From press release

Rockford Public Schools Superintendent LaVonne Sheffield, Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey, Winnebago County Board Chairman Scott Christiansen and leaders of many other public and private community organizations will participate in a public signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Alignment Rockford to kick off an innovative public education improvement collaboration. The event will be held at noon, Thursday, March 25, at the Lincoln Middle School Auditorium, 1500 Charles St.

Alignment Rockford is a newly-formed grassroots initiative that engages a diverse group of the community’s civic, business, religious, social and educational organizations in a cooperative framework that facilitates the coordinated alignment of community resources with the strategic plan of Rockford Public Schools District 205. Alignment Rockford incorporates best practices and principles in this process to fulfill its mission of helping raise student achievement, improving the health and happiness of our children, and advancing the economic and social well-being of our community.

The Memorandum of Understanding (available at www.alignmentrockford.com) is designed to commit organizations to actively participate in a structured education support initiative that is focused on the needs of Rockford’s school children and District 205’s strategic plan. This coordinated focus of resources has the potential to accelerate the achievement of public school improvement plans and their far-ranging positive impact on the Rockford Region. This commitment acknowledges that our children are the community’s most precious natural resource, and that the alignment initiative is an expression of our vital investment in their future.

The work of Alignment Rockford will be conducted within specialized committees led by community members and District 205 management, who bring a range of expertise and a passion for public education. Their work will be guided by objectives, and results will be regularly evaluated, and their operating relationships are based on four key Leadership Values:

1. We work with a spirit of unity – We agree to offer one voice on topics related to the alignment effort and to resolve conflicting agendas in private.

2. Our relationships are based on trust – We understand that predictability, clear communication and mutual support precede success in every challenging community endeavor.

3. Our focus is on our children’s needs — We seek collaborative, student-focused solutions to barriers which impair academic achievement.

4. We promote life-long learning – We know that raising educational aspirations and attainment will result in greater economic prosperity for all in our community.

The March 25 event will begin with some brief comments by leaders of public and private organizations, followed by a ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Understanding. A short session for media questions and answers will follow the MOU signing.

More information about Alignment Rockford including background, strategies, documents and resource links can be found at www.alignmentrockford.com ^[1].