Rockford board signals plan to seek $900,000-per-year technology levy to sustain operations

The Rockford Public School District Board of Education signaled consensus to pursue a capital projects technology levy asking for $900,000 annually for 10 years, board members said at their monthly meeting.

Superintendent Dr Rle Hoover told the board the request reflects operational needs rather than new classroom luxuries. "This is honestly not a want; this is a need for our school system and for our kids and our staff," he said, citing requirements for phone and 911 systems, door security, cameras and cybersecurity protections.

District staff and the technology director had previously prepared work-session materials showing options ranging from full funding of roughly $2.4 million down to no request; the $900,000 figure discussed in public session represents a mid-range option the board described as sufficient to maintain current services. Board members noted the ask equates to about $14 per month for the average household in the district and would be presented to voters for a 10-year period with no separate inflationary adjustment in the initial presentation.

Board members asked staff to finalize levy details and to work with financial advisers before a formal resolution is presented. The chair directed staff to draft a resolution for the June 17 board meeting and to prepare public materials explaining what the levy would fund.

Jeff Kenan, the districts technology director, and district finance staff will provide the technical and fiscal backing the board requested, including a transparent explanation of how the levy money would be spent and the projected per-pupil impacts. Board members emphasized the levy would focus on sustaining current systems and complying with state and federal security requirements rather than purchasing nonessential equipment.

Next steps: staff will prepare a draft resolution and levy question for the June 17 meeting and supply detailed budget and program materials for public review.