Assignment Plan is based on district-wide choice. Through these assignment plans, individual student needs, interests, strengths and other priorities can be addressed.

Thirty-eight (38) elementary schools provide the foundation for life-long learning through a variety of innovative approaches to learning and teaching. Theme Schools offer specialized programs in the areas of the arts, science and technology, Spanish immersion, global science, environmental science education and the Montessori method of teaching. Students in grades six, seven and eight attend one of seven middle schools or theme schools. Four traditional high schools offer core courses and electives for college preparation, vocational or general education studies. An alternative high school is available to students who require a non-traditional high school environment.

An Academic Gifted Program serves students in grades 1 through 12 with its specialized curriculum. The CAPA (Creative and Performing Arts) Program offers an opportunity for students in grades 6 through 12 to develop their talents in music, dance, theater and fine arts.

Transitional Bilingual Education (TBE) and the Transitional Program of Instruction (TPI) serve the needs of students with limited English proficiency beginning in preschool. Special education programs are offered for students with hearing, vision, or mental impairment. Occupational and/or physical therapy is available for the physically handicapped student as well.

Rockford--or the "Forest City"--as residents fondly refer to it, offers you the benefits of a large metropolitan area with the home town atmosphere of rural living. Housing is very affordable and the economy is strong. The Wall Street Journal called Rockford a rising star in our nation's economy.

Rockford has over 7,000 acres of parks, miles of jogging and bike paths and sports for every kind of enthusiast. Cultural highlights include museums, theaters for the fine arts and year-round musical entertainment.

Cabinet
District Cabinet
District Cabinet Members

Linda Hernandez,Superintendent

Tom Hoffman, Chief Operations Officer

Stephen Katz, General Counsel

Colleen Cyrus, Assistant Superintendent, Student Support

Pamela Laughlin, Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources

Thomas Schmitt, Assistant Superintendent, Community Outreach
& Procedures

Marcia Strothoff, Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum & Instruction

School Board Members

District A: Mr. Michael Williams, Vice President

District B: Mrs. Jeanne K. Westholder

District C:
Mrs. Alice Saudargas

District D:
Mrs. Nancy Kalchbrenner, President

District E: Mr. Robert Evans

District F: Mr. Harmon Mitchell

District G: Mr. David Kelley, Secretary
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