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This article focuses specifically on what could happen if the November proposal is not approved and what that could mean for our district. For a detailed explanation of the millage amounts, Headlee protection, historical levy rates, and district projections, read my earlier analysis: Understanding the Numbers Behind the Non-Homestead Millage Proposal This operating millage applies primarily to non-principal-residence property, including businesses, rental properties, commerci

Support RPS responded to my article without naming me or identifying the piece it was answering. Its additional context does not erase Rockford’s official 61.7% proficiency rate or explain why results declined. Here is what its rebuttal missed and why accountability still matters.

Why I will not sign its Statement of Support or endorse the PAC at this time Edited 8/28/2026 @ 1:57pm - I also discovered that Support RPS' website domain was registered June 16, 2026. After taking time to consider this carefully, review Support RPS’s campaign-finance filing, and examine its public statements and subsequent clarifications, I have decided that I will not sign its Statement of Support or endorse the PAC at this time. Jenny Steele responded to my questions, whi

8/11/2026 - 1:20pm - Updated to include the original letter Mr. Folsom was responding to from 7/22/2026 I respect the responsibility Mr. Folsom carries as president of the Rockford Public Schools Board of Education, and I appreciate that serving in a leadership position is not always easy. A Board President is expected to facilitate the work of the Board, communicate clearly with the public, and navigate disagreement while representing the institution they serve. I also under

Over the past several days, I’ve been asking questions about the November operating millage proposal because I wanted to better understand what the numbers mean in practical terms—both for Rockford Public Schools and for the non-homestead taxpayers who pay this millage. I contacted Dr. Steve Matthews with my questions, and he worked with the district’s business office to provide historical millage figures and a forward-looking estimate. The information he provided helped me b

As I continue meeting with members of our community, one thing has become increasingly clear: people want information. Regardless of how someone ultimately votes this November, they deserve to understand exactly what they are being asked to approve. During the July 13 Rockford Board of Education meeting, the Board voted to place the Headlee restoration and operating millage together as a single ballot proposal. District leadership explained why they believed combining the two

Update – July 13, 2026 @ 3:13pm The video recording of last night's Rockford Board of Education meeting is now available. I encourage anyone interested in this topic to watch the discussion firsthand. The meeting can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/fs_NLXW9hTU?si=rOHTWPRL4INap-mF&t=1360 July 13, 2026 @ 9:12am Last night's Board meeting reinforced exactly why I'm running for the Rockford Board of Education. Throughout the meeting, one theme kept resurfacing: trust. One of the