The Rochester Schools have run out of space and options.
On November 5, 2019, Rochester residents will be able to vote on whether to increase Rochester Public Schools’ funding through a bond. During our club meeting on Wed, Sept 25th, we had a presentation about this topic.
Vote early by an absentee ballot beginning September 20th or on Election Day, November 5th at your polling place. Learn more here.
Here are some links to the recent school board meeting and documents about the referendum and the tax impact.
1. The referendum web page.
2. The entire BoardDoc and all nine attachments.
3. The presentation only.
4. The replay of the school board meeting.
In just five years, enrollment in the District has increased by more than 1,000 students. A Community Growth and Housing Study, conducted by Cooperative Strategies, reports the District will experience significant housing development over the next five years, including an additional 4,000 to 6,000 multi-and single-family units. As a result, enrollment is projected to increase by over 1,200 students. The District is currently operating near capacity.
Based on enrollment projections, the District will be operating over capacity at the elementary and middle school levels within two years. This will require additional classroom space.
The safety of our students and staff is a top priority. Some schools’ main entrances need to be redesigned to better monitor and control visitor access. Many schools’ door locking systems also need to be updated to remotely monitor all entrances, and emergency alarm systems need to be replaced to meet Americans with Disabilities (ADA) code requirements.
Finally, there are a number of support areas that need to be updated in our middle and high schools. The sound and lighting systems in the high schools’ auditoriums are in need of replacement. As well as some of the District’s pools have outlived their service life and others are in need of updates.