Parents, students and advocates press Rockford SD 205 on expulsions, discipline policy and transportation during public comment

Community members used the public-comment period at the Rockford School District 205 Board of Education meeting to raise concerns about student discipline, referrals to alternative programs, transportation burdens and how honor-roll eligibility is communicated to families.

Why it matters: commenters said large numbers of students are being referred to alternative settings and some are being recommended for expulsion; they asked the district to explain procedures, data and whether changes to the code of conduct will have a disproportionate effect on Black students. Other commenters raised transportation and school-staff conduct issues that they said affect students’ daily attendance and wellbeing.

What speakers said

- John Tack Bradley, a community member who organizes youth participation in the Saint Patrick’s Day parade, said he has expanded his transportation efforts and now transports 46 students to multiple schools. He thanked local officials and “Dr. Reed” for arranging a bus but said the operation is costly: “I spend $180 a week on gas,” he told the board, and he said parents have been giving him money to help cover fuel and repairs.

- An unnamed grandparent and a student identified as Sharonice (speaking during the same public-comment sequence) described repeated bullying that the family says began in sixth grade and continued through high school. The grandparent said prior efforts — including reports to…