What should Rochester Public Schools name its next elementary school?
Rochester Public Schools is seeking the public’s input before selecting a name for a future elementary school in northwest Rochester.
The district is now down to five finalists in the selection process — with the final opportunity for the community to weigh in happening now through November 29. Once voting ends, the two top community recommendations will be sent to the Rochester School Board for a vote in December.
The candidates (all language via RPS):
Henry Plummer Elementary School: Dr. Henry Plummer was a brilliant physician and engineer. Exemplifies life-long learning and achievement for the betterment of his local community and the world. Strong Rochester connection. Dr. Plummer was a SE MN native that made revolutionary medical and engineering innovations right here in Rochester.
Martin Luther King Jr Elementary School: We hope to judge all students by the content of their character and not the color of their skin. He was able to influence society in a huge way without losing his integrity or demoralizing his values. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. The time is always right to do what is right - one of the greatest nonviolent leaders in world history. Advocated for Civil Rights. During this time of the BLM movement and separation in our country naming this school after Martin Luther King Jr. would be a symbol of hope, we have to follow in his footsteps with his teachings in our community and nation.
Overland Elementary School: Overland Drive is the name of the roadway that connects the community to this school.
Sarah Burger Stearns: She was a committed reformer dedicated to the cause of women’s rights. She founded one of Minnesota’s first suffrage organizations, the Rochester Woman Suffrage Association, in her home city of Rochester.
Wóksape: This is the Dakota word for wisdom. This would be a way to honor the indigenous people of this area. Both the Dakota and RPS value gaining wisdom through education and experience.
To vote on a school name, visit this link.
The entire name selection process began earlier this fall with community members submitting names to the district. Those submissions were later reviewed by a volunteer group of individuals from the Facilities Task Force and the Elementary and Middle School Design Teams.
The new school — to be located in the Boulder Ridge area off of Granite Drive NW and Overland Drive NW — was part of the bond referendum approved by voters in 2019. It will be the district’s 17th K-5 school.
Cover graphic courtesy Rochester Public Schools
