What's New for the 2026-2027 School Year?

We are excited to welcome back staff, students and families for the 2026-2027 school year on Monday, Aug. 24! 

Here are a few things that are new or updated for the new school year that we want to make sure that you are aware of:

New Theme

Our theme for the 2026-2027 school year in Rockwood is “Building on the Promise, Forward Together.” This builds off of last year’s theme – “Rooted in the Promise” – and maintains our “Forward Together” strategic plan and its centerpiece, “The Rockwood Promise,” as the focal point of all that we do. As we embark on a new school year, we want everyone to continue embracing the Rockwood Promise and understand that Rockwood is a district that nurtures learning, values fiscal responsibility, recruits and retains highly qualified staff and maintains safe and caring school environments.

Rockwood Community Connectors

The 2026-2027 school year marks the launch of the inaugural class of Rockwood Community Connectors, a group of 30 district patrons who will embark on a nine-month program to provide a behind-the-scenes look at how the district operates. Participants will have an in-depth look at the resources, people and planning it takes to operate one of the largest school districts in the state. Participants will begin their journey with a kickoff celebration in September, then get chances throughout the school year to learn about such aspects as staffing, curriculum, technology, finance, safety, experiential learning, transportation, facilities, communications and more.

New Faces

This year, we are welcoming a total of 15 new district directors, coordinators, principals and assistant principals, as well as current administrators taking on new roles. Rockwood is also welcoming 85 new teachers across our elementary, middle and high schools. 

Prop 3 Projects

More than $29 million in safety, technology and facilities priority projects were completed around the Rockwood School District this summer, using funds from Prop 3, which was approved by district voters in November 2023. Major projects included HVAC system replacements at Bowles, Geggie and Westridge elementary schools and Rockwood South Middle; playground replacements at Ridge Meadows, Stanton and Wild Horse elementary schools; field turf replacements at Marquette and Rockwood Summit high school; front entrance concrete replacement at Rockwood Summit; and classroom technology upgrades and door access control updates around the district. Visit rsdmo.org/prop3 for more information about Prop 3, as well as current and upcoming priority projects.

New Electric Bike/Scooter Regulation

On Aug. 4, Rockwood leadership adopted Regulation 2650, prohibiting the operation of electric bicycles, motorized bicycles or electric scooters on district property. Students are still welcome to bring these vehicles to school, but they must dismount and walk with them the moment they step or ride onto campus grounds. The safety of our students, staff and visitors is our absolute highest priority. As electric and motorized mobility devices have grown in popularity, so has the need to ensure our walkways, parking lots and drop-off zones remain safe and accessible for everyone — especially during high-traffic arrival and dismissal times.