Rochester City School District, NY

Business Meeting

The Rochester Board of Education will hold a business meeting on August 27, 2026, starting with an executive session, followed by a public meeting. The board will consider consent agenda resolutions to authorize agreements with Baystate Interpreters ($147,000), Junior Achievement ($50,000), Mikva Challenge ($83,500), and WorkFit Medical Staffing ($315,000). They will also accept the August 2026 financial report, approve the superintendent's progress monitoring report, and approve minutes from prior meetings.

• Renew agreement with Baystate Interpreters for translation/interpretation services, $147,000
• Agreement with Junior Achievement for financial literacy programs for grades 6-7, $50,000
• Agreement with Mikva Challenge for civics curricula and support, $83,500
• Agreement with WorkFit Medical Staffing for 1:1 nurses for students with disabilities, $315,000
• Accept unaudited August 2026 financial report and quarterly change order reports

Board Work Session

The Rochester Board of Education will hold a work session to discuss and vote on forwarding several policy updates, including those on security breach notification, special education pre-referral interventions, response to intervention, timeout and physical restraint, student policies goals, attendance, and parent preference/managed choice. The board will also receive presentations on receivership, the facilities modernization program, and the Office of Parent Engagement, and may enter executive session to discuss personnel and legal matters.

• Motion to forward Security Breach and Notification (1300) with fast-tracking to third reading
• Motion to forward Pre-Referral Intervention Strategies (4205) with name change
• Motion to forward Timeout and Physical Restraint (4321.12) with fast-tracking to third reading
• Motion to forward Student Attendance and Withdrawal Policy (5100) with fast-tracking to third reading
• Presentation on Annual Facilities Modernization Program (FMP)

Special Meeting for the Consideration of Resolutions

The Rochester Board of Education is holding a special meeting to consider two resolutions authorizing intermunicipal agreements with the City of Rochester Police Department. The first covers police services at sporting and other district events for up to $100,000, and the second provides uniformed officers at school arrival and dismissal for up to $521,280, with an option to renew. The board may enter executive session before the public portion.

• Intermunicipal agreement with City of Rochester Police for sporting events, $100,000, Sept 1 2026–June 26 2027
• Intermunicipal agreement with City of Rochester Police for school arrival/dismissal, $521,280, Sept 8 2026–Mar 8 2027, renewable up to 4 months
• Both agreements deemed sole-source, waiving competitive bidding under Policy 6741
• Funding from General Funds; budget lines certified with balances

Speaker Forum

The Rochester Board of Education is holding its monthly Speaker Forum, a procedural meeting where community members can address the board on matters under consideration. The agenda includes rules for respectful conduct and a list of speakers who signed up to speak in person or via Teams, or submitted written comments.

• Monthly Speaker Forum at 5:30 p.m. in Conference Room 3A/B, 131 West Broad Street
• Public comments limited by board rules; disruptive conduct may be terminated
• Speakers list includes in-person, Teams, and written submissions

Bi-Monthly Superintendent Update

The Rochester Board of Education is holding a bi-monthly superintendent update, which is a procedural meeting. The agenda includes a presentation on a security assessment and a discussion led by Superintendent Rosser. No votes or decisions are scheduled.

• Superintendent Rosser's update
• Security Assessment Presentation 8-11-26.pdf (1,738 KB)

Districtwide School Safety Plan Public Hearing

The Rochester Board of Education is holding a public hearing to receive community input on the Districtwide School Safety Plan for the 2026-27 school year. The plan outlines an all-hazards approach to crisis management, including mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery procedures. The hearing includes a speaker forum and a list of registered speakers.

• Public hearing on the 2026-27 Districtwide School Safety Plan
• Speaker Forum at 5:30 p.m. before the hearing
• Plan covers mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery
• Incident Commanders (principals) authorized to implement building plans in emergencies

Business Meeting

The Rochester Board of Education will review school comprehensive education and receivership continuation plans for multiple schools. The board is also considering a $65,000 agreement with Monroe Community College for dual credit courses and a presentation on Pre-K curriculum adoption.

• Authorization of School Comprehensive Education Plans or Receivership Continuation Plans for various CSI and Receivership schools
• Agreement and payment of $65,000.00 to Monroe Community College for RECIHS Dual Credit Courses
• Presentation on Pre-K Curriculum Adoption
• Approval of the July 2026 Unaudited Financial Report
• Authorization for CSE/CPSE Recommendations for Special Education Programs & Services 2026-27

Special Meeting to Discuss Personnel Matters

The Board of Education is convening a special meeting to discuss personnel matters. The agenda indicates the Board may enter an executive session to discuss the employment of a particular individual and receive legal advice.

• Executive session to discuss employment of a particular individual
• Consultation with General Counsel

Contract for Excellence Public Hearing

The Board of Education is conducting a public hearing regarding the 2026-27 Contract for Excellence. This meeting initiates a 30-day public comment period that runs from July 14, 2026, through August 5, 2026.

• Public hearing on the 2026-27 Contract for Excellence
• Opening of a 30-day public comment period ending August 5, 2026

Speaker Forum

The Board of Education is holding a procedural Speaker Forum to receive community input on matters impacting the school district. This meeting is part of a monthly series established in alignment with Policy 2300.

• Public comments from individuals speaking in person, via Teams, or in writing

July 14, 2026 Work Session

The Board of Education is meeting to discuss board protocols and the 2026-27 meeting topics calendar. The session also includes a review of resolutions and discussion regarding the Budget Taskforce.

• Approval of Board Protocols
• Adoption of the 2026-27 Board Meeting Topics Calendar
• Review of July Resolutions
• Discussion of the Academic and Financial Sustainability Task Force

Business Meeting

The Rochester Board of Education approved the June 2026 Unaudited Financial Report and authorized $4,985 in additional pay for the Office of Adult & Career Education Services to oversee summer evening programming. The meeting included the approval of prior meeting minutes and reports from various advisory councils.

• Approval of June 2026 Unaudited Financial Report
• Authorization of $4,985 for OACES summer program oversight
• Approval of June 9, 2026 Work Session minutes
• Approval of August 28, 2025 Business Meeting minutes
• Reports from Student, Parent Leadership, Bilingual Education, and Special Education councils

The Board of Education convened for a business meeting including an executive session and financial discussions. Members approved the June 2026 Unaudited Financial Report following a discussion regarding fund balances and payroll.

• Approved the June 2026 Unaudited Financial Report (6-0, with one member not present to vote)
• Approved convening into Executive Session (6-0)

State Monitor Public Hearing

The Rochester Board of Education held a public hearing to present the 2026-2029 Academic and Financial Plan. The plan was discussed as an information item, and no public speakers or written comments were submitted. The hearing also included procedural items such as call to order and adjournment.

• Presentation of the 2026-2029 Academic and Financial Plan (information item)
• No speakers or written comments were submitted for the plan

The State Monitor Public Hearing convened at 6:23 PM and adjourned at 6:28 PM. No speakers or written comments were submitted regarding the 2026-2029 Academic and Financial Plan.

• Meeting called to order at 6:23 PM
• Meeting adjourned at 6:28 PM
• No speakers or written comments submitted

Special Meeting for the Consideration of the 2026-27 Budget Amendment

The Rochester Board of Education held a special meeting to consider and adopt a revised budget estimate for the 2026-27 fiscal year. After a budget presentation, the board voted 4-3 to approve Resolution No. 2025-26:761, reducing the total budget from $1,161,267,745 to $1,157,154,927 due to a $4,112,818 decrease in state aid. No executive session was held.

• Adoption of amended budget estimate totaling $1,157,154,927
• State aid reduced by $4,112,818 to $823,144,020
• Compensation appropriations cut by $3,430,720 to $341,574,609
• Budget presentation file (1,401 KB) attached to agenda
• Resolution passed 4-3 with Yes: Feinman, Maloy, McCullough, Simmons; No: Griffin, LeBron, Santiago

The Rochester City School District Board approved the Revised Budget Estimates (Resolution No. 2025-26: 761) by a 5-2 vote. The meeting included a presentation on budget amendments and a discussion regarding a projected $4.1 million deficit and the Padilla school program.

• Approved Revised Budget Estimates (Resolution No. 2025-26: 761) (5-2)
• Motion to Adjourn carried (7-0)

Speaker Forum

The Rochester Board of Education will hold a monthly Speaker Forum starting September 2025 to allow community input on district matters. The meeting on June 16, 2026, is a procedural session where the public may address the board.

• Monthly Speaker Forum scheduled for third Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m.
• Public comments list and written submissions available for June 16, 2026
• Board to enforce decorum rules including time limits and removal for disruptive conduct

The meeting was a speaker forum where 18 parents and staff addressed the board on topics including nature-based learning, staffing, and salaries. No votes, approvals, or policy changes were recorded. The session adjourned at 6:17 PM.

June 9, 2026 Work Session

The Rochester Board of Education held a work session to discuss and vote on multiple policy items. The board approved forwarding several facility and student policies to the next business meeting and approved a policy review calendar.

• Forward Facilities Development Goals (7000) to next meeting
• Forward Lead-Safe Schools Policy (7010) to next meeting
• Forward Capital Planning for Shared Building Use (7050) to next meeting
• Forward Naming (or Renaming) Facilities (7500) to next meeting
• Forward Closure of School Buildings (7600) to next meeting

June 2, 2026 Audit Committee Meeting of the Whole

The Rochester City School District Audit Committee approved the minutes from a previous meeting and the 2026 Annual External Audit Plan. The group also discussed updates from the Office of the Auditor General and entered executive session.

• Approved minutes from December 16, 2025 Audit Committee Meeting
• Approved 2026 Annual External Audit Plan
• Accepted Office of Auditor General Special Education Follow-Up Report
• Entered executive session to discuss legal matters
• Next meeting scheduled for December 8, 2026

Special Meeting for the Consideration of Resolutions

The Rochester City School District Board of Education approved special education programs and services for the 2025-26 school year. The board also authorized a $170,000 contract for an Oracle ERP post-implementation audit and approved additional pay for central registrars to complete year-end processes.

• Approval of Special Education Programs & Services 2025-26
• Contract with Highstreet IT Solutions LLC for Oracle audit ($170,000)
• Authorization for Additional Pay for Central Registrars ($13,016.30)
• Tenure granted to five employees
• Executive session held to discuss personnel matters

Business Meeting

The Rochester Board of Education will approve minutes from four recent meetings and adopt the May 2026 unaudited financial report. It will also vote on a consent agenda that authorizes a Memorandum of Agreement for the NYS P‑TECH program with Monroe Community College, Eastman Kodak Company, and the City of Rochester.

• Approve minutes of April 21, 2026 Speakers Forum, Public Budget Hearing, Special Meeting on Personnel Matters, and April 23, 2026 Business Meeting
• Approve the May 2026 unaudited financial report
• Executive session to discuss appointment/employment status, collective negotiations, and pending litigation
• Superintendent Rosser presentation and progress monitoring discussion
• Consent agenda authorizing the NYS P‑TECH Program Memorandum of Agreement

The Board of Education approved the May 2026 unaudited financial report and multiple professional work authorizations. The Board also convened in executive session to discuss personnel and legal matters.

• Approved April 21, 2026 Speakers Forum minutes (7-0)
• Approved April 21, 2026 Public Budget Hearing minutes (7-0)
• Approved April 21, 2026 Special Meeting minutes (7-0)
• Approved April 23, 2026 Business Meeting minutes (7-0)
• Approved April 28, 2026 Budget Deliberation minutes (7-0)
• Entered Executive Session at 6:16 PM (7-0)
• Returned from Executive Session at 6:41 PM (7-0)
• Approved May 2026 Unaudited Financial Report (7-0)

Bellavista Charter School of the Arts Public Hearing

The Rochester City School District Board of Education will hold a public hearing on May 19, 2026, to receive community input on a proposed new charter school. The hearing is required by state law and will provide comments to the New York State Education Department regarding Bellavista Charter School of the Arts.

• Bellavista Charter School of the Arts public hearing
• Proposed opening August 2027 for grades 7 and 8
• Target enrollment of 150 students in Year 1
• Expansion to grades 7-12 and 550 students by 2030-31

The Rochester Board of Education held a public hearing on the proposed Bellavista Charter School of the Arts. Two board members spoke against the proposal. The hearing was informational only; no decision was made.

• Opened public hearing on Bellavista Charter School of the Arts at 5:32 PM
• Heard comments from two speakers opposing the charter school
• Adjourned hearing at 5:41 PM with no vote or action taken

Speaker Forum

The Rochester Board of Education is holding a Speaker Forum at 5:30 p.m. on May 19, 2026, for community members to address the board on matters under consideration. The meeting is procedural and consists solely of public comments, following Policy 2300. A list of speakers and written comments are attached as PDF files.

• Speaker Forum held monthly on third Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. in Conference Room 3A/B
• Public comment rules prohibit shouting, personal insults, and disruptive conduct
• Speakers list and written comments attached as PDF files

The Rochester Board of Education held a speaker forum on May 19, 2026, where community members addressed the board. No substantive decisions were made during this procedural session.

May 12, 2026 Work Session

The Rochester Board of Education approved a $22.34 million Capital Improvement Program for 2026-27 and adopted decisions on long-term student suspension appeals. Several agenda items were moved to later meetings, including policy reviews and a resolution authorizing one-time payments to ASAR union members totaling $38,101.

• Adopted $22.34M Capital Improvement Program for 2026-27
• Adopted decisions on long-term suspension appeals
• Authorized $38,101 in one-time payments to ASAR union members
• Moved policy reviews to June 9, 2026 Work Session
• Moved Board Bulletin approval to May 28, 2026 Business Meeting

Special Meeting: Budget Adoption

The Rochester Board of Education is holding a special meeting to adopt the proposed budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The board will consider two budget resolutions totaling $1,161,267,745, with an amended version adjusting revenue sources. The meeting includes an executive session before the public portion.

• Adoption of 2026-27 budget (Resolution 2025-26:606) totaling $1,161,267,745
• Amended budget adoption adjusting revenues, including $23.8M in appropriated fund balance
• Executive session to discuss personnel and legal matters
• Budget review and final statements discussion

Special Meeting for the Consideration of Resolutions

The Rochester Board of Education met to consider resolutions and hold an executive session. The Board decided to authorize an agreement with the Monroe County Department of Public Health to administer a youth health-risk survey through June 30, 2028.

• Approved Intermunicipal Agreement with Monroe County for the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (Resolution No. 2025-26: 552) at no cost to the District.

The Board approved an intermunicipal agreement with Monroe County regarding the Youth Risk Behavior Survey. The Board also convened into executive session to discuss employment and entity appointment matters before returning to open session.

• Authorized Intermunicipal Agreement - Monroe County (Resolution No. 2025-26: 552) (6-0)
• Convened into Executive Session (6-0)
• Returned to Open Session (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Third Budget Deliberation Session

The Rochester Board of Education held its third deliberation session on the proposed 2026‑27 budget, providing a Q&A forum between board members and district administration. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn that carried unanimously. An announcement was made that the board will vote on adopting the budget at the next session on May 12.

• Call to Order to begin the third budget deliberation session
• Third deliberation on the 2026‑27 budget (discussion and Q&A)
• Motion to Adjourn at 9:25 p.m., carried unanimously
• Announcement of next budget event: May 12 vote on budget adoption
• Schedule of upcoming budget milestones (e.g., public hearings, superintendent presentations)

The Board of Education held its third deliberation session regarding the 2026-27 budget. Discussions focused on food service staffing, special education concentrations, social-emotional learning, and athletics.

• Adjourned meeting at 9:25 PM (unanimous)

Special Meeting: Budget Discussion

The Rochester City School District Board of Education held a special meeting to discuss the 2026-27 budget. The meeting included a recess into executive session and concluded with the adjournment of the meeting. The board announced the next budget deliberation is scheduled for Tuesday, May 5.

• Discussion of 2026-27 Budget
• Executive Session recess
• Adjournment at 6:42 PM
• Next budget event: May 5
• Budget Calendar approved on 2/26

The Board held a special meeting to discuss the 2026-27 budget, including Pre-K expansion costs and staffing. Discussions also covered the implementation of Community Schools and the operation of HHT programs.

• Adjourned meeting at 6:42 PM (5-0)

Second Budget Deliberation Session

The Rochester Board of Education held a second budget deliberation session to discuss the 2026-27 budget. The board voted to move the official budget adoption vote from May 5 to May 12 and scheduled an additional budget discussion meeting for April 30 at 4 p.m.

• Move Board Budget Vote meeting from May 5, 2026 to May 12, 2026
• Amend May 5 meeting to Budget Deliberation
• Add April 30, 2026 meeting for Budget Discussion at 4pm
• Convene Budget Discussion meeting on April 30, 2026 at 4pm
• Review 2026-27 Budget Calendar

The Rochester Board of Education held a procedural session to collect budget priorities and reschedule upcoming meetings. Commissioners will submit feedback on budget priorities by April 29, and the administration will use that input to shape the final budget proposal. No budget was approved or denied at this session.

• Moved Board Budget Vote meeting from May 5 to May 12 (7-0)
• Changed May 5 meeting designation from Budget Vote to Budget Deliberation (7-0)
• Added a Budget Discussion meeting for April 30 (7-0)
• Scheduled April 30 meeting to begin at 4:00 p.m. (7-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:42 p.m. (7-0)

Business Meeting

The Rochester Board of Education approved minutes from recent meetings and a consent agenda of resolutions. The agenda included authorizing additional pay for teachers at Anna Murray-Douglass Academy No. 12 and Enrico Fermi School No. 17 to conduct professional development and benchmark assessments.

• Approval of minutes from March 26, April 7, and April 14, 2026
• Authorization of $11,008.00 for professional development at Anna Murray-Douglass Academy No. 12
• Authorization of $1,806.00 for benchmark assessments at Enrico Fermi School No. 17
• Approval of the April 2026 Unaudited Financial Report
• Motion to enter executive session regarding personnel appointments and claims settlement

2026-27 Public Budget Hearing

The Rochester Board of Education is holding a public hearing to receive feedback on the district's proposed budget for the 2026-27 school year. The draft budget, updated April 10, 2026, and a presentation by the superintendent and CFO are available. The hearing is limited to budget topics, with in-person and virtual participation options.

• Public hearing to receive community input on the 2026-27 proposed budget
• Draft budget book and superintendent's budget presentation from February 26, 2026, are attached
• Speakers may sign up by noon on April 21 to speak in person or virtually
• Board may convene in executive session to discuss personnel or legal matters
• Next budget deliberation scheduled for April 28, 2026; board vote on adoption set for May 5

The Board of Education conducted a public hearing to receive comments from students, parents, community members, and staff regarding the 2026-27 budget. No substantive decisions were made during this meeting.

Special Meeting to Discuss Personnel Matters

This special meeting of the Rochester Board of Education was convened solely to discuss personnel matters. The board voted unanimously to enter executive session to deliberate on the employment of a particular individual and to receive legal advice from the General Counsel. No public business was conducted, and the meeting adjourned immediately after the closed session.

• Executive session to discuss employment of a particular individual and receive legal advice

The Rochester Board of Education entered an executive session to discuss employment matters. After the session, the board voted to return to open session. The meeting was then adjourned. All three motions carried with the listed members voting yes.

• Entered executive session (motion carries)
• Returned to open session (motion carries)
• Adjourned meeting (motion carries)