School board to vote on facilities plan Aug. 12

The Rockford Public Schools Facilities Task Force has agreed to recommend a 10-year facilities plan to the School Board that includes building two new schools and 13 additions, and closing eight schools.

The School Board will vote on the facilities plan at the meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, August 12 in the third-floor board room of the Administration Building, 501 7th St.

The recommended plan would cost $250 million and is a revision of Plan C.

Plans have gone through several revisions based on community feedback. New schools would be built to consolidate Kishwaukee and Nelson into one building, and Thompson, White Swan and Cherry Valley into a second new building. Sites for the new buildings have not yet been announced.  School zones would be drawn by an independent demographer.

The elementary footprint would shrink to 29 schools by closing eight schools: Cherry Valley Elementary; Dennis Early Childhood Center; King Elementary; Kishwaukee Elementary; Nelson Elementary; Thompson Elementary; Walker Elementary; and White Swan Elementary.

The committee has not recommended plans for the closed schools, but the budget for this plan includes the cost of demolition. No changes would happen for the 2014-15 school year.

For more information, visit rps205.com/betterschools?.

RVC, Rockford police team up for ‘Night Out’

Rock Valley College Police and Rockford Police are teaming up to host a National Night Out event at the college on Tuesday, August 5 from 5-9 p.m. in Parking Lot 2 on RVC’s main campus (3301 North Mulford Road)

Some additional attractions will be located in the Physical Education Center (PEC).

National Night Out is an opportunity to promote public and police partner-
ships, crime prevention, and community
camaraderie.

The event is free and open to anyone in the community.

The introduction of National Night Out, “America’s Night Out Against Crime”, in 1984 began an effort to promote involvement in crime prevention activities, police-community partnerships, neighborhood camaraderie and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

Nominees sought for Frank Ware award

United Way of Rock River Valley is now accepting nominations for the 2014 Frank Ware Award of Excellence, awarded to any individual who exemplifies a high-level of excellence in service to others, human service advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to our community.

This award honors the spirit of Frank Ware, former President/CEO of Janet Wattles Center, who spent over 30 years advocating and fighting for quality care on behalf of the most marginalized members in this community. His high standards and expectations resulted in better care for those in need.

One award recipient will be determined by a committee of community leaders and announced during United Way’s Day of Caring / Campaign Kickoff Breakfast event on Sept. 12.

Nominations are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 1.

Visit www.wevolunteer.org to submit a nomination.

For more information on United Way’s Frank Ware Award of Excellence, contact Tonya Thayer Meyer at  815-968-5400.

United Way of Rock River Valley advances the common good in Winnebago and Ogle counties, creating opportunities for a better life by focusing on education, income, and health.

United Way recruits people and organizations that bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done.

–Winnebago County News Briefs are compiled from news sources and submitted items.