Rochester Public Schools (RPS) is embarking on the next round of strategic planning. In June 2022, the school board approved the current strategic plan, and this next plan will further refine a set of priorities that will guide the district through 2030. Today, RPS is launching an application for community members to participate in three committees that will provide insight and direction to that work.
"As we embark on developing RPS 2030, our next strategic plan, we're building on the strong foundation we've established while charting an even more focused course for the future,” said Superintendent Dr. Kent Pekel. "This comprehensive planning process will bring together diverse voices from across our community, students, families, staff, and community partners, to shape clear, measurable goals that will guide us through the end of this decade.”
Feedback Form
RPS is asking for feedback from parents, caregivers, community members, and staff using an online feedback form available in English, Spanish, Somali, and Arabic. The form will be open for feedback until September 24, 2025.
Focus Groups
RPS is seeking participants to join a focus group that will meet in late September through October and provide a chance to gather more in-depth information and feedback beyond the online form. Focus group discussions will revolve around each school level: elementary/early childhood, middle school, and high school, and will be offered in various formats (virtual/in-person) and times. There are a limited number of spots available, so if there are no spots listed, it means that all the slots have been filled. Please register to participate at this link.
Strategic Planning Committees
Additionally, we are seeking volunteers to participate in three committees:
Elementary School Design Committee: This committee will examine best practices in elementary school programs, structures, and practices to identify approaches that produce strong educational achievement and improvement, promote student engagement in learning, and appeal to families and strengthen enrollment. They will address specific issues of redefining districtwide option schools, how to empower neighborhood elementary schools, and how to enhance alignment between early childhood programs and elementary schools.
Middle School Design Committee: This committee will examine best practices in middle school programs, structures, and practices to identify approaches that produce strong educational achievement and improvement, promote student engagement in learning, and appeal to families and strengthen enrollment. They will address the specific issue of how to revise course offerings to provide students with more elective classes and opportunities to explore their interests. They will also address how to identify and implement thoughtful approaches to holding students accountable for mastering the knowledge, skills, and habits necessary for success in high school.
High School Design Committee: This committee will examine best practices in high school programs, structures, and practices to identify approaches that produce strong educational achievement and improvement, promote student engagement in learning, and appeal to families and strengthen enrollment. They will address the specific issue of how to enhance curricular offerings to align with students' genuine interests and aspirations, preparing them for success in the future economy and society. They will also investigate strategies to increase and improve participation in dual credit courses (simultaneously providing high school and postsecondary credit) and expand and enhance career and technical education (CTE) programs that prepare students for employment in skilled trades and other high-wage, high-opportunity sectors within Rochester’s workforce.
Committees will begin meeting in mid-October and will meet four times for 90 minutes each session. Meetings will occur one time per month, October-January. The meeting's time, dates, and locations are available at the application link below. A stipend of $75 per meeting will be paid for those who request payment for their time. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply using this application link. Applications close on September 19.
To work efficiently and effectively, it is necessary to keep the group membership small at 12-15 people per group. However, the charge for each group will include gathering broad input from the community, families, students, and staff to inform their work. To ensure that the members of the committees are knowledgeable about the issues they will be charged with examining and can bring diverse perspectives on those issues to the groups, we are inviting any interested member of the Rochester community to apply to serve in this way. The applications will be reviewed and selected by a team chaired by the superintendent. Participants will be notified of their selection by September 25.
“We're not just planning for tomorrow; we're ensuring that every student in Rochester Public Schools is prepared for success in an economy and society that will demand new knowledge, skills, and habits,” said Dr. Pekel. “Through focused committees, extensive stakeholder engagement, and data-driven decision-making, we'll create a strategic plan that addresses the real challenges and opportunities ahead while staying true to our commitment to serve every student with excellence and equity.”
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