Incumbent and former Rockford School Board member face off in Subdistrict A

The race for Rockford School Board Subdistrict A pits current board member Denise Pearson against former board member Lisa Jackson.

Subdistrict A, located on the city's southwest side, is bounded roughly by Safford Road and Auburn Street to the north; Tipple and Pelley roads to the south; the Rock River to the east; and Montague, Centerville and Meridian roads to the west.

Jackson and Pearson, along with the other candidates for Rockford School Board running in contested races this election, were sent questionnaires about themselves and their candidacy. The following are responses from Jackson and Pearson.

Lisa Jackson

Age: Did not respond

Family: Did not respond

Education: master of arts in organizational leadership and master of business administration

Profession: qualified intellectual developmental professional

Memberships and associations: Did not respond

When it comes to student achievement, Rockford Public Schools typically scores below the state average in metrics such as math and reading at grade level, high school graduation rates and others. What grade would you give to the current school board when it comes to addressing these issues and what would you do differently if elected?

The data is clear, RPS 205 is struggling. A vast majority of our students are not proficient in reading and math and our high school graduation rates continue to decrease. My priority areas, mostly, align with the current strategic plan, and I feel that is important to move us in the right direction. (Grade: F)

What grade would you give to Superintendent Ehren Jarrett and why?

It would be remiss of me if I did not express concerns about the current state of RPS 205, especially the state of students in Subdistrict A. Currently, RPS 205 ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Illinois. RPS 205 is consistently in the top five in Illinois for in-school suspensions, out-of-school suspensions and expulsions. Students, especially Black and Hispanic students, perform below the state average. In five years, 2017–2022, we saw an overall decrease in the graduation rate for all students; specifically a 10% decrease in graduation rates for Black students with the majority living in Subdistrict A. There is definitely work to be done sooner rather than later. (Grade: F)

What grade would you give to the school district when it comes to student and teacher safety and what would you do differently if elected?

I feel the school district has worked to make students, parents and staffs feel safe in their learning environment. Different communication methods are used to communicate, especially in the event of emergencies and lockdowns. Where I hear the district needs to improve regarding safety is school closures related to inclement weather conditions. The parents I spoke with do not feel adequate notice is given for them to prepare in comparison to surrounding districts. (Grade: B)

In your view, what is the main responsibility of a school board member and what makes you the best candidate for the job?

The main responsibility of a school board member is to govern and vote. We establish policy and drive decision making. In addition, the board should play a vital role in establishing school district culture. I served 8 years as a RPS 205 School Board Member, Subdistrict A. During my time on the board, I led efforts which resulted in a decrease in in-school/out-of-school suspensions and expulsions, chronic truancy and absenteeism, high school dropout rates and as a result we saw an increase in academic achievement and graduation rates. I have the experience and drive to boldly and passionately represent families in Subdistrict A.

Denise Pearson

Age: 59

Family: Eight siblings

Education: bachelor of science in management studies

Profession: community health coordinator

Memberships and associations: RPS 205 School Board, New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Woman and Wealth

When it comes to student achievement, Rockford Public Schools typically scores below the state average in metrics such as math and reading at grade level, high school graduation rates and others. What grade would you give to the current school board when it comes to addressing these issues and what would you do differently if elected?

First and foremost, we must identify the “why." All roads lead back to early childhood education, which is the foundation of learning. Another component is the high absenteeism rate of which both parents and RPS 205 must bear responsibility. It is ultimately the parent’s responsibility to make sure their children attend school and RPS 205 is responsible for providing adequate transportation. Keeping in mind there are many factors that contribute to attendance such as illness, mobility, family structure etc. Lastly, if students are not academically successful in middle school it could negatively impact their ability to graduate from high school. I give the current school board a B, as there is still much work to be done in holding the school district accountable for the academic success for all students.

What grade would you give to Superintendent Ehren Jarrett and why?

Please keep in mind RPS 205 was drastically affected by the pandemic along with many public schools in our country. I commend Superintendent Jarrett for his efforts thus far, such as the partnership with Rockford Promise, creating the first Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion position in addition to the college and career readiness efforts. However, I give Superintendent Jarrett a C because there is much work to be done in the following areas: student academic achievement, attracting and retaining teachers of color, hearing the voices of students, parents and teachers, professional development for all employees and hiring practices. Suspensions and expulsions are a great concern of many parents and community members, as well as student safety. The superintendent must hold schools accountable for providing restorative practices while simultaneously ensuring safety for all students.

What grade would you give to the school district when it comes to student and teacher safety and what would you do differently if elected?

I give the school district a C when it comes to student and teacher safety. Again, this requires a simultaneous effort from the school district. We must make the students a priority while taking measures to keep our teachers safe also. The schools must listen to students and parents when bullying is reported and adequately provide interventions. Both students and teachers have lost their lives because of violence in schools, and we do not want this be the story of RPS 205. When re-elected, I will continue to listen to students, parents, teachers and administrators to effectively advocate for all. I will continue to seek parent and community engagement while I advocate for our students. I will be intentional about school visits and having conversations with administrators, teachers and parent liaisons. Until the school district deals with the core issues of student behavior there will remain a need for police school resource officers, who are specifically trained in de-escalation with youth.

In your view, what is the main responsibility of a school board member and what makes you the best candidate for the job?

The main responsibility of a school board member is to work both collectively and collaboratively with other board members for the greater good of all students, holding the district accountable for providing an equitable education for all students. Understandably, board members may have a different perspective on issues while working to provide positive outcomes for the students. The board member must respond to the needs of their constituency making themselves available when needed.

Chris Green: 815-987-1241; cgreen@rrstar.com; @chrisfgreen

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Pearson, Jackson face off for four-year seat on Rockford School Board