The Rochester Public Schools (ISD535) were once considered among the best in the state for academics, sports, trades and careers development, college-bound AP courses, the arts and much more.  Under mayor Norton's draconian COVID19 shutdowns, the economic destruction of business, the departure or closure of hundreds of businesses as well as the loss of over 7,700 good-paying jobs, many people have decided to leave Rochester while others have decided to rescue their children by homeschooling them and/or sending them to better schools in surrounding - and genuine - communities.  Last school year, during the lockdowns, ISD535 lost over 1,000 students.  So far this school year - and we are only in February, almost 700 students have left.  Each child represents 8,000 dollars in funding for a system which already has 120 staff positions left unfilled.   RPS is in debt and has proposed a new tax levy to be voted on in the next election.  (Will it be a fair election?)  As the Asian saying goes: "The Fish Stinks From The Head."  Rochester, Minnesota deserves a Mayor who works for Our Town, Our People, and OUR FUTURE!!!  THE CHILDREN SHOULD COME FIRST.  Creating an environment where people can thrive is the first duty of The Mayor.   Help spread the word.