Rochester Schools Allowed Candidate Campaign Filming

The district confirmed that teacher Jake Johnson followed proper facility rental protocols for his campaign videos.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Administration

Rochester Schools Allowed Candidate Campaign Filming

Live Poll

Should political candidates be allowed to film campaign advertisements on public school property?

Rochester Public Schools permitted teacher and candidate Jake Johnson to film campaign advertisements on district property after he paid the required rental fees. The school district confirmed that Johnson adhered to standard facility usage processes for his promotional videos.

Why it matters

School districts must balance policies on non-educational facility usage with regulations regarding public employees. Adherence to district protocols ensures that candidates for office maintain transparency while utilizing public property for political activities.

Rochester Public Schools Policy 905 governs all advertising and sponsorships on district grounds. Additionally, Minnesota Statute 211B.09 restricts public employees from using their roles to influence voters, a standard that was not violated in this instance.

The players

Jake Johnson

He is a teacher employed by Rochester Public Schools who is also running for political office.

Mamisoa Knutson

She serves as the official spokeswoman for the Rochester Public Schools district.

Rochester Public Schools

This is the primary public educational institution serving students and families in Rochester, Minnesota.

Olmsted County Republican Party

This local political organization represents the Republican party interests within the county.

The details

Rochester Public Schools spokeswoman Mamisoa Knutson verified that Johnson followed established procedures for renting district space. Although political activity on school grounds is monitored, there is no evidence that Johnson used his position as a teacher to sway student or public opinion during these sessions.

May 21, 2026: The Olmsted County Republican Party held a gubernatorial debate at Century High School.
November 3, 2026: Election day.

Culture Shift

This situation highlights the ongoing tension between utilizing public infrastructure for political campaigns and maintaining the neutrality of public institutions. By following Minnesota Statute 211B.09, the district navigated the evolving standards for candidate access to school facilities.

Residents should note that access to public schools for political purposes is limited to those who complete the formal application and fee payment process. This transparency helps ensure that school property remains available for community use without creating conflicts of interest.

The takeaway

Candidates seeking to use school facilities should prioritize early engagement with district officials to ensure compliance with rental policies. Maintaining clear boundaries between professional duties and campaign activities is essential for public employees running for office.