SUPERINTENDENT NEWSLETTER

Dear FSD 145 Staff and Families,

Two weeks ago, I shared the financial challenges facing Freeport School District 145 and how we got here. Today, I want to continue that conversation by outlining the specific actions we are taking to address these challenges and move our district toward greater financial stability.

Before we talk about what comes next, I want you to know what we've already done. Over the past 12 months, we've made more than $6 million in reductions across every department, with one goal in mind: protecting the classroom experience as much as possible.

• Central Office: Eliminated administrative and coordinator positions.

• Programs: Cancelled or reduced more than a dozen software licenses and programs, and cut travel and event spending.

• Transportation: Reduced bus routes and positions, field trips and athletic mileage.

• Buildings and Technology: Delayed device replacements, postponed facility projects, and reduced supply and repair budgets.

• Staffing: Implemented a reduction in force (RIF) last spring and left certain positions unfilled for the current school year.

None of these decisions were easy, and behind many of them are people who served our students well. Despite these efforts, we continue to face a gap between what we receive in funding and what it costs to operate our schools. Our fuel costs alone have doubled, which is why we will begin combining our preschool and elementary bus routes on October 26. It isn't the outcome we wanted, but it's the only way we can keep transporting our youngest learners. Repair costs have climbed too, and some projects we've put off in order to minimize spending. Health insurance rates also continue to rise and have increased by at least 20%. We know families across communities are feeling the pinch as well.

We are not doing this work alone. Our Financial Sustainability Committee is helping us look at the full picture. The Committee’s bigger goal is not just finding cuts, but keeping our district on solid financial ground for years to come. Earlier this fall, members shared their ideas through a survey, and many of them matched steps we had already taken. That tells me we're seeing the same challenges and asking the right questions. Now the committee is focused on new options and will help shape the recommendations that go to our Board of Education.

The cuts we've made have slowed the problem, but they haven't solved it. In the coming months, our board and community will face hard decisions about how to meet our financial obligations while continuing to serve our students well. In my next update, I'll walk through the gap that remains and the options in front of us.

Thank you for your patience, your questions, and your commitment to our students.

The bond issuance public hearing scheduled for Tuesday, October 20 board meeting will be held at central office.

The public hearing for the levy will be at the November 3rd board meeting, which will be held at Jones Farrar School.

On October 7, the streets of Freeport filled with orange and black for our annual Homecoming Parade, and what a celebration it was.

Our marching bands set the tone, filling the air with music that had spectators cheering and clapping along. The FHS NJROTC marched with precision and pride, and our sports teams waved to the crowd and soaked up the support. Student clubs and organizations showed off their creativity and spirit, and of course, our Homecoming Court was a crowd favorite.

Just as impressive were the people lining the route. Families, neighbors, alumni, and staff came out to cheer on our kids , and our students felt every bit of that love. Of course, the candies thrown at the crowd added to the festivities. Moments like this remind all of us that our schools belong to the whole community.

Thank you to everyone who made the parade possible: the students, staff, coaches, sponsors, and volunteers who practiced, planned, and organized the day, and to every person who came out to cheer. You made our kids feel like stars. Special thanks to Ms. Jaci Ogden, Homecoming Parade organizer.

Be sure to check out this week's "Around the District" video for photos from the parade!

Dr. Anna Alvarado

Superintendent of Schools

This edition of Inside 145 shines the spotlight on the Enrollment & Transportation Center, where a dedicated team supports thousands of students and families each day. From welcoming families through enrollment to providing safe, dependable transportation, the department plays an essential role in keeping students connected to school and ready to learn. Take a closer look at the important work happening behind the scenes!

From welcoming new families to ensuring students arrive safely at school, the Enrollment & Transportation Center (ETC) plays a vital role in keeping FSD 145 connected. Led by Director Dallas Pieper, the ETC serves thousands of students and families through enrollment and transportation services. In this edition of Inside 145, Pieper shares a closer look at the dedicated team, daily operations, and behind-the-scenes efforts that help students get to school safely and ready to learn.

The ETC manages enrollment for approximately 3,700 FSD 145 students and coordinates transportation for Freeport, Dakota, and Pearl City school districts. With 76 employees supporting daily transportation for more than 2,500 students, the department helps families navigate enrollment while ensuring students have reliable transportation to school.

What makes the ETC special?

Bringing enrollment and transportation together allows the ETC to support families from registration through their daily school commute. The office operates 12 hours a day and remains open on many days when Freeport schools are closed to serve partner districts and therapeutic schools.

Behind every enrollment record and bus route is a team committed to accuracy, confidentiality, and dependable service.

What does a typical day look like?

The day starts early — and stays busy! Operations begin around 5:30 a.m., with buses and vans completing more than 700 runs each day, often continuing until 5:45 p.m.

While drivers and monitors transport students, office staff coordinate routes, answer calls, update student information, maintain vehicles, and respond to changing needs. Every day requires flexibility, communication, and teamwork.

Did You Know?

• ETC buses and vans serve students traveling to schools in 11 communities, including Freeport, Rockford, Beloit, and Dixon.

• Enrollment is a year-round service, ensuring schools have accurate student and family information.

• Weekly enrollment reports help district leaders monitor trends and plan for student needs.

What services and opportunities should families know about?

The ETC is preparing to introduce a bus tracking app that will help families see when their bus is approaching or running late.

The department also provides bilingual enrollment assistance and connects families experiencing housing instability or other challenges with McKinney-Vento support and community resources.

Additionally, the ETC welcomes individuals interested in becoming school bus drivers — an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in students' lives.

How does the ETC demonstrate "All In For All Kids"?

For the ETC team, All In For All Kids means helping every student access school and arrive ready to learn. Whether enrolling a new student, updating emergency contacts, arranging transportation, or helping a family through a difficult situation, the department works to remove barriers and keep students connected to their education.

What accomplishments make the team especially proud?

One significant achievement is increasing birth record compliance from 78% to 99%, reflecting careful recordkeeping, consistent follow-up, and strong communication with families.

The department also uses performance measures to monitor progress, identify improvements, and recognize employees' contributions.

Who makes it all happen?

It takes a coordinated team! The ETC includes 47 drivers, 21 monitors, two mechanics, and office personnel who manage dispatching, routing, scheduling, payroll, family communication, and enrollment. Each person plays an important role in keeping operations running smoothly and supporting students and families.

What's something happening behind the scenes that deserves recognition?

Sometimes the most meaningful work happens after the bus route ends.

When a student is unsure how to get home or an adult is unavailable at drop-off, ETC employees stay with the student and work with families to ensure a safe handoff — even when it means staying beyond their scheduled hours. These quiet acts of compassion reflect a team that sees its work as more than a job. It's a commitment to the children they serve.

What's ahead for the ETC?

Under Pieper's leadership, the ETC looks forward to introducing bus tracking for families, strengthening collaboration with schools, and continuing to improve services.

Through every enrollment, every route, and every interaction, the team remains committed to supporting students and families — demonstrating what it means to be All In For All Kids.

Beginning Monday, October 26, preschool and elementary bus routes will be combined, resulting in changes to pickup and drop-off times. Updated schedules will be shared with families before the change takes effect.

Please have your child ready five minutes before their scheduled pickup time. Preschool students will continue to receive curb-to-curb service. For questions, contact Transportation at 815-232-0580

Revised Early Childhood Center Hours

Full Day 8:35-3:15

AM 8:35-11:05

PM 12:45-3:15

BUS DROP TIME

8:25

12:35

At its September meeting, the FSD 145 Board of Education welcomed Freeport High School junior Morgan Bunker as its newest student board member. Morgan succeeds Quinn Kryzminski, who graduated in May, and joins returning student board member FHS senior Gustavo Commarela.

Beyond her role on the Board, Morgan is actively involved in school leadership, athletics, and community service. She has served on Student Council since her freshman year and currently serves as Student Council Vice President. She is also involved in Key Club, the National Honor Society, Girls Soccer, and the Student Leadership Team. Morgan has participated in the district's drug-abuse awareness program with CGTI and previously served as a freshman representative on the Girls Soccer Team. Through these experiences, she has developed a passion for student advocacy, collaboration, and making a positive difference in her school and community.

Morgan has already taken an active role in her new position, providing Board members with updates on activities, discussions, and issues important to FHS students. She is working closely with Gustavo, the 2026–2027 FHS Student Advisory Council, and FHS Principal Sarah Hasken to ensure student voices and perspectives are represented at the Board level.

(below: Seated between board members Ryan Shirley and Audrey Moore-Howard, Morgan Bunker takes the Student Board Member Oath of Office.)

This week, we celebrate and thank our principals and associate principals for their leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to students, staff, and families. Their vision, support, and care help create safe, welcoming, and strong school communities where every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. We are grateful for their continued efforts to make FSD 145 a district where everyone feels valued.

Upcoming Events - New Events Added

Notable Dates - New Dates Added

Reminders