The board unanimously approved five new courses at Rockford High School, including Advanced Acting Stage and Screen, Instrument Lab, Scientific Discoveries, Intro to Education, and a revamped Horse and Horsemanship course, now titled “Horsing Around.” These additions aim to diversify the curriculum and address student interests, particularly following the low registration that caused a previous musical theater course to be canceled. The board acknowledged the importance of maintaining a robust offering of courses to meet varying student needs and interests.

In conjunction with educational advancement, the board discussed the failed capital projects technology levy from the recent general election. Despite this setback, board members expressed an optimistic outlook on revisiting the funding request. They emphasized the necessity of community engagement to secure future funding, particularly for technology and security measures critical to educational and student safety. The board expressed concerns about the inability to replace outdated security equipment and educational tools without the necessary financial support.

The meeting also marked the introduction of the Sandy Hook Promise program, a new safety initiative aimed at enhancing school security. This program includes the “Say Something” initiative, focusing on bullying prevention, suicide awareness, and violence prevention. The district plans to implement an anonymous reporting system accessible via a dedicated website and app, encouraging students and community members to report concerns related to mental health and safety. This initiative seeks to foster a supportive environment where students feel empowered to report issues without fear.

Financial stewardship was another focal point, with discussions about the allocation of approximately $400,000 in interest funds for capital projects and building upgrades. The board approved a $900,000 paving project for the elementary school area, alongside additional funds for tractor service and windscreens. These projects aim to address safety concerns, complete paving on the west side of the elementary school, and ensure the track’s good condition for future use.

The board also addressed staffing and compensation, approving a memorandum of understanding with SEIU Local 284 regarding additional pay for special education professionals on school buses. This move ensures proper supervision and assistance for vulnerable students. Additionally, a proposed increase in substitute teacher pay rates from $155 to $162 was discussed, addressing the challenge of attracting more substitutes in a competitive market. This proposal is set for formal action in December, with implementation anticipated in January.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) program was another key topic, with discussions about its integration into the school curriculum and financial considerations. The board noted the district’s high participation rate in personal projects among sophomores, at 100%, compared to lower rates in other districts. Financial concerns regarding the costs associated with the IB program, including tests and enrollment, were raised. Approximately 20% of the student population, or over 300 students, are involved in the program, representing a substantial financial investment. The potential impact on staffing if enrollment were to decline was also discussed.

The meeting included updates on the Collaborative Advisory Committee Report (CACR) and its alignment with state education standards, focusing on literacy at all grade levels. A new state-mandated goal of preparing students to be lifelong learners was also highlighted. The discussion pointed to inadequacies in the current literacy curriculum for younger students and math curriculum for middle school students, alongside the need for technology tools to enhance teaching and learning.

The board expressed gratitude for the community’s contributions, including recent fundraising efforts, and approved a resolution recognizing these contributions. Upcoming meetings and community updates were announced, with board members sharing their recent activities and conference experiences.