Chamber News
Chamber Supports Rochester Public Schools 2024 Ignite Student Learning Referendum
The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce announces the organization’s support of the 2024 Ignite Student Learning Referendum for Rochester Public Schools. This operating levy referendum is a vital investment in our community's future, including support of workforce readiness programs and ensuring that Rochester remains competitive and prepared for future growth. "The Ignite Student Learning Referendum is an investment in the future of our workforce and the ongoing development of Rochester," said Ryan Parsons, President of the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce. "As Rochester continues to grow in the years ahead our school system will be critical and the referendum will equip Rochester Public Schools to meet the educational needs of today and tomorrow. This includes sustaining investments in workforce programs to provide students opportunities to explore future career pathways and develop the skills they need to succeed." The referendum will bolster Rochester Public Schools' workforce readiness initiatives, providing students with hands-on experiences and courses that prepare them for the jobs of today and tomorrow. Programs such as Career and Technical Education Center at Heintz (CTECH) program, which offers hands-on learning in the fields of agriculture, computer science, engineering, hospitality, law enforcement, manufacturing, and teaching and the P-TECH program, designed to equip students with the academic, technical, and professional skills required for high-demand careers in nursing and information technology, will receive essential funding through the referendum. K-12 education is a cornerstone of quality of life and plays a vital role in Rochester's ability to attract and retain talent. Currently, Rochester ranks last in per-pupil operating and capital projects referendum funds among comparable districts serving over 10,000 students, including Bloomington, Osseo, Lakeville, and Elk River.
The proposed increase in per-pupil funding from $943 to $1,113 annually will generate $19.4 million each year over a ten-year period, providing the necessary resources to expand career pathway exploration and workforce development programs. This funding will support initiatives that cultivate the talent pipeline needed for Rochester's future growth. “As Rochester continues to grow, it is essential that our schools are equipped to succeed and meet the demands of our expanding community," said Scott Eggert, Board Chair of the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce. "Support of this referendum will ensure that we are able to prepare our students for the careers of tomorrow, enhance our ability to be competitive as a community, and position our education system to accommodate the coming growth in Rochester.” The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting an information session on Wednesday, October 2 from 5:30-6:30pm at RCTC Heintz Center, Room H1100 (1926 Collegeview Rd E, Enter Door H15, Park in West Lot), for an opportunity to learn more about the 2024 Ignite Student Learning Referendum in advance of the November 5 election. More information can be found on our event calendar at https://business.rochestermnchamber.com/ events
OCTOBER 2024 — ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE | 39
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