Attention, Rochester! Here's what you need to know about the 2023 Capital Projects Technology Levy Referendum!
🏠 For the average $325,000 homeowner, it's $11 a month.
📊 We're rising from the bottom of the pack among 11 comparable districts in operating and technology levies.
⏰ This fresh 10-year levy spells a new era for our schools—building a brighter future, one innovative step at a time.
💻 From a $3 million tech infusion to redirecting $7 million from the general fund, we're maintaining class sizes.
Please make your voice heard by voting on or before November 7.
🍿 It's movie night, Rochester! 🎬 Grab your popcorn and tune in to our videos highlighting the 2023 Capital Projects Technology Levy Referendum for Rochester Public Schools!
📽️ RPS Capital Projects Referendum: Unveil the transformative plans for our school's future - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4vE0jCxbPI&feature=youtu.be
🌐 How can technology help RPS? Discover the power of tech in shaping our students' education. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DynHcULSVUY
💸 How will the Referendum finances be used? Dive into the smart allocation of funds for our schools. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LrhhqA0RMo
🎯 What will the Referendum help us accomplish? Learn how your support paves the way for a brighter future! - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmLren2hee8
🗳️ Get informed and vote on November 7! - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hqZ2Wj6pJM
It's almost time to "fall back!" Daylight Saving Time concludes on Sunday, November 5, 2023, at 2:00 A.M. Don't forget, our clocks need to "fall back" one hour.
Did you know you can vote early today, Saturday, November 4? Vote from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2122 Campus Dr. SE, Suite 300, Rochester, MN 55904 or 151 4th St SE, Conference Room 2, Rochester, MN.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hqZ2Wj6pJM
🌟 Strong schools are the cornerstone of a vibrant community! 🌟
The Rochester area is a great place to live and raise a family. We have excellent
schools, dedicated staff, highly engaged parents/caregivers, and a generous
community.
Consistently rated as one of the best cities to live in the U.S., Rochester is known
worldwide for its history in healthcare, spirit of innovation in healthcare and
technology, and its dedication to education for learners of all ages.
The technology levy referendum is crucial for keeping the Rochester Public School District competitive. By providing $10.1 million annually for technology, it allows the district to preserve current class sizes by redirecting $7 million back to the general fund.
Please vote on or before November 7.
RPS families: A quick reminder that there will be no school for students on TUESDAY, November 7, due to a PD day for staff.
In case you missed it, here's the latest edition of Supt in the Halls, where Kent interviews Rochester students on what they think about Rochester!
Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/6-CSUpsg88E
Rochester Public Schools (RPS) seeks approval for a technology levy generating $10,150,000 annually for 10 years. $7 million will maintain optimal class sizes, while the rest will:
KEEP STUDENTS SAFE — Implement cutting-edge software and hardware, like cameras, to bolster school security.
PREVENT FUTURE CYBER ATTACKS — Upgrade technology infrastructure, ensuring robust cyber protection and dedicated IT staff.
PROVIDE TECHNOLOGY TO ALL STUDENTS — Provide devices and assistive technology for all students, ensuring an inclusive learning environment.
SUPPORT TEACHERS WITH CURRENT TECHNOLOGY — Offer up-to-date computers, eliminating the use of outdated devices for educators.
UPDATE CURRICULUM — Invest in instructional software and materials for comprehensive academic development.
PROPEL STUDENTS TO FUTURE SUCCESS — Introduce software for accelerated learning and career planning, fostering students' long-term growth.
USE DATA TO SUPPORT STUDENTS — Utilize data to identify struggling students and provide resources for their improvement, fostering a supportive learning environment.
ALLOCATE FUNDING EFFECTIVELY AND EFFICIENTLY — Implement finance software for informed decision-making on educational priorities and resource management.
Your vote, on or before November 7, will shape the future of RPS.
In the last two years, RPS has actively ensured the district's financial stability, making substantial budget cuts exceeding $20 million. These measures led to increased class sizes and the elimination of 150 positions, highlighting the challenges we've faced.
Our dedication to providing exceptional education remains unwavering. We recognize technology's profound impact and are committed to incorporating it into our curriculum innovatively.
If passed, this referendum preserves current class sizes and avoids budget cuts of up to $10 million for 2024-2025.
Please vote on or before November 7.
📣 Rochester's future is on the ballot on November 7! The capital projects technology levy is a measured plea for vital funding to preserve manageable class sizes and ensure the integration of cutting-edge technology. By investing in our schools, we empower our community's educational competitiveness, positioning Rochester Public Schools on par with other districts of similar size. 🏫🌟
Please vote on or before November 7!
How will Referendum finances be used? Check out this video to learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LrhhqA0RMo
Be engaged, be informed, and please vote on or before November 7!
Rochester Public Schools (RPS) remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering a top-tier education. We believe in the transformative power of technology and are determined to find innovative ways to integrate it into our classrooms. On Nov. 7, voters will be asked to consider a capital projects levy referendum to fund $10 million annually to fund technology and maintain class size.
RPS is on a journey toward a brighter future, where technology plays a pivotal role in shaping our education. Together, we can overcome obstacles and provide students with the tools they need to thrive in the digital age.
Please vote on or before November 7.
Rochester Public Schools (RPS) remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering a top-tier education. We believe in the transformative power of technology and are determined to find innovative ways to integrate it into our classrooms. On Nov. 7, voters will be asked to consider a capital projects levy referendum to fund $10 million annually to fund technology and maintain class size.
RPS is on a journey toward a brighter future, where technology plays a pivotal role in shaping our education. Together, we can overcome obstacles and provide students with the tools they need to thrive in the digital age.
Please vote on or before November 7.
New school year, same Superintendent in our hallways talking with students! In this edition of Supt in the Halls, Superintendent Pekel asks students what they think about Rochester!
Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/6-CSUpsg88E
What will the Referendum funds help us accomplish? Watch this brief video to learn more.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmLren2hee8
Be engaged, be informed, and please vote on or before November 7!
Be sure to keep an eye on your mailboxes for the comprehensive brochure detailing the impactful Rochester Public Schools Technology for Transformation Referendum Levy. This informative document provides a thorough understanding of the initiative's benefits and how it will positively shape the future of our educational community. Don't miss this opportunity to stay informed and be an active participant in the betterment of our schools.
Please vote on or before November 7.
Don't miss the opportunity to be part of the conversation that shapes the future of Rochester Public Schools! Join us for the "In the City for Good: Information Session for Proposed Technology Levy" tonight, October 19, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., for a comprehensive understanding of the transformative potential of the proposed technology levy.
Additionally, mark your calendar for the "Virtual Referendum Overview" on October 30, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., and the "In-Person Referendum Forum" on November 6, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Be engaged, be informed, and please vote on or before November 7!
Reminder: There is no school on Thursday and Friday, October 19-20, in observance of Education Minnesota’s MEA conference. Edison Administration Building and Northrup Education Center will still operate during normal business hours.
Unity Day was created by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center, to come together in one giant orange message of hope and support.
The goal of Unity Day is to bring together youth, parents, educators, businesses, and community members across the nation to emphasize the message that bullying is not acceptable and that all students deserve to be safe in school, online, and in the community.
The Rochester Public Schools 2023 Capital Projects Technology Levy Referendum is our shield against future cyber threats! By investing in cutting-edge computer hardware, we fortify our technology infrastructure and erect a robust defense against potential cyberattacks. Moreover, these funds will support our dedicated staff who tirelessly safeguard our district's technological backbone. Your vote counts in ensuring our digital resilience!
Find out more about the referendum here >> https://www.rochesterschools.org/referendum
Make sure to vote on or before November 7. Early voting is happening now!
Find your polling place here: https://pollfinder.sos.mn.gov/