After 38 years in education, Dr. Jennifer Bethman announced her retirement in January. Now, the Rochester School District Board of Directors is searching for the next superintendent for Rochester School District. 

This page will be used to share the Board’s process for selecting the next superintendent, including information for candidates, engagement opportunities for the Rochester community, and updates on the selection process.

Choosing a new superintendent is one of the most important decisions for our schools and our community. We strongly believe that finding the best candidate will only be accomplished with our community’s partnership and involvement. Your input will help shape the leadership profile and guide the board toward a final decision. 

Rochester School Board has retained the executive search firm Northwest Leadership Associates (NWLA) to conduct a nation-wide search for the next superintendent. The first step in this process is developing a leadership profile that will help identify the ideal candidate. Here is how you can be involved: 

Anonymous Survey: Community members were asked to participate in an Leadership Profile survey February 9 through March 13, 2026. This anonymous survey may be completed online. Your feedback is valuable and helps guide our planning and decision-making.

February 18, In Person Community Forum in the Rochester Primary School Gym. All members of the community are invited to come and share what they believe is important and should be considered in the Search for our new Superintendent.

The School Board will select two-four finalists from the superintendent applicant pool. Each finalist will spend one full day onsite meeting with principals, student leaders, staff, and union representatives, as well as touring schools and district facilities.

Each evening will include a staff and public forum where questions may be asked of the finalists and then attendees may provide feedback. This portion of the process will be facilitated by the executive search firm Northwest Leadership Associates (NWLA).

The following schedules reflect the TENTATIVE schedule:

Strategic Plan - Rochester School District’s five-year Strategic Plan, recently adopted, guides the work of our district and reflects our commitment to knowing, valuing, and supporting every student. Developed with input and representation from staff, students, families, board members, and community partners, the plan provides the foundation for decision-making and accountability across the district.

Student Demographics - Rochester School District’s enrollment has remained steady in recent years, even as our student demographics have shifted over the past decade. We have seen increasing cultural and linguistic diversity, strengthening our schools and sharpening our focus on inclusive practices and meeting the diverse needs of every student.

Grand Mound - Rochester Chamber - Rochester School District values its strong partnership with the Grand Mound–Rochester Chamber of Commerce and the broader community. Through collaboration with local businesses, civic organizations, and families, we work together to support students, strengthen opportunities, and ensure our schools remain a vital part of the community’s future.