Students tell Rockford board they want clearer discipline, more mental-health support and changes to attendance practices

Student representatives described inconsistent discipline, limited counseling and a decline in activities as drivers of absences and lower engagement during a presentation to the Rockford Public Schools Board of Education committee on student voice.

Dr. Antoine Reed, the district’s chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer, introduced the findings from a series of student listening sessions and invited high-school scholars to summarize what they had told listening teams from across the district.

The students’ messages focused on four issues: behavior management, attendance, grading and social-emotional supports. "Students will not learn by suspension," said Sophie Gorney, a student who spoke for West High School, arguing that removals have not taught students to change conduct. Gorney urged the district to restore "level five" disciplinary referrals to categories beyond…