Rockford voters reject bond; board hears calls for better transparency and changes to public comment rules
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Summary
After a bond proposal was defeated 58%–41% (7,533 no vs. 5,298 yes), the board heard public comment urging changes — including removing the 5‑hour rule and moving public comment before votes — and the superintendent pledged to improve outreach and not bring another capital proposal in 2026.
Rockford Public Schools officials reported that the district's recent bond proposal was defeated at the polls, and trustees heard forceful remarks from residents demanding greater transparency and procedural changes.
Superintendent Doctor Matthews told the board the bond on Nov. 4 drew 12,831 voters, with 5,298 votes in favor (41 percent) and 7,533 opposed (58 percent), and that every precinct voted against the proposal. Matthews said the plan identified facility needs — elementary air conditioning, gym upgrades, performing arts center improvements and more career and technical education space — but voters did not support the package. He accepted responsibility for communication shortcomings and said there are no plans to place another capital or bond proposal on the ballot in 2026; the administration intends to take time to listen, refine proposals and expand outreach.
During public comment, several community members urged the board to eliminate the district's ‘‘5‑hour rule’’ requiring speakers to register multiple hours before meetings and to move public comment before votes so the board hears community feedback ahead of decisions. Charlie Curtis said the vote was a comprehensive rejection and urged ‘‘soul searching’’ by the board; Dwayne Gritter and others praised newly formed transparency groups for informing voters and asked the district to meet with opposition groups to understand concerns.
Trustees and administrators discussed whether breaking projects into smaller asks, tightening bond language for accountability, or using different bonding mechanisms might produce different results in the future. Administration said the bond language set out a slate of projects and that nonqualified bonds were chosen because they saved the district money; the superintendent suggested it will be at least 18 months before another proposal is considered.
Next steps: administration will continue community outreach, meet with stakeholder groups and revisit the district's strategic plan before proposing any new capital strategy. Trustees raised procedural changes for future consideration — including policy committee review of the public comment process and the 5‑hour rule.