Rockford Board unanimously appoints Dr. Larry Huff as superintendent with $285,000 starting salary

The Rockford Public Schools Board of Education on Dec. 16 unanimously approved the appointment of Dr. Larry Huff as the district's next superintendent, contingent on execution of a three-year contract with a starting annual salary of $285,000.

Board President Carpenter moved the appointment after the agenda was amended to bring the item forward. After a second and brief comments welcoming Dr. Huff, the board took a roll call vote; the motion passed unanimously.

In remarks to the board and community, President Carpenter thanked staff and community members who participated in the search and transition process and acknowledged outgoing Superintendent Dr. Jarrett for his leadership during the handover. "Thank you, Doctor Huff, for being here tonight," Carpenter said, adding appreciation for the community, staff and families who contributed to the process.

Dr. Huff addressed the board and the room after his appointment, saying he intends to lead by listening and set outcomes tied to high expectations. "I am a person who is dedicated to listening to the needs of our community," he said, and described his goal to remain connected to classrooms in the long term.

The board and district leaders said the timing of the appointment provides a roughly six-month transition period to prepare for implementation and continuity between administrations.

What happens next: the appointment is contingent on finalizing the written agreement; board and district staff said they will use the transition period for orientation and to address questions raised during the hiring process.