As we prepare to welcome students back for the 2025–26 school year, Rochester Schools is excited to share several leadership updates. These appointments will help strengthen our programs, support our staff, and create the best possible learning environment for our students. You can read the full message from Interim Superintendent Rolf Sivertsen below.
Dear Rochester Families,
I want to take a moment to share some leadership updates for Rochester High School and Rochester Intermediate School. First and foremost, please know that our teachers, staff, and administrators are committed to providing your family with the best education in Central Illinois. We are ready and excited to welcome students this coming Thursday for the start of the school year.
When Mr. Hawkins became the new principal at Rochester Junior High, it created a vacancy for an assistant principal position at the high school.
I am pleased to announce that, effective immediately, Mr. Matt Lauber will serve as the new Assistant Principal at Rochester High School. Mr. Lauber has already built strong relationships of trust with many of our high school students through his service as assistant principal at Rochester Junior High. We are confident he will excel and continue to strengthen and support both students and staff at Rochester High School.
With this transition, Mr. Tony Nika will serve as Interim Dean at Rochester Intermediate School (RIS) and Athletic Director for grades 6–8. He will assume the title of interim assistant principal at RIS once the state finalizes the necessary paperwork for his completed administrator coursework. Before joining our district this summer, Mr. Nika served as an administrative intern at Grant Middle School and as a special education teacher at multiple schools. He also brings nine years of coaching experience through his work with the Tri-City/Sangamon Valley Co-op. His leadership, depth of experience, understanding of student needs, and dedication to our programs will be a tremendous asset to our intermediate students and middle-level athletes.
Lastly, Mackenzie Escher will take over the role of Special Education Administrator. Ms. Escher brings several years of teaching experience and has been part of Rochester Schools since 2023 as a special education teacher. We’re confident in her ability to support our staff and help every student thrive.
We understand how essential strong leadership and support are for both our staff and students. We’re confident these new appointments will continue to build upon our “Tradition of Excellence” by empowering students to reach their full potential. Accordingly, these changes will complete our administrative assignments for the 25-26 school year.
Sincerely,
Rolf Sivertsen
Interim Superintendent
Rochester CUSD #3A