ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — More than half of the students at eight Rockford public schools missed at least 10% of their enrolled school days during the 2024-25 academic year, with absenteeism at nine schools highlighted in a new district report exceeding the Rockford Public Schools districtwide rate.
Chronic absenteeism ranged from 48% to 68% at the nine schools participating in an intensive improvement cycle, according to a report prepared for the Rockford School Board. The districtwide rate was 42.4% in 2025, according to the Illinois Report Card.
Kennedy Middle School recorded the highest rate, with 68% of students missing at least 10% of their enrolled days. West Middle School and McIntosh Elementary School each reported a chronic absenteeism rate of 63%, followed by Ellis Elementary School at 60%…