Letter from ViE District Coordinator

Rochester Public School (RPS) Parent,

Hello, my name is Konnie Smith and I have recently accepted the position of Rochester Public Schools Volunteers in Education (ViE) District Coordinator. I have been employed in the school district since 2007. I am a parent of two RPS students, PTA member, parent volunteer and past ViE Coordinator for Montessori at Franklin and Friedell Middle School. My job is to work with RPS Administrators, parents and community members in recruiting, organizing and utilizing the expertise, time and talents of our volunteers to the best advantage of RPS students and staff in 22 buildings, Quarry Hill and RPS Alternative Learning Programs. Other responsibilities include processing volunteer applications, posting requests on local volunteer websites, and communicating with coordinators and staff. Each month I meet with local/State volunteer organizations and RPS ViE coordinators to keep everyone up to date with the ever changing needs of RPS students, staff and our community.

During the 2009-2010 school year we had 3,852 volunteers who logged 63,821 hours as a direct benefit to your student valued at $1.3 million, supported by 6 Cluster Coordinators, 35 Elementary Coordinators and 11 Secondary Coordinators. I am truly in awe of the time, talents and expertise that parents and community members donate for the benefit of our RPS students and staff.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions, suggestions, and concerns you may have at 328-4299 or kosmith@rochester.k12.mn.us.