(CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The retirement of Rochester High School principal Jeff Reed means a reorganization of the district’s administrators.

David Hawkins (pictured) will serve as principal of both junior and senior high schools, effective fall 2026. The school district announced the news in a letter shared with the media.

The letter, signed by interim superintendent Rolf Sivertsen, reads in part:

“Many families know Mr. Hawkins from his time as Assistant Principal at the high school and his current role as Junior High Principal. As a lifelong Rochester Rocket and longtime member of our staff, he brings a deep understanding of our students, our community, and the values that guide our district. His strong relationships across both campuses give us great confidence as he steps into this role.
As we prepare for this transition, we want to reassure families that junior high students will continue learning in their current wing of the high school/junior high campus, and daily programming will remain unchanged. Each school will also have its own dedicated Assistant Principal to provide strong on-site support for students and staff. The District will begin the process of selecting a full-time Assistant Principal for Rochester Junior High School.”