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School Street School to close after 2024–25; students and staff honored at board meeting
Summary
The Rochester School Board heard tributes to School Street School on April 10 and was told the building will close at the end of the 2024–25 school year as students transition to the new Salmon Falls School.
On April 10, 2025, the Rochester School Board heard a presentation celebrating School Street School and was told the school will close at the end of the 2024–25 school year as part of the district's plan to open the new Salmon Falls School.
Board members and district leaders highlighted the school's history and recent student-led events. Dr. Bridal, the district superintendent, cited a historical summary printed in Foster's Daily Democrat noting School Street School first opened to 49 students in 1877 and described the district's timeline to move students to Salmon Falls. "At the end of the 2024'25 school year, we will close the doors to School Street School as part of our city's and school district's timeline for opening the new Salmon Falls School," Dr. Bridal said.
Principal Bowden told the board that staff and students have worked to sustain a positive school culture, and thanked School Street employees for their "commitment to excellence, creativity, and teamwork." He said a staff-made video illustrating that culture had technical issues during the meeting but would be shared with the community.
Student Ally Hibbard described a student-invented holiday called "Bumbleday," which she said took place on March 28, 2025. "On Bumbleday, you be yourself. Wear whatever you like to school without fear of being judged," Hibbard said. She outlined the holiday's three tenets: be yourself, be kind, and make an effort to say nice things to the kids around you.
Board members suggested making the March 28 observance a recurring calendar event to preserve the school's traditions after it closes. The district said it will distribute the video produced by staff and release additional details about end-of-year events for School Street as plans are finalized.
A spokesperson for the district said the Salmon Falls School opening and School Street's closure are part of the district's planned transitions; the board did not take formal action on the closure at the April 10 meeting.
