Rockford Public Schools cuts 110 jobs to balance budget

Positions eliminated include attendance specialists, curriculum directors, and college readiness coaches

Apr. 14, 2026 at 9:07am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, impressionistic scene of a classroom, with blurred figures of students and teachers visible through a hazy, rain-streaked lens, conveying a sense of concern and uncertainty about the impact of staffing cuts on the educational environment.The elimination of positions focused on student support and achievement at Rockford Public Schools raises concerns about the impact on academic outcomes.Rockford Today

Rockford Public Schools announced it will eliminate 110 positions, including attendance specialists, curriculum directors, college and career readiness coaches, and tutors, in order to close a $15 million budget deficit. The cuts will impact roles across the district, with a 12% reduction in central office positions and a 4% reduction in non-classroom school roles.

Why it matters

The eliminated positions represent important roles focused on student achievement and support, raising concerns about the impact on academic outcomes. However, the district says these were the 'least bad' options available to balance the budget.

The details

The list of cuts obtained by the Rockford Register Star through a public records request includes 23 high school academic interventionists who provide extra help in math and reading, 18 'itinerant procedural coaches' who ensure students with Individualized Education Plans receive legally required support, and 14 attendance specialists. School principals will have some flexibility in directing the cutbacks within their buildings.

  • The cuts will take effect at the end of the current school year.

The players

Rockford Public Schools

The public school district serving the city of Rockford, Illinois.

Paul Carpenter

The president of the Rockford School Board, who stated the eliminated positions represent the 'least bad' options to cut the budget.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“All of these positions are important positions. All of the people that hold them are dedicated to student achievement. Anytime you are eliminating positions that are helping students achieve academically, it's concerning, but there were budget decisions that hade to be made.”

— Paul Carpenter, Rockford School Board President

What’s next

The district plans to encourage staff in the eliminated positions who hold teaching certifications to transition into open teaching roles.

The takeaway

This budget-driven staffing reduction at Rockford Public Schools highlights the difficult tradeoffs districts face when trying to balance their budgets, as they are forced to cut positions focused on student support and achievement.