Rochester Chamber of Commerce Backs School Referendum

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- The Rochester Chamber of Commerce is backing the Rochester Public School District’s (RPS) referendum.

Read More: Rochester School Board Approves $19.4 Million Tax Increase Ballot Question

In May the Rochester School Board approved seeking voter approval for a $19.4 million dollar property tax increase to support local school operations starting in the 2025-2026 school year and remaining in effect for 10 years.

RPS Superintendent Kent Pekel has previously said the additional dollars would increase the school district's per-pupil funding by $1133 per year while adding around $30 per month to the average property tax bill on homes valued at about $350,000 to $400,000.

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Rochester Chamber of Commerce Endorses Rochester School District Referendum

On Monday, the Rochester Chamber of Commerce issued a news release announcing its support of the referendum, calling it a “ vital investment in our community's future.”

Kim David TSM

The chamber says funding from the referendum would support workforce-readiness initiatives and ensures Rochester remains competitive and prepared for future growth.

The Ignite Student Learning Referendum is an investment in the future of our workforce and the ongoing development of Rochester. As Rochester continues to grow in the years ahead our school system will be critical and the referendum will equip Rochester Public Schools to meet the educational needs of today and tomorrow. This includes sustaining investments in workforce programs to provide students opportunities to explore future career pathways and develop the skills they need to succeed.
-Ryan Parsons, President of the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce

A $10 million RPS referendum failed by more than 300 votes last year. A $10 million donation from Mayo Clinic prevented the district from making cuts to programs, staff and closing school buildings.

Pekel has said the district would have to enact similar sweeping cuts if the $19.4 million referendum fails this fall.

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Gallery Credit: Carly Ross