Rochester, MN – Rochester Public Schools is pleased to announce Mona Perkins as the school district’s new chief academic officer. Perkins has an extensive background working in public schools. She currently serves as the principal of Park Terrace Elementary School in the Spring Lake Park School District. She previously served as the principal at Webster Elementary in North St. Paul, assistant principal at Tartan High School in Oakdale and North View Junior High in Brooklyn Park, and as a math teacher at John Glenn Middle School in Maplewood and Crosswinds Arts and Science School in Woodbury.
"Mona Perkins is an extraordinary educator, and I can't wait to introduce her to the Rochester Public Schools community starting this summer," said RPS Superintendent Dr. Kent Pekel. “She has deep experience in many areas that are the focus of our strategic plan, so she is well-positioned to lead efforts to deepen and broaden our academic work. She's a highly collaborative leader who knows how to implement systems that enable educators to do their best work for and with students."
As chief academic officer, Perkins will oversee the Office of Academics and lead the district’s initiatives in curriculum and instruction, special education services, research and innovation, advanced learner services, multilingual learner services, establishing a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS), and other key elements of Rochester Public Schools’ academic agenda.
"I am so excited to join the incredible team at Rochester Public Schools and to get to know the students, families, and staff," says Perkins. "It's an honor to be able to work alongside such passionate educators and to serve this community. I'm looking forward to being able to contribute to all the great work already happening here."
RPS teachers and administrators were invited to serve on the interview committee during the search for the chief academic officer. More than 50 staff applied, and 20 participated in the first round of interviews, which narrowed it down to four final candidates before a smaller group of RPS staff selected Perkins.
Perkins holds an M.A. in Teaching from the University of St. Thomas and a B.A. in Organizational Management and Communication from Concordia University. She is currently enrolled in the Education Policy and Leadership PhD program at the University of Minnesota. She will begin her position with RPS on July 1, 2024, pending Board approval.