Our important search begins

As we begin to plan for the future of RPS 205, we want to start by thanking Superintendent Ehren Jarrett for 12 years of exceptional leadership. Dr. Jarrett has been instrumental in shaping a district that truly puts students first. His commitment to public education and his belief in its power to create opportunity has made a lasting impact on our schools and our community. We’re incredibly grateful for his years of service to Rockford’s students, staff, and families.

One of our most important responsibilities is choosing the next superintendent of Rockford Public Schools. This isn’t just a routine transition. It’s a chance to reaffirm our commitment to the future of every child in our district. We’re looking for a leader who embraces Rockford’s diversity, sees promise in every challenge, and values collaboration as a key to real progress.

To guide us, we’ll be bringing in an experienced executive search firm to lead a thoughtful and inclusive search process. In April, we shared a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to begin identifying candidates for this work. We expect to select the firm in June, with a start date of July 1.

Over the following months, the firm will gather input through surveys, focus groups, and public forums. These listening sessions will help us define the qualities we want in our next superintendent, with the goal of making our final selection by January 1, 2026.

We’re grateful to have strong support from partners like the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce and the wider business community. Your involvement has been essential to the progress we’ve made as a district.

Over the last decade, RPS 205 has made big strides that benefit both students and the local economy. We’ve managed our finances carefully, keeping the tax levy flat and lowering the tax rate from 7.93 to 5.19. That’s helped ease the burden for property owners and businesses, while also growing our district’s overall property value by $1.2 billion.

We’ve paired that financial responsibility with bold innovation. Our College and Career Academies are a great example. These seven nationally recognized academies give students real-world experiences in business, health care, technology, and public service. With mentorships, hands-on learning, and access to college credits, students graduate ready for whatever comes next, whether that’s college, a trade, or a career. We’re equipping students with both the knowledge and the practical skills they’ll need in today’s workforce.

This August, we’ll open the new College and Career Education Center, a cutting-edge facility that will expand access to high-quality career training and connect students even more closely with local industries.

None of this would be possible without the business community’s support. Your guidance ensures our programs stay relevant and that our students are prepared not just to graduate but to succeed in your companies and beyond.

As we look to the future, your voice remains essential. Your experience can help us find the right person to lead our schools forward. We encourage you to share your thoughts on what kind of leader Rockford needs next. This decision isn’t just about filling a role. It’s about shaping the future of our schools, our workforce, and our city. With your continued partnership, we can ensure that every student has access to opportunity, and that every business sees the benefit of investing in our district’s success.

The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce.