Rochester, MN – September is Minnesota School Board Recognition Month, and Rochester Public Schools is proud to join the Minnesota School Boards Association in recognizing the dedicated public servants who help ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.
School board members volunteer countless hours to lead one of our community's most important responsibilities: equipping every student with the knowledge, independence, and resilience to pursue a fulfilling path. Their leadership helps create learning environments where every student thrives in school and in life.
“While the public sees our board in action during meetings, the critical nature of their work is evident in the thoughtful and decisive leadership they provide to ensure student success,” said Superintendent Dr. Kent Pekel. "Board service is an incredibly time-consuming and frequently very challenging process, as board members must make hard decisions in the interest of the students. I'm grateful that capable people here in Rochester are willing and able to serve on the school board to do that important work."
As locally elected leaders, school board members establish the district's vision, adopt policies, approve budgets, oversee district operations, and hold the school system accountable for student achievement. In Rochester Public Schools, the school board oversees a $400 million budget, serves 17,100 students, supports 3,500 employees, and provides stewardship of 27 school buildings.
Strong public schools are built through strong local leadership. School boards represent our community's diverse voices, using evidence-based insights to ensure excellence while making thoughtful decisions that support the whole student and invest in our community's future.
Recognizing our school board
We proudly recognize the members of the Rochester Public Schools School Board for their dedication and service to our students, staff, families, and community:
Julie Workman: 16 years
Jean Marvin: 12 years
Don Barlow: 10 years
Cathy Nathan: 8 years
Karen MacLaughlin: 6 years
Justin Cook: 4 years
Stephanie Whitehorn: 2 years
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