2025 Year in Review: A Year of Progress at Rockford Schools

As 2025 has closed and we begin 2026, Rockford Public Schools is proud to reflect on a year of meaningful progress and transformation across the district. From planned upgrades to newly completed learning spaces, this year marked a step forward in creating environments that support student success today and into the future. These improvements would not be possible without the continued support of our community, whose investment in our schools helps turn vision into reality. Below is a recap of the construction progress made throughout 2025.

North Rockford Middle School

In 2024, North Rockford Middle School moved into a new 6th Grade Wing. Students returned to bright, modern classrooms thoughtfully designed to support collaboration, flexibility, and growth. Updated lighting, durable finishes, and polished concrete floors create a welcoming environment. North Rockford Middle School also enjoyed the completion of new Orchestra and Band Rooms in 2024! These rooms are filled with natural light and acoustical improvements. Motorized sound-canceling shades, acoustic wall panels, ceiling clouds, and theatrical curtains work together to elevate sound quality.

In 2025, focuses were on improving comfort and functionality throughout the building. HVAC upgrades were applied to art rooms, science classrooms, and special education spaces, while the teachers’ lounge was refreshed with improved mechanical systems and a new storefront-style window that adds natural light and a modern feel. Behind the scenes, comprehensive mechanical, electrical, and plumbing upgrades ensure these improvements will support students and staff for years to come.

Freshman Center:

At the Rockford Freshman Center, 2025 was a year defined by infrastructure improvements that strengthen the building’s long-term performance and reliability. Crews completed HVAC and mechanical upgrades, replacing aging systems with more efficient equipment and improving airflow throughout the facility. Safety remained a top priority, with a full replacement of the fire alarm system, along with electrical and ceiling upgrades in key areas.

Interior improvements refreshed everyday student spaces and enhanced the overall school experience. Renovated restrooms, updated locker areas, improved computer lab ceilings, and a newly upgraded cafeteria—with new flooring and improved restroom access—help create more comfortable and functional environments for students and staff. Exterior upgrades included new siding, chiller enclosure gates, refreshed landscaping, and large-scale paving projects across the Freshman Center, North Rockford Middle School, and Rockford High School.

As the year progressed, work continued on new corridors and restrooms, flexible project labs featuring innovative stacking glass doors, and renovated IT spaces, including a new IT addition. Together, these projects reflect a continued commitment to adaptability, collaboration, and future-ready learning environments—ensuring the Freshman Center is well-positioned to serve students in the years ahead. Check out some of the progress photos below!

More 2025 Projects

Throughout the year, various other projects took place throughout the district including:

• High School Junior and Staff Parking Lots: Old paving was replaced and the concrete curbs and sidewalks were upgraded.

• Freshman Center Parking Lot – Old paving was replaced and the concrete curbs and sidewalks were upgraded.  Handicap parking and pedestrian crossing were improved.

• Parkside ECC – Receiving areas saw improvements including the replacement of deteriorated asphalt paving with HD concrete and upgrade dumpster enclosure.

The progress achieved throughout 2025 represents more than completed projects—it reflects a shared commitment to students, educators, and the future of Rockford Public Schools. We are grateful to our community, staff, and partners for their support, and continued investment as these improvements took shape. As we look ahead to 2026, the work completed in 2025 laid a strong foundation for safe, modern, and adaptable learning environments that will serve generations to come. We are excited for progress to continue into 2026!