Public Feedback Sought for Rochester School Closure Plan

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- The Rochester Public School District (RPS) is looking to gather public input on a recent proposal that calls for the closure of three schools.

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Last Month RPS Superintendent Kent Pekel formally presented the school board with a 10-part plan called the “Attendance Options Redesign proposal.” The plan is an effort to implement new school start times and trim transportation and other expenses for the next school year.

The schools recommended for closure in the proposal, due to sustained declining enrollment since the pandemic, are Pinewood and Riverside Elementary Schools, and Mighty Oaks Early Learning School.

RPS/Google

“The Attendance Options Redesign proposal is the result of two years of planning and analysis,” says Superintendent Pekel. “While the narrow failure of the technology referendum that Rochester Public Schools placed on the ballot on November 7, 2023, increases the urgency of finding savings in the school district’s transportation budget and in every other area of the district’s work, this proposal is not a kneejerk reaction to the defeat of the referendum earlier this month.”

On Wednesday the district launched an online form that allows the community to weigh in on the plan. District families and residents can submit questions and comment until the end of the day on Dec. 22.

RPS also kicked off a series of in-person and virtual informational sessions this week. The remaining virtual sessions run from 12-1 p.m. today (Dec. 14), Monday, Dec. 18 and Tuesday Dec.19. The in-person sessions kicked off on Wednesday and will continue from 7-8:30 p.m. on today, Monday, Dec. 18 and Tuesday Dec.19 at the Edison Board Room at 615 7th St. Southwest.

Kim David/Townsquare Media

The next steps in the process involve the school board being presented with an updated version of the plan during its Jan. 9 meeting. Board members will then take up the plan during a Jan. 16 study session before voting on the proposal during a meeting scheduled for Jan. 23.