Community members criticize Rockford School Board's decision on Parkside Elementary closure

Rockford Public Schools Board Meeting on March 10, 2025, was marked by intense community backlash over the decision to close Parkside Elementary School. Parents and community members expressed deep frustration and disappointment, highlighting concerns about transparency and the rushed nature of the decision-making process.

Robbie Augustine, one of the first speakers, voiced his sorrow over the board's decision, suggesting that the closure could lead to financial losses for the district. He urged the board to ensure they had conducted thorough market analysis before making such a significant choice. Erin Augustine echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for transparency and collaboration in future decisions. She lamented the broken trust within the community, stating that many families were unaware of how the closure would impact them.

Katie Baker criticized the board for not following its own procedural guidelines, arguing that the decision was made hastily and without adequate community input. She pointed out that the district's enrollment numbers had been mismanaged, leading to unnecessary closures and community fractures.

Megan Romano raised concerns about the impact on students, particularly those in specialized programs, and questioned the safety of transporting children to different schools. She suggested that alternative solutions, such as expanding existing programs, should have been considered.

Lynn McIntosh passionately criticized the board for its lack of transparency and ethical decision-making, stating that the community deserved better communication and involvement in such critical matters. She used a visual metaphor to illustrate the harm caused by uprooting children from their schools.

As the meeting progressed, it became clear that the community felt sidelined and unheard. Many speakers called for a reevaluation of the decision-making process, urging the board to prioritize transparency and collaboration in the future. The overwhelming sentiment was one of disappointment and a call for accountability, as parents feared the long-term consequences of the board's actions on their children and the community as a whole.