During a recent Rockford school board meeting, community members expressed significant concerns regarding class sizes and the impact of declining enrollment on educational quality. One parent highlighted the challenges faced by students due to larger class sizes, noting that her third grader's class has 30 students, exceeding the recommended limit of 24. This situation has led to a perceived lack of individual attention from teachers, which the parent argued is detrimental to student learning.

The parent also pointed out that despite the opening of a new school, the district has not hired additional staff, resulting in teachers being \"stretched thin.\" This sentiment was echoed by others who voiced frustrations about the board's responsiveness to community concerns and the perceived lack of transparency regarding school policies and practices.

Another speaker raised alarm over issues related to social transition for students, linking it to broader societal concerns and alleging that school staff are keeping secrets from parents. This speaker called for the board to reflect on its actions and the implications for student welfare, emphasizing the need for trust and transparency in the educational process.

Superintendent Dr. Matthews addressed these concerns by acknowledging the slight decline in enrollment, which he attributed to demographic trends rather than dissatisfaction with the district's offerings. He emphasized the district's commitment to inclusivity and the importance of involving families in the educational process. Dr. Matthews also noted that the district continues to provide a range of programs, including Spanish immersion and STEAM education, which remain attractive to families.

The meeting concluded with a call for the board to consider the community's feedback seriously, as upcoming elections may bring changes to the board's composition. Community members expressed a desire for a more balanced representation and greater engagement from board members in addressing their concerns.