BOE Summary of Minutes on ChalkBoard

The Rochester CUSD #3a Board of Education held its regular meeting on Wednesday, February 22, 2023. Facilities improvements were at the center of discussion and action during the evening. Superintendent Dan Cox shared how the design committees comprised of teachers and coaches have started the planning work. The teacher committee worked through a storyboard to identify the vision, needs, and current challenges with the physical space in the “J-Wing” of Rochester High School. The athletics group was presented with various options for the field layouts for the outdoor facilities. Initial sketches of the outdoor facilities were shared with the Board of Education Building Committee for feedback. The construction management team has now begun putting together cost estimates that will help the Board more clearly identify and decide on the scope and timing of the phases of the project. Following is a tentative schedule for the project: 

  • Schematic Design: May-June 2023

  • Design Development: July-September 2023

  • Construction Documents: October 2023-January 2024

  • Bidding & Negotiation: February-March 2024

  • Construction: June 2024-December 2025 

RIS Physical Education Teacher, Matt Blaise was in attendance to share how he is using heart rate monitors to enhance the physical fitness of students that attend RIS. Mr. Blaise reported that both the short-term benefits of using the heart rate monitors have shown an increased engagement in PE, individualized opportunities for success, provides for immediate feedback on exercise levels, and resulting in student-led activities and peer motivation. In the future Mr. Blaise foresees incorporating the use of heart rate monitors into other classes, setting fitness goals for his students, and creating lifelong health fitness monitoring skills. To learn more about the use of heart rate monitors at RIS see Mr. Blaise’s full presentation to the Board here. 

To learn more about these and other actions that were taken at the meeting please see the full summary of minutes on the District website.