Rochester board asks Legislature to repeal alley system and adopts 2030 performance targets

The Rochester Public Schools board took two formal actions at its March 3 meeting: it passed a resolution asking the Minnesota Legislature to repeal the special law that establishes the district's numbered alley (seat) election system, and it adopted districtwide performance targets for 2030.

On the election item, Chair Nathan introduced a resolution asking the Legislature to repeal the 1974 special law permitting ISD 535 to use a numbered seat/alley system and to allow the district to hold future elections under the state's general at‑large system. The resolution specifies an intent to implement an at‑large system if the Legislature repeals the law and requests an effective date of June 1, 2026 to permit the district to meet candidate‑filing and notice deadlines for the 2026 election cycle. The board moved, seconded and approved the resolution by voice vote; no recorded roll‑call tally was provided in the meeting transcript.

The board also adopted a package of district performance targets for 2030 during the same meeting. The adopted goals read as districtwide targets and include (excerpted):

• Grades 3–5 math proficiency: 57.5% by 2030

• Grades 3–5 reading proficiency: 51.9% by 2030

• Grades 6–8 math proficiency: 38.4% by 2030

• Grades 6–8 reading proficiency: 48.6% by 2030

• ACT benchmarks: 60% (reading) and 50% (math)

• Consistent attendance: 87% districtwide; elementary 75%, high school 65%

• Suspension rate: 3% or fewer of students

• Five Essentials: three or more indicators in the green

• Graduation rate: 93% by 2030

• Postsecondary enrollment within 16 months of graduation: 70% (superintendent reduced a prior 75% target to 70% to reflect apprenticeships and direct‑to‑work pathways)

Superintendent Kent Picow said the adjustments reflect recognition of apprenticeship pathways that do not involve traditional postsecondary enrollment. Director Cook praised establishing specific, measurable targets while noting that reaching the stated proficiency levels will still leave the district wanting better outcomes for all students.

Both measures passed by voice vote in the meeting; the transcript records the board saying "Aye" with no opposition and the chair declaring approval. The resolutions and adopted targets will guide district planning and budget work in the coming year.