Rockford Public Schools presented final preparations and program details on Aug. 5 for the district’s new College and Career Education Center, branded “The Quad,” which is scheduled to open to students for the new school year. District leaders said the facility will expand career and technical education (CTE) access to students from all four traditional high schools and add pathways that were previously limited by facilities.

Why it matters: The Quad centralizes several high-demand CTE pathways, allowing students across the district to access specialized instruction without changing zoned schools. The facility’s programming affects course offerings, transportation logistics, special education supports and partnerships with higher education and industry.

Bridget French, executive director of College and Career Readiness, said the Quad will provide equal access to pathways previously available only at individual schools. “This place is a canvas for students to engage, create, and capture the next chapter of their story,” French said, unveiling the center’s branding and logo.

The district said the Quad will run two sessions daily — morning and afternoon — with about 500 students served per session. Students will spend two to three class periods at the Quad and otherwise attend their home high schools. The site will host focused programs this school year including business, health and service academies, an expanded nursing program (previously regional) and a dental facility to be operated by Dr. Cyrus Oates. A production academy and a welding pathway are planned for fiscal 2027 (next school year).

Logistics and supports: The district outlined transportation options — bus stops, parent drop-off or self-transport — and said students will have chances to eat lunch at the Quad. Staff assignments for the new building include a principal (John Cusimano), an assistant principal, an academy coach and counseling and intervention staff. The district said it will partner with students’ home schools for services required by Individualized Education Programs (IEPs); counselors and paraprofessionals will follow students as needed.

Open houses: The district scheduled guided open-house sessions for families of students assigned this fall on Aug. 12–13 and plans a larger community event later once construction is fully complete. Officials said they have contingency plans to address equipment delays and to ensure students have an instructional schedule on the first day of school.

Community and marketing: District leaders said they will seek an external communications and marketing firm to promote the Quad and its pathways beyond the district’s small communications team. Trustees asked that promotional materials reflect the district’s partnerships, credentialing opportunities and shared programs with Rock Valley College, Rockford University and other local partners.

Speakers: Bridget French (Executive Director, College and Career Readiness), John Cusimano (Principal, the Quad) and members of the administrative team presented details and answered questions on special-education coverage, English-language learner supports and staffing. The board asked for monitoring of ESL and special-education staffing levels as enrollment at the Quad grows.

Next steps: Quad opens to students Aug. 14. The district will monitor enrollment and service demands during the first year and adjust staffing (ESL teachers, paraprofessionals, social work supports) as needed and will host middle-school preview days to introduce 8th graders to available pathways.