The Rockford City Council voted Aug. 4 to approve an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with Rockford Public Schools to provide police services in the district, in an amount not to exceed $1,450,840 for the contract period through June 30, 2026. The council record states Rockford Public Schools (RPS) is responsible for paying the actual costs of the officers, including salary, benefits and supplies.

During the Finance and Personnel discussion, Alderman Meeks asked about classroom engagement and whether officers regularly enter individual classrooms. Rockford Police Chief Fred (identified in the meeting as “Chief Fred”) said school resource officers take part in a variety of school activities, including career fairs and classroom visits at the teacher’s request. Chief Fred described a range of youth-focused programs: the Youth Police Academy, summer safety camps, an explorer’s post for high-school students and a cadet hired from a local program who will be eligible to test for the department next year.

Meeks suggested the IGA could more explicitly state desired engagement outcomes, particularly at the high-school level; Chief Fred said he meets regularly with the superintendent and will pursue additional coordination. Alderman Beach asked whether state statute limits who can serve as sworn school officers; Chief Fred said state law requires officers be sworn and noted other staffing options would require different legal arrangements.

The council approved the ordinance for the IGA in a roll-call vote (11–0). The legal director will prepare the final agreement documents.

Why it matters: the IGA funds sworn officers assigned to schools and defines how costs are apportioned; council discussion emphasized both in-school engagement and legal limits on who may serve as sworn school officers.