RPS is the 7th largest district in MN but ranks last in voter-approved school funding among districts with 10,000 or more students. The Ignite Student Learning referendum asks voters to consider an operating levy increase to help students thrive. Learn more: https://referendum.rochesterschools.org/the-plan
4 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Bar chart explaining where RPS falls on the ranking for total voter approved, local support for operating costs of school districts with 10,000 or more students, currently RPS is last
Bar chart explaining where RPS falls on the ranking for total voter approved, local support for operating costs of school districts with 10,000 or more students. If the referendum passes, RPS would move up five places.
You can vote early now through November 4, and you can vote early in person on Saturday, October 26, 2024, and November 2, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday, November 3, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. On Tuesday, October 29, 2024, hours are extended from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Learn more: https://referendum.rochesterschools.org/voting-information
4 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Vote early in person and on the weekends
Have you ever wondered what MEA is and why students don't have school in the middle of October? Check out this article from the Star Tribune explaining this two-day break: https://www.startribune.com/mea-weekend-minnesota-educators-academy-explained-third-week-october/600313386
5 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
In education, part of our job is to meet students where they are. Every student has a unique relationship with learning. From their learning preferences to how their brain explores concepts, education isn't a "one size fits all" experience. At Rochester Public Schools, our Advanced Learning program helps meet the needs of students who are ready for more challenging content and require experiences beyond the traditional classroom setting. https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1792714
5 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Students working on a breakoutEDU activity
A reminder that there is no school for students on Thursday, October 17, and Friday, October 18, for MEA (Minnesota Educators Academy). We will see students back in school on Monday, October 21.
5 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
No School on Thursday and Friday, October 17 and 18
If the Ignite Student Learning referendum is approved in November, the operating levy increase will protect essential teaching positions, classes, and programs that empower all students. Learn more about our proposed plan: RochesterSchools.org/referendum
5 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
What would the Referendum support?
Our students took a bite out of the day for Apple Crunch day! This month, all of our students have been receiving local apples for lunch from ApplesRUs as part of #MNFarmtoSchool month! We can tell you that our students are loving these fresh, fragrant, and juicy apples!
5 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
MN Great Apple Crunch
Two students taking a bite out of apples!
Student smiling with their apple
Student reaching for an apple
Student with a missing tooth!
Student smiling after eating an apple
Student holding their apple up
Students crunching on two apples at the lunch table
Student holding up their apple with a bite out of it.
Student smiling while pointing to the apple crunch photo
At the School Board meeting on Tuesday, October 8, the School Board voted unanimously to direct Superintendent Pekel to develop a 2025-2026 general fund budget recommendation that includes reductions if the Ignite Student Learning referendum plan is not passed by voters on November 5, 2024. Read more about what this budget recommendation would include: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1811261
5 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
What happens if the 2024 RPS Referendum fails?
Grab your kicks and get ready for Walk to School Day! Tomorrow, October 9, students and families across Rochester will be walking to school to promote healthy exercise and safe routes to school. How can you help? Remember to keep your eyes out for our walkers and drive cautiously around school zones.
5 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Walk to school day - october 9, grab your kicks! Plan your route to walk or roll to school together.
Listen to RPS students explain the Ignite Student Learning referendum that is on the November ballot! The video shows how the proposed levy increase would stabilize district finances and support the programs and services that help students thrive: https://youtu.be/2-Y2VWb-wA8
5 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Listen to Superintendent Pekel explain what's at stake for RPS this election when voters consider an operating levy increase that would stabilize our budget, allowing RPS to avoid school closures, protect class sizes, and maintain student programs and services: bit.ly/3MRUWLR
5 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Decision point for the referendum. If it passes, No major cuts in positions at the school or central office level No school closures No increase in class size
Does your student ride a school bus? Families using transportation can download the First View app to see where their student's buses are. The district code for the app is M6QE. Check it out!
5 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
download the app
In case you missed it! Read the recent op-ed by RPS School Board Chair Cathy Nathan, which explains why we put forward the Ignite Student Learning referendum to stabilize our finances and continue helping all students reach their full potential. ➡️ bit.ly/3XCaF6X
5 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Quote from Cathy: We know that public schools not only help support thriving communities but also develop the workforce that energizes our local economy. People are right to expect our schools to continue to improve and find ways to meet the needs of every student. To accomplish this, we need to build on what we do well, not slowly tear it down.
A reminder that there is no school tomorrow, Wednesday, September 25, for all students. Your teachers and administrators will be participating in professional development, reviewing assessment data, and planning instruction. We look forward to seeing you on Thursday!
5 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
No school on Wednesday, September 25
Early voting begins TODAY! This election, voters will decide whether to approve an operating levy increase to stabilize the RPS budget, protect class sizes, strengthen academic and career programs and more. Explore RochesterSchools.org/referendum for more information.
5 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Early voting begins today
Mark your calendars: Early voting for the "Ignite Student Learning" referendum starts this Friday, September 20. You can vote early via absentee ballot or in person at the Olmsted County Elections Office. Visit RochesterSchool.org/referendum to learn more about early voting.
6 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Vote!
Why is RPS facing a budget deficit? ➡️ State funding hasn’t kept up with inflation or the rising cost of staff salaries, utilities, and school equipment. ➡️ Of the 15 MN districts with 10,000+ students, RPS ranks last in voter-approved local funding. Visit RochesterSchools.org/referendum to learn more.
6 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Financial Stability is critical to our progress
Join us tonight to hear what the three psychological needs are that need to be met to enable a young person to learn, develop, and achieve their full potential. In his first State of the School District Address, RPS Superintendent Kent Pekel will answer that question and provide an engaging overview of how Rochester Public Schools is working to meet those three essential psychological needs for more than 17,000 young people in our community. The event will also feature performances and observations from RPS students on the state of our schools, our school system, and our city. Thanks to a generous donation, the evening will conclude with frozen treats from La Michoacana Purepecha. Whether you are a parent or caregiver who seeks to help your children succeed or a member of the Rochester community who wants to help all children succeed or both, please join us for what promises to be an important and enjoyable evening. See you at 7 p.m. at the John Marshall High School auditorium (1510 14th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901).
6 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
State of the district is tonight
Make your voice heard about the referendum to support RPS. Early voting starts on Friday, Sept. 20! You can learn more about the "Ignite Student Learning" plan to provide financial stability that will support our students by visiting RochesterSchools.org/referendum.
6 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Vote on or before Tuesday, November 5
If approved by voters this Nov., funding from the school referendum will eliminate our budget deficit and provide the financial stability we need to continue inspiring, challenging, and empowering all students to reach their full potential. Find out more: RochesterSchools.org/referendum
6 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
"Funding from the operating levy would: ⭐Support core academics ⭐Protect access to career-focused education ⭐Strengthen mental and emotional health services for students "