Dear RPS community,

There is an incredible energy in our schools right now. Over the past three years, under our Planning for Purpose strategic plan, we have been working tirelessly to create an environment where students feel seen, supported, and challenged to grow.

Sometimes, the day-to-day work moves so fast that we forget to look back at how far we have come. We set ambitious goals to foster innovation and academic excellence. As we're wrapping up this year, I am proud to share that those goals are translating into real-world impact. The data you are about to see tells a powerful story of growth—from our classrooms to our community partnerships.

Between 2022 and 2025, Rochester Public Schools (RPS) implemented a strategic plan entitled Planning for Purpose. The following numbers paint a picture of the ways that Planning for Purpose has made a difference in the life of Rochester Public Schools.

3% point increase
in 3rd Grade Math Proficiency

0.1% point increase
in 3rd Grade Reading Proficiency

8.3% point increase
in 8th Grade Math Proficiency

4.2% point increase
in 8th Grade Reading Proficiency

11.4% point increase
in consistent attendance

2.2% point increase
in on-time graduation from high school

The new elementary school start time—replacing the previous 9:35 a.m. start time, adds significant learning time and better supports working families.

mental health assessments were completed, enabling staff to identify students who may benefit from therapy and other supports.

were secured from grants to support innovation, improvement, and expanded opportunities for RPS students

Students logged in to the Xello platform

times to explore and develop pathways to college, careers, and future success

messages were exchanged in multiple languages between families and staff through the Talking Points app, strengthening communication and supporting student success

of the RPS Student School Board members reported that serving on the Student School Board gives them a meaningful way to influence change in their schools and across RPS

RPS School Board policies and procedures were revised to strengthen support for students, families, and staff from historically marginalized communities.

partnerships were launched or strengthened with leading organizations in Rochester and beyond to advance the strategic priorities of RPS and the partner organizations

teachers and staff completed a rigorous program of professional development in the science of reading to support the implementation of RPS’s new research-based literacy curriculum

teachers participated in Deeper Learning Teams to design and share model learning experiences that integrate mastery, identity, and creativity

parents and caregivers graduated from or are participating in the new RPS Caregiver and Parent Empowerment (CAPE) Program

RPS staff members completed or are participating in “Grow Your Own” programs that help them earn licenses in high-need areas such as special education and social work

school leaders completed or are enrolled in the Minnesota Principals Academy, a research-based program that equips principals to improve student learning in reading, math, science, and other subjects

teachers and other staff participated in the Aspiring Administrators program to prepare the next generation of school leaders in RPS

or more of each school’s budget is now allocated at the school level to empower schools to meet the unique needs of their students under the RPS Balanced Budget Model

performance measures were approved as the focus of the next generation of Rochester’s School Continuous Improvement Plan (SCIP) process

Behind every one of these numbers is a human story. The increase in proficiency represents "aha!" moments in the classroom, while the millions of messages exchanged on TalkingPoints represent stronger bridges between home and school.

Thank you for trusting us with your students as we work to equip each and every one of them with the knowledge, independence, and resilience to pursue a fulfilling path. 

As we celebrate these milestones, we are already looking toward the future. We will finish the next strategic plan during the rest of the school year to build upon this strong foundation. I look forward to sharing drafts with the School Board in the spring as we chart the course for our next chapter.

With gratitude and excitement for what lies ahead,

Kent Pekel, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools