Dear Rochester Families & Community,

The second semester is officially underway, and there is a great deal to be proud of from the first half of the year. Our students are learning, growing, and challenging themselves in meaningful ways in the classroom and outside the classroom. I think it is important to note that progress depends on a simple but powerful factor -  attending school. When students are present, they are far more likely to succeed and continue advancing.

As we focus on supporting student success, we must also ensure the basic systems that keep our schools running are reliable and safe.

At the February board meeting, the Board will vote on placing a Capital Levy on the April 28 Special Election ballot to replace the failing water system serving RHS, GMES, and RPS. Engineers who have evaluated the water system have determined it is beyond its service life. Reliability is poor, and repairs are expensive and do not result in sustainable fixes.

Thank you for staying informed and engaged in the important decisions that impact our students and our schools.

Jennifer Bethman, Superintendent

In January, Dr. Bethman announced her retirement for the end of this school year. The board has hired Northwest Leadership and Associates (NWLA) to assist in the search and recruitment as part of the hiring process to find our next Superintendent.

One of the important parts of the superintendent hiring process is gathering feedback from stakeholders (staff, students, parents, and community members) about qualities you believe are important in our next superintendent.  The first opportunity to provide feedback is through an online survey. Please complete the survey as soon as possible.We need your input.

Information from the survey will be compiled and used by the board in the superintendent selection process. 

In addition to the survey, all stakeholders will be invited to a community forum to meet and provide feedback on the finalist candidates. Dates for the community forums will be shared by the beginning of March. 

The board plans to hire the new Superintendent by early April. The superintendent will begin in Rochester on July 1, 2026. 

If you have any questions, contact Andrea Knutson at 360.273.5536 ext.1006

Dates for your Calendar: 

Full calendar will be posted on the webpage soon.

Nominate a deserving Rochester School District employee for local and state recognition. We have so many great staff. Let's make sure they get nominated. You can nominate a secretary, Educational Assistant (EA), teacher, bus driver, or custodian. Just about all employees may be nominated. Who do you believe deserves recognition?

Nomination Form - Nominations are DUE March 2, 2026

A student, parent, or employee may submit a nomination. The nomination form is short and user-friendly. If you need any information about the employee you would like to nominate, call a school office or the district office. Rochester is in ESD 113.

We are in need of substitute Education Assistants (EAs) and Teachers. Often when EA's and teachers are sick we do not have enough substitutes to cover all the openings.

Support our kids, EAs, and teachers by becoming a substitute. Even if you only want to sub a few days a month your work would help a great deal. 

Bright smiles and eager minds are ready to welcome you - don't wait! Whether you're looking for a flexible schedule or a regular role, now is the perfect time to make a meaningful difference as a substitute. Let's help shape the future together! 

Substitute EA/Paraeducator Application

Substitute TEACHER Application

Title I is a Program to Address Performance Gaps

The Title I program is a federally funded program that addresses performance gaps between student groups at RPS, GMES, and RMS by providing services and interventions to support struggling learners. Information about this important program can be found on our district website. If you have questions about Title I, contact Maggie Evans, Director of Interventions and Enrichment.

Share the news! Fall 2026 Kindergarten registration opens in March. We want all our new Warriors to get registered so they are prepared for school, and teachers are hired for all who register. Watch for more information about the registration process.

Information about how incoming Kindergartners can apply for the Dual Language Kindergarten program will also be available in early March.

RHS students in our CTE Robotics, Drone, FBLA, and Welding programs are raising the bar once again. Their strong performances at regional competitions have earned many of them a spot at the state level competition. It is an impressive accomplishment that reflects their skill, preparation, and commitment.

Below, we’re proud to highlight the students who are representing RHS.

Rochester Students Take Top Honors at Regional Robotics and Drone Competition

Rochester students delivered an outstanding performance, demonstrating the very skills outlined in the district’s Strategic Plan and Portrait of a Graduate: critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, perseverance, and real-world application of learning.

Twelve FBLA students are moving on to the state competition in April!

The welding fabrication teams traveled to Sierra Pacific in Shelton to compete in the regional competition. The team took 2nd - 4th place.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Rochester School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, the use of a trained guide dog or service animal, or any other basis prohibited by law. We also provide equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:

Civil Rights Coordinator: Jennifer Bethman (360) 273-9242, jbethman@rochester.wednet.edu;

Title IX Coordinator: Kelsey Lincoln (360) 273-5534, klincoln@rochester.wednet.edu;

504/ADA Coordinator: Laura Staley (360) 273-5536, lstaley@rochester.wednet.edu.

Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator: Justin Black,(360) 273-5536, jblack@rochester.wednet.edu 

Address: 10140 Highway 12 SW, Rochester, WA 98579.