Did you know that every public school student in Minnesota is part of a trust fund? Minnesota owns state public lands that generate revenue from timber, mining, and land leases. That money is placed into a protected investment trust dedicated strictly to supporting public school districts across the state. Due to investment growth, the fund has expanded from $675 million in 2010 to more than $2.3 billion today, but distributions have not kept pace because of outdated constitutional restrictions. This November, Minnesota voters can vote to increase the fund.

What does this ballot question change?

  • Sends more money to classrooms: Current constitutional rules limit payouts primarily to interest and dividends, restricting how much money reaches schools. The amendment modernizes the formula to increase the annual distribution from 2-2.5% to 4.5% of the fund's total value, significantly increasing payments to all Minnesota public schools.

  • Zero tax increase: It does not raise property, income, or sales taxes. It uses money already sitting in an existing investment fund.

  • Bipartisan agreement: The update was unanimously recommended by a nonpartisan task force and received strong bipartisan support in both the Minnesota House and Senate.

Under Minnesota law, a constitutional amendment must receive approval from a majority of all voters. Skipping the question has the exact same mathematical impact as actively voting against it. To support the amendment, you must vote "YES." Leaving the question blank counts as a "NO" vote. You can learn more about this at www.mnpsfamendment.org.

28 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
Permanent School Fund Constitutional Amendment

It's Curriculum and Development Day! Across the district, staff got ahead on lesson planning, collaborated with peers, and brushed up on their professional skills.

Because kids aren't in school today, Bishop staff got to welcome Beamish the therapy dog and his handler, Dixie, and show them around the school uninterrupted. Bishop will host Beamish and Dixie weekly for students who need a mental health break. This extra student support is all thanks to a new partnership with You're Not Alone, an organization that facilitates partnerships with therapy dogs.

29 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
Two teachers smile at the camera in a classroom with the chair upsidedown on the tables.
A teacher pets a small curly-haired dog on a leash. The woman holding the leash smiles at them.
A curly-haired dachshund and his owner sit on the floor.
Teachers gather around to meet the therapy dog.
Two teachers smile at the camera while working on their laptops.
A teacher grins has he works on his laptop.
Two teachers at a table focus on their laptops.

Reminder: there is no school on Wednesday, September 23. RPS staff will participate in a Curriculum and Development (CAD) Day to plan instruction and engage in professional development. We will see students back in school on Thursday, September 24.

about 1 month ago, Rochester Public Schools
No School Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Due to the forecast for inclement weather, we have decided to cancel the homecoming parades for John Marshall and Mayo High Schools, scheduled for tomorrow, Friday, September 18. Because permits are valid only for Friday, the parades cannot be rescheduled. We apologize for the inconvenience.

about 1 month ago, Rochester Public Schools
homecoming parades canceled

Due to the forecasted inclement weather for Friday, we are adjusting the homecoming games schedule for John Marshall and Mayo High Schools as follows:

  • ⚽ Varsity Girls' Soccer Game: Thursday, September 17, at 4:30 p.m.

  • 🏈 Varsity Football Game: Thursday, September 17, at 7:30 p.m.

We are continuing to monitor the weather regarding Friday's parades. Because permits are valid only for Friday, the parades cannot be rescheduled and will be canceled in the event of inclement weather. We will make the decision about the parade on Thursday based on the weather forecast and will communicate any updates as early as possible.

All other homecoming activities will take place as planned.

about 1 month ago, Rochester Public Schools
homecoming games schedule change
The RPS School Board will meet tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. in the Edison Board Room (615 7th St SW). On the agenda for tomorrow’s regular meeting is: RPS 2030 Strategic Plan Recommendation and Proposed School District Property Tax Payable 2027.

If you cannot attend in person, you can livestream the meeting at https://www.youtube.com/isd535.

You can view all full meeting agendas at https://rochesterschools.org/simbli.
about 1 month ago, Rochester Public Schools
RPS School Board Meeting, Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026 5:30pm, Regular Meeting
Today, students at Lincoln Elementary School were in for a surprise! This afternoon, we honored a group of student winners who helped us qualify for a $10,000 grant to improve our physical education program and help our students stay active! Congratulations to our award winners and Lincoln Elementary School.

Thank you, American Heart Association and Minnesota Vikings, for investing in our students' future!
about 1 month ago, Rochester Public Schools
Viktor celebrating with the confetti canon on Lincoln's stage.
Wyatt Boberg holding a $10,000 donation check with Vikings cheerleaders, Viktor, and AHA Members.
AHA member interviewing a student with a mic.
Dr. Pekel on the mic leading a vikings cheer.
Students with hands in the air in the gym.
Vikings and Lincoln staff holding donation check.

Rochester Public Schools utilizes the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) to manage safety and emergency situations within our school buildings. The SRP provides a consistent, clear language for students, staff, and first responders to use during an incident. Learn more about what the SRP is and how we communicate with families at www.rochesterschools.org/standard-response-protocol

about 1 month ago, Rochester Public Schools
RPS uses the Standard Response Protocol for emergencies

Bamber Valley community - The school year is in full swing, and so is your chance to grab some RPS gear! Our Apparel Shop is open through Friday, September 18, 2026. You can order a tee for everyday comfort or a cozy crewneck for the cooler days ahead. Shop here: https://rps26bambervalley.itemorder.com/shop/home/. Orders are open through Friday, September 18, and will be available for pick up at your school at the end of October.

about 1 month ago, Rochester Public Schools
Bamber Valley apparel
September is Minnesota School Board Recognition Month, and Rochester Public Schools is proud to join the Minnesota School Boards Association in recognizing the dedicated public servants who help ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.

School board members volunteer countless hours to lead one of our community's most important responsibilities: equipping every student with the knowledge, independence, and resilience to pursue a fulfilling path. Their leadership helps create learning environments where every student thrives in school and in life. Read more: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/3120072
about 1 month ago, Rochester Public Schools
RPS Celebrates School Board Appreciation Month
Local grown apples delivered straight to home grown students! Rochester Mayor Kim Norton and Director of the Southeast Minnesota Food Rescue and Redistribution Program, Lisa Schutz, visited Riverside Otters to announce the new partnership that brings fresh food to our classrooms. The Apple a Day program connects local growers with RPS classrooms, allowing students to learn about local farms and enjoy Minnesota-grown apples!
about 1 month ago, Rochester Public Schools
Kim Norton and Lisa Schutz talk to third grade students at Riverside Central Elementary
A Riverside student raises their hand to ask a question to Mayor Kim Norton
Kim Norton and Lisa Schutz talk to third grade students at Riverside Central Elementary
Kim Norton and Lisa Schutz speak with media at Riverside Central Elementary

Reminder: there is no school on Friday, September 4, for all schools except Longfellow Elementary, which will have a regular school day. Additionally, there will be no school, and RPS offices and buildings will be closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day.

about 2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
No school Friday, September 4 and Monday, September 7
Rochester Public Schools is expanding access to advanced coursework so more of our students get the chance to take on college-level work while still in high school. We've been selected for the inaugural cohort of the Social Mobility Leadership Network, a partnership led by the Aspen Institute and College Board working to move 1 million students nationwide into AP, IB, and dual enrollment courses by 2029. We're proud to be one of more than 20 districts across the country taking part and excited about what this means for our students' futures. Read more: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/3107179
about 2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Media Release
RPS Community - help shape the future of Rochester Public Schools!

Over the past year, RPS has gathered input from students, families, staff, and community members to shape the priorities of our 2030 Strategic Plan — and a final draft will head to the School Board in October.

The plan is built around four priority areas:
✅ Strong Academics
✅ Student Navigation
✅ Supportive Communities
✅ Systems for Improvement

Each includes specific projects that will guide our work over the next four years — and we want to hear from you before it's finalized.

Share what you like, what concerns you, ideas you have, or questions you want answered. You don't have to weigh in on every area — just where you have something to add. Complete the form at this link: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8979622/RPS-2030-Feedback-Form

The feedback form closes end of day September 10.
about 2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Provide feedback on the 2030 strategic plan proposal
Last Friday, Hoover staff and students snuck into the gym to pull off a giant surprise celebration for Mr. Denny, who was named the Minnesota Educational Facilities Management Professionals Association Minnesota Facility Worker of the Year! From his tireless work ethic and dedication to keeping our school safe to the constant joy and encouragement he brings to our students and staff every day, Mr. Denny represents the very best of our community. Thank you to everyone who helped pull off the surprise, and a huge congratulations to Mr. Denny on this incredible, well-deserved honor!
about 2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Mr. Denny receiving high fives
Mr. Denny receiving high fves
Mr. Denny and Hoover and facilities leadership
Mr. Denny receiving high fives
The RPS School Board will meet tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. in the Edison Board Room (615 7th St SW). On the agenda for tomorrow’s regular meeting is: Back to School Update, World Languages Update, Report on Superintendent Evaluation - Leadership Component.

If you cannot attend in person, you can livestream the meeting at https://www.youtube.com/isd535.

You can view all full meeting agendas at https://rochesterschools.org/simbli.
about 2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
RPS School Board Meeting, Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, 5:30 p.m. Regular Meeting
It's day 3 of our back to school adventures and the whole town is in motion as we begin the new school year. Today was the beginning of new routines, friends made and reunited, transitions to new classrooms or even schools, and the start of an amazing school year. Welcome back, we're so glad you're here!
about 2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Three 5th grade students standing together with their arms around eachother for the first day of school.
Students walking with a washington staff member to their classroom through the hallway.
Folwell student raising their hand to ask a question.
Teacher with yard stick talking to student about their Vikings' jersey.
Student giving a thumbs up to the camera as they get off the bus.
A line of 2nd grade students standing together as they wait for their classmates to arrive before the first bell.
School Board Chair, Cathy Nathan talking with a staff member after the bell rang for Jefferson's first day.
Two bestfriends reunited and sharing a toy in their hands with their backpacks to the camera.
Teacher holding a coffee mug and smiling down as he talks with a student.
Two washington staff standing together next to a wall smiling for a first day of school photo.
And they’re off! Excitement was at an all-time high this morning as our 6th–12th graders officially kicked off the new school year. We can't wait to see all that this year has in store for our secondary crew! Next up - Elementary students!
about 2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Superintendent Pekel talking with a student and laughing in front of the bus drop off zone
Attendance staff helping student find their information for first hour at the attendance window
Three students standing together smiling for a photo with their backpacks on.
JA staff helping student look at their adjusted schedule and find their first hour classroom
A Kellogg student skateboarding to school and saying hi to Principal Isacc with a bus in the background.
Group of students walking through the hallway looking for their lockers.
A large group of Kellogg students standing next to eachother smiling or posing for a photo in front of the Kellogg building.
Three JA students posing for a photo as a group of 3 wearing matching shirts in the hallway.
We're thrilled to welcome our crew back for the 2026-2027 school year! Today, we welcomed back our 6th- and 9th-grade students, as well as our specialized programs at Phoenix, Middle School ALC, and RAIL. Across the district, our dedicated elementary staff greeted families at Step Into Learning to ensure every student is supported to thrive this school year.
about 2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Two ninth grade Century students posing for a photo on our First day of school for Ninth graders.
Parent embracing student for a hug while smiling at the camera in front of the lockers.
A group of two families getting ready to meet the teacher on our Step Into Learning Days.
Janitor at Lincoln putting the final touches on a balloon display to welcome back students.
Teacher smiling and posing for a photo in her "beehive" themed classroom.
Two Century students waiting outside the classroom door to welcome students and smiling for a photo.
Three Century staff members embracing with arms around their backs smiling for a photo.
Parent smiling with student embracing his side as he half tucks a smile feeling shy.
A group of students with nametags and costumes getting ninth grade students excited for the school year.
The RPS School Board will meet tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. in the Edison Board Room (615 7th St SW). On the agenda for tomorrow’s regular meeting is: Plans to Practice.

If you cannot attend in person, you can livestream the meeting at https://www.youtube.com/isd535.

You can view all full meeting agendas at https://rochesterschools.org/simbli.
about 2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
RPS School Board Meeting Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026 5:30 p.m. Study Session