Notice of School Board Election

The terms of School Board Director #1, School Board Director #3, and School Board Director #7 expire on January 6, 2025. In accordance with Minnesota State Statutes, an election must be called and held to fill these positions. On March 19, 2024 the Rochester School Board voted unanimously to approve a Notice of Election.

The School Board Election of Independent School District #535, Rochester, Minnesota will be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.

The election for Seats #1, #3 and #7 shall be an election at large by seat number. If there are more than two candidates for a specific school board seat, the district must hold a primary election to narrow the general election to two candidates. If there are not more than two candidates applying for a specific seat, then that seat skips the primary election in August and moves directly to the general election in November. If a primary election is needed, the primary will take place on Tuesday, August 13, 2024.

The period for filing for the office of Director of the School Board, Independent School District #535, will begin at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 and close at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 4, 2024.

Affidavits of Candidacy will be available Monday through Friday during the filing period from the City Clerk's Office, Rochester City Hall, 201 4th Street SE, Rochester, Minnesota. The filing fee for this office is $2.

A candidate for this office

  • must be an eligible voter

  • must be 21 years of age or more on assuming office

  • must have been a resident of the school district from which the candidate seeks election for 30 days before the general election

  • must have no other affidavit on file for any other office at the next ensuing general election.

The affidavits of candidacy must be filed in the City Clerk's Office and the $2 filing fee paid prior to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. Please note that the City of Rochester offices are closed on Monday, Mary 27, 2024, due to the Memorial Day holiday.

School Board Handbook

Elected School Board Members

Congratulations to the the following candidates who were elected to the RPS School Board:

  • Seat 1: Don Barlow (incumbent)

  • Seat 3:

    Karen MacLaughlin (incumbent)

  • Seat 7: Stephanie Whitehorn (new board member)

In the interim weeks, we will be providing our new school board member with orientation materials, including our School Board Handbook, and the Board Chair and Assistant School Board Clerk will assist them in completing our orientation checklist.

Our new board member will also have the opportunity to participate in training on school finance and management provided by the Minnesota School Board Association in December or January. While our new board member will not be able to participate in any meetings or vote on any action items until they take office January 6, we will be working with them to provide background materials and help them prepare to be active participants and decision makers at the first January meeting.

Campaign Finance Reports

School board candidates must follow MN State Statutes in regards to campaign financial reporting and fair campaign practices as stated in the Minnesota Campaign Manual available from the MN Secretary of State. A school board candidate or committee for a candidate is required to submit reports of campaign contributions received and expenditures incurred to the Office of Administration in Room 121 of the Edison Administration Building at 615 7th Street SW, Rochester, Minnesota or electronically to John Carlson at jocarlson@rochesterschools.org.

View the Campaign Financial Reports

School Board Elections

From the Minnesota School Boards Association:

“The decision to run for your local school board is one to which much thought and consideration must be given. Serving as a board member is one of the most important responsibilities that a citizen can undertake. If elected, the educational standards which you, together with your fellow board members, establish will affect the future of the students, the community, and society. Being a board member is a complex and varied position, and often is frustrating as you struggle long hours with difficult choices. However, it is also rewarding, as you watch students succeed and go on to lead productive lives as the result of educational opportunities you helped to create.

“According to Minnesota law, ‘the care, management, and control of independent districts shall be vested in a board of directors, to be known as the school board.’ There are certain implications in being responsible for the entire district which you may want to consider. Decisions need to reflect what is in the best interest of all students and all citizens. This demands a constant effort and strong commitment to serving other people.”

Community members considering becoming a candidate for the Rochester School Board are strongly encouraged to read the Rochester Public Schools School Board Handbook. The School Board Handbook provides important background information about Rochester Public Schools and documents information about the Rochester School Board, including: board structure and election; responsibilities, duties and expectations of board members; policies and procedures; meeting information; committees; and professional development.