Story perspectives

Rochester Schools Face Attendance Drop Amid Immigration Fears

1/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

Rochester Public Schools (RPS) experienced a significant attendance decline linked to heightened immigration enforcement, with over 530 fewer students (about 3% of enrollment) from January 9 to 22.
Superintendent Kent Pekel said the absences harm students' academic and social development.
The district saw more excused absences, especially among students whose first language is not English and among low-income families, and enforcement fears have increased interest in RPS's online school option.

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Story summary

Rochester Public Schools (RPS) experienced a significant attendance decline linked to heightened immigration enforcement, with over 530 fewer students (about 3% of enrollment) from January 9 to 22.
Superintendent Kent Pekel said the absences harm students' academic and social development.
The district saw more excused absences, especially among students whose first language is not English and among low-income families, and enforcement fears have increased interest in RPS's online school option.