Parentsquare Logo

  • Rescheduled Regular Board of Education Meeting

    Dear Rochester Families, This email is to inform you that the Board of Education has rescheduled it's regular meeting for Tuesday, January 27th, 2026. The Board made this decision to ensure that all Board members can be in attendance, as several important items will be discussed. To better accommodate visitors, the meeting will be held in the Rochester High School auditorium and will also be streamed on the District's YouTube page, as is regular practice. Thank you for your flexibility, dedication, and continued support. Sincerely, Rochester CUSD #3A

    Thursday, Jan 15 2026

  • Important Leadership Update for RHS & RJHS Beginning...

    Dear Rochester Students, Parents, Friends, and Guardians, Please see the attached letter from Interim Superintendent Rolf Sivertsen regarding an important leadership transition for the High School and Junior High campuses beginning with the 2026–2027 school year. Sincerely, Jon Hansen Director of Communications

    Monday, Nov 10 2025

  • Now Hiring: Special Education Paraprofessionals

    Now Hiring: Special Education Paraprofessionals Rochester CUSD #3A – Early Childhood to Grade 1 (EC-1)  Rochester CUSD #3A is seeking two dedicated and compassionate Special Education Paraprofessionals to join our team at EC-1!  Support students with diverse needs in a positive, collaborative environment.  Position: Special Education Paraprofessional (2 openings)  Hours: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM  Starting Pay: $16.00 per hour plus benefits Ideal candidates are caring, patient, and committed to helping all students succeed.  Experience in a school or childcare setting is preferred but not required.  Apply today to make a difference in the lives of young learners!  For more information or to apply, visit the Rochester CUSD #3A district website:  https://www.rochester3a.net/o/rochester3a/page/employment

    Friday, Oct 24 2025

  • Regular Board of Education Meeting - Wednesday, Octo...

    Dear Rochester Families, The Rochester Board of Education is scheduled to hold a regular board meeting  tomorrow, Wednesday, October 15th, 2025  in the Bruce Hays Administration Center (4 Rocket Drive, Rochester, IL) at 6:30 PM. This meetings agenda includes important school business and recommendations including: Recognition of district staff for publication on artificial intelligence (AI) School Improvement Plan Presentations by building administrators Winter weather equipment A proposed partnership with the Illinois Youth Symphony Orchestra to offer after school strings Possible approval of a student created mural for the new high school addition See all the items up for discussion in the Board Agenda and review supporting materials in the  Board Packet . This meeting will be streamed live via the district's YouTube Page .

    Tuesday, Oct 14 2025

  • Special Board of Education Meetings October 6th & 7t...

    Dear Rochester Families, The Rochester CUSD #3A Board of Education will hold two special board meetings this week at the Bruce Hays Administration Center (4 Rocket Drive, Rochester, IL 62563): Monday, October 6 at 5:30 PM Tuesday, October 7 at 5:30 PM Both of these meetings will immediately enter closed session for the purpose of interviewing candidates for the permanent superintendent position. You can view the agendas using the following links: Oct. 6th Agenda Oct. 7th Agenda Sincerely, Rochester CUSD #3A

    Monday, Oct 06 2025

  • Invitation for Seniors: Apply to Be the Student Repr...

    Rochester CUSD #3A is excited to announce a new opportunity for our students! For the first time, the Board of Education will include a  Student Representative —a senior who will serve in an advisory, non-voting role and provide valuable student perspective during board discussions. This role is designed to give students a voice at the table, build leadership skills, and strengthen the connection between our students and district leadership. Eligibility: Current full-time Rochester High School senior In good academic standing Meets eligibility requirements for extracurricular participation Strong communication skills and interest in representing peers Responsibilities include: Attending all Board of Education meetings Preparing and presenting a student report at each meeting Acting as a liaison between students and the Board 📅  Applications are due by October 31st. 👉 To learn more about how this position will influence education at Rochester CUSD #3A click here: https://www.rochester3a.net/article/2441992 To apply to become the student representative click here: Apply Here

    Tuesday, Sep 23 2025

  • Rochester Preschool Program Earns Gold Circle of Qua...

    Rochester CUSD #3A is proud to announce that our Preschool for All (PFA) program at Rochester Elementary EC-1 has earned the Gold Circle of Quality designation from ExceleRate Illinois, the state’s quality recognition and improvement system for early learning and development programs. The Gold Circle of Quality is the  highest level of recognition  awarded by ExceleRate Illinois. It reflects our district’s strong commitment to: Instructional excellence in early learning classrooms High-quality family services and partnerships Ongoing professional development for staff Strong program administration and compliance with state standards ExceleRate Illinois helps families identify quality early learning programs across the state, giving parents confidence that their child is receiving the best possible start to their education. Rochester’s Gold Circle rating was determined through a rigorous monitoring process that included classroom assessments and a comprehensive compliance review. “This recognition affirms the outstanding work of our early childhood educators,” said Interim Superintendent Rolf Sivertsen. “Our staff continues to go above and beyond to provide nurturing, engaging, and high-quality learning experiences for our youngest Rockets.”

    Thursday, Sep 04 2025

  • August 2025 Rocket Review

    August 2025 Edition   A New Year, A Fresh Launch The first days of school always feel a bit like a rocket launch—countdown buzzing, energy building, hearts full of possibility. As doors open across Rochester Schools, we’re reminded why this community is so special: students who are eager to learn, staff who go the extra mile, and families who show up for one another. That spirit fuels our long-standing Tradition of Excellence. Walk our hallways this week and you’ll see it everywhere: kindergarteners clutching new backpacks, seniors leading with confidence and kindness, teachers greeting students by name, and teams rehearsing, reading, solving, and creating. It’s the sound of a district setting high expectations and meeting them—together. Leadership Updates Across Rochester Schools Rochester Schools is pleased to announce several leadership appointments as we begin the new school year: David Hawkins is the new Principal of Rochester Junior High School. He joined the district as an English teacher, later served as Assistant Principal at Rochester High School, and now steps into the RJHS principal role. Matt Lauber has been named Assistant Principal at Rochester High School. He previously served as an administrative intern at Southeast High School and an assistant principal at Rochester Junior High, where he built strong relationships with students and staff. Tony Nika will serve as Assistant Principal at Rochester Intermediate & Athletic Director for grades 6-8. He brings experience as a special education teacher, administrator, and longtime coach. Mackenzie Escher has been appointed Special Education Administrator for the district. A Rochester special education teacher since 2023, she brings classroom expertise and a student-first mindset. These appointments strengthen support for students and staff across the district as we launch the 2025–26 school year. Rochester High School Earns Top Marks in U.S. News 2025–26 Rankings For the second time, Rochester High School has been recognized among the nation’s best in the newly released U.S. News & World Report 2025–26 Best High Schools. RHS ranks #2 in the Springfield metro area, #152 in Illinois, and #4,141 nationally—a reflection of our students’ hard work, our staff’s dedication, and our families’ support. U.S. News evaluates schools based on state test performance, graduation rates, and college readiness. We’re proud to see Rochester’s Tradition of Excellence reflected in these results and grateful to the teachers, support staff, and families who make this possible every day. For full details, see Rochester High School’s profile on U.S. News.    Student Leaders Present Initiatives to Build Belonging at RHS High school seniors Ashley Ziebert, Ella Kieffer, Hadleigh Maley, Johnna Moffett, Mylie Deatherage, and Sara Johnson presented to the Board of Education about two student-led efforts designed to boost engagement and belonging at Rochester High School. They highlighted the Freshman & New Student Orientation, where upperclass mentors welcome new Rockets with tours, Q&A, and first-day support, and Paint the Lot, which gives seniors the opportunity to personalize their parking spaces with approved designs that showcase school spirit. The Board thanked the students for their leadership and commitment to a positive start to the year. RHS Marching Band to Receive New Uniforms After 15 years of use, the Rochester High School Marching Band will receive new uniforms. The Board of Education has approved purchasing the updated look from DeMoulin Bros. & Co., the same manufacturer that produced the current set. The recommendation—made by the band department and a uniform committee—highlighted DeMoulin’s proven durability and strong customer support, including a Greenville, Illinois–based representative who works closely with school programs. The new design will refresh the band’s appearance while maintaining comfort and durability for students. Timeline Estimated delivery is about 10 months after the order is finalized. Based on the current schedule, the uniforms are expected to arrive in late spring/early summer 2026, in time for preparations for the next marching season. Cost Snapshot (per uniform; shipping not included) Coat: $363.00 Cape: $189.00 Bibber: $172.00 (or $154.00 without embroidery) Shako (with hat box): $110.00 Plume: $33.00 Per-uniform total: $867.00 Order size: 110 uniforms → $95,370.00 Garment bags with logo: $19.45 × 110 → $2,139.50 Estimated project subtotal: $97,509.50 (before shipping) These uniforms will support the band’s Tradition of Excellence on the field and in performance for years to come. Go Rockets!    Board Approves Administrator Contracts for 2025–26 At its recent meeting, the Board of Education approved contracts for 12 district administrators for the 2025–26 school year. This action follows the Board’s approval of a new agreement with the Rochester Education Association, ensuring stable leadership and continuity of learning as we begin the year.   Board Approves Reduction in Force Affecting Two District Positions In response to the financial forecast for Rochester CUSD and reductions in state and federal revenue, the Rochester CUSD 3A Board of Education approved a resolution to decrease the number of full-time educational support personnel and discontinue a particular type of educational support service, effective at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 school year. As a result, the Board approved the non-renewal and honorable dismissal of two positions: Jon Hansen, Director of Communications & Engagement Brent Ashbaugh, Student Information Systems (SIS) Administrator The action is a reduction in force and is not related to employee performance. In line with Section 10-23.5 of the Illinois School Code (105 ILCS 5/10-23.5), when reductions are necessary, the sequence of dismissal among full-time educational support personnel is based on length of continuing service, unless a collective bargaining agreement provides an alternative method. The district does not have such an alternative in place at this time. Rochester CUSD 3A remains focused on ensuring continuity of services for students and families as the district plans for the 2026–27 school year. District Shares Update on Financial Challenges On August 8, Interim Superintendent Rolf Sivertsen released a community letter outlining the financial pressures facing Rochester CUSD 3A and the steps the district is taking to address them. In the message, Mr. Sivertsen noted that—like many districts across the country—Rochester is experiencing reduced state and federal revenue, contributing to a projected $1.5 million deficit for the current budget cycle. “This is a serious funding issue that will affect school districts across Illinois and the nation. If left unaddressed, it could lead to a financial crisis for our district. These budget reductions mean we must make thoughtful, strategic staffing adjustments to ensure we continue meeting the needs of our students,” Mr. Sivertsen said. What this means The district will prioritize student safety, classroom instruction, and essential services while identifying reductions outside the classroom where possible. Any staffing adjustments will be planned, transparent, and student-centered. Stay informed You can read Mr. Sivertsen’s full letter—including a simple breakdown of the revenue changes and next steps—on our website.    New Hires August 6th Hires Licensed Staff: Carrie Zucco - RJHS Science Teacher Support Staff Kennedy Gerton - RJHS Library Aide/ Study Hall Supervisor Jessica Heath - Blastoff Kids Academy Assistant Jessica Heath - Special Education Aide Meagan Nation - RES School Nurse Tracy Rodgers - Recess Supervisor Brandi Winning - RHS Library Aide Extra-Curricular Staff Lindsay Howard - RJHS Assistant Softball Coach Madison Bartolozzi - Assistant Cheerleading Coach (Basketball) August 20th Hires Support Staff Tonya Udell - RES Recess Supervisor Jade McKinney - RHS Student Services Secretary Nicole Riddley - Special Education Aide Extra-Curricular Staff Kristen Heiple - 6th grade Assistant Girls Basketball coach Matthew Vala - RHS Play Director Nicole Damhoff - RHS Assistant Cheerleading Coach (Football) Volunteer Staff Steven Bliss - RHS Girls Tennis Sarah Hankins - RHS Robotics Team Grace Winkler - RHS Girls Tennis   Resignations Thank you for your service! August 6th Henry Meurs - Permanent Substitute Teacher Ellen Bortmess - RJHS Assistant Softball Coach Rolando Salazar - Head Boys & Girls Tennis Coach August 20th Kris Kahler - Director of Business Services Kim Poole - RJHS Principal Tiffany Hunter - Recess Supervisor Madison Merry - Special Ed. Aide Chuck Sours - Assistant to Director of Transportation August 6th Summary of Minutes August 20th Summary of Minutes

    Thursday, Aug 21 2025

  • Regular Board of Education Meeting - Tonight, August...

    The Rochester Board of Education is scheduled to hold a regular meeting tonight, Wednesday, August 20th, 2025 in the Bruce Hays Administration Center (4 Rocket Drive, Rochester, IL) at 6:30pm. This meeting's agenda includes important school business and recommendations including: The 1st reading and presentation of a district communication plan A review of the district's finances Reports from building leaders and district administrators A proposal and possible approval of new marching band uniforms Discussions on Administrator Contracts Possible reduction of support personnel positions for the 2026-2027 school year See all items up for discussion in the Board Agenda and review supporting materials in the Board Packet . The meeting will be streamed live via the district's YouTube page .

    Wednesday, Aug 20 2025

  • Board of Education Meeting Tonight - Wednesday Augus...

    The Rochester Board of Education is scheduled to hold a regular meeting tonight, Wednesday, August 20th, 2025 in the Bruce Hays Administration Center (4 Rocket Drive, Rochester, IL) at 6:30pm. This meeting's agenda includes important school business and recommendations including: The 1st reading and presentation of a district communication plan A review of the district's finances Reports from building leaders and district administrators A proposal and possible approval of new marching band uniforms Discussions on Administrator Contracts Possible reduction of support personnel positions for the 2026-2027 school year See all items up for discussion in the Board Agenda and review supporting materials in the  Board Packet . The meeting will be streamed live via the district's YouTube page .

    Wednesday, Aug 20 2025