Board Philosophy

We believe the Board of Education of District # 13 has specific responsibilities which it cannot delegate to others. These are:

  • An economic responsibility to allocate its limited resources towards the attainment of unlimited educational aims.
  • A civic responsibility to act as an effective two-way line of communication between the schools and the community.
  • A planning responsibility to anticipate needs and explore methods for improvement.
  • A leadership responsibility to guide and assist in developing a learning atmosphere which encourages creativity, individualism, inquiry and a healthy awareness and understanding of the world and of the people.

We believe in a child-centered district, where instruction is planned that recognizes that each child learns as an individual whether in a group or independently.

We believe that a school must constantly strive for improvement and will encourage staff to draw upon research and continue professional growth toward that end.

We believe that a successful public school system is the base of a healthy democratic society and requires the highest efforts, devotion, and cooperation from every member of the community.

School Board Elections

Board members will serve 4-year terms in accordance with the State election cycle (Spring of each odd-numbered year). The rotation includes 4 seats in one election followed by 3 seats in the next.

Responsibilities
No one person on the Board or group of persons acts in the name of the Board. When an item comes before the Board in the form of a motion, it is necessary that a majority vote be in favor of the motion in order for the Board to take action. All Board members must vote on each motion.
The areas of Board action include:

    • Drafting policies for the operation of the schools.
    • Employing a superintendent of schools.
    • Authorizing the appointment of recommended teachers and administrators.
    • Determining education standards and goals.
    • Approving the curriculum as studied, developed, and recommended by staff.
    • Securing funds for school operational needs, building programs, and authorizing expenditures.
    • Expressing and representing the views of the community in matters affecting education.
    • Interpreting the educational programs and needs of the community.

Consultants from the staff and members of the community often aid the Board in performing these duties.


Board Meetings

The Board of Education is the legislative body of the school district. Their meetings are held in public, but not as a public forum for open debate. However, this Board believes strongly in the rights of citizens to be heard. You may be heard in the following ways:

  1. The President of the Board will inquire at the appropriate time (under Public Comments) if anyone in the audience wishes to bring something to the Board's attention.
  2. Citizens may request time to speak by telephone or in writing to an agenda item.
  3. Citizens may write a letter to the Board, addressing it to the President or Superintendent. Such letters are copied and given to the Board members.
  4. Questions will be heard by either building or central office administrators any day of the work week.

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Our Vision

Empowering ALL to Embrace Success

Our Mission
Rock Falls Elementary District #13 staff, students, families, and community members, utilizing mutual respect, will partner to attain a safe environment while empowering all to pursue success as lifelong learners.  Through diversified experiences, our students will discover their potential, and achieve readiness for their future, while succeeding emotionally, physically, intellectually, and socially in an evolving world.

D13 Logo smallElementary School District 13

602 Fourth Avenue,
Rock Falls, IL 61071

phone icon 815-626-2604
fax icon815-626-2627

District Office Hours

School Year: 7:30AM - 4:30PM
Summer: 8:00AM - 4:00PM

© 2018 Rock Falls Elementary School District #13. All Rights Reserved
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