Rochester City School District public meetings in 2024

December 19, 2024 Business Meeting

The Rochester Board of Education approved renewals for dental and medical insurance plans with Excellus Health Plan, Inc., and accepted various financial and audit reports for the district.

• Authorize Agreement Renewal – Excellus Health Plan, Inc. (Dental) for $115,752.00
• Authorize Agreement Renewal – Excellus Health Plan, Inc. (Medical) for $5,758,271.00
• Accept Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for June 30, 2024
• Accept Unaudited December 2024 Financial Reports
• Accept 2024 Claims Audit Report and Wilson Student Activity Funds Audit

The Board of Education approved the June 30, 2024 Audited Financial Reports and the December 2024 Unaudited Financial Reports. Members also authorized several contract renewals for health plans and various professional service agreements. Personnel actions including appointments, tenures, and resignations were approved.

• Approved June 30, 2024 Audited Financial Reports (6-0)
• Accepted 2024 Claims Audit and Wilson Student Activity Funds Audit (6-0)
• Accepted Unaudited December 2024 Financial Reports (6-0)
• Authorized dental and medical agreement renewals with Excellus Health Plan, Inc. (6-0)
• Authorized property exchange between City of Rochester and School District (6-0)
• Approved contract awards for athletic supplies, football equipment, and helmets (6-0)
• Authorized service agreements with ScribSoft Holdings, Inc., Gibson Consulting Group, Inc., and Strategic Measurement and Evaluation, Inc. (6-0)
• Approved various personnel appointments, tenures, and resignations (6-0)

Board Work Session 2025-26 Preliminary Budget Discussion

The Rochester Board of Education held a work session to discuss the 2025-26 preliminary budget. The meeting included a brief executive session and concluded with a motion to adjourn.

• Executive session to discuss employment status of specific individuals
• Discussion of 2025-26 preliminary budget and revenue projections
• Adjournment at 7:24 p.m.

December 10, 2024 Special Meeting to Convene for Consideration of Resolutions

The Rochester Board of Education will vote on a series of personnel actions, including contract substitute teachers, acting and permanent administrative assignments, professional educator appointments, and classified civil service hires. Each resolution specifies the individual's certification, assignment, effective dates, and salary or hourly rate. All motions were carried by vote.

• Contract substitute teachers appointed (e.g., Michael Johnson – $57,904/yr, Orliz Espiritusanto – $61,330/yr)
• Acting administrative appointment: London Booker as Acting Coordinator of Physical Education, Health and Athletics – $90,500/yr effective Dec 23 2024
• Administrative appointment: Erick Mundorff as School District Leader – $90,500/yr effective Dec 23 2024
• Professional educator appointments (e.g., Monica Wagner – $61,330/yr, Maxwell Patterson – $62,357/yr)
• Provisional and permanent classified civil service hires with hourly rates (e.g., Marie Kinney – $21.87/hr, Ursula Burke – $19.46/hr)

The Board approved multiple resolutions regarding staff appointments, including emergency conditional hires, administrative roles, and civil service positions. The Board also accepted retirements and resignations and approved personnel terminations.

• Approved contract substitute emergency conditional hires (7-0)
• Approved acting administrative appointments (6-0)
• Approved administrative appointments (5-1)
• Approved professional educator appointments (7-0)
• Approved provisional competitive civil service appointments (7-0)
• Approved permanent classified civil service appointments (7-0)
• Accepted retirements (7-0)
• Accepted resignations and terminations (7-0)

December 10, 2024 2024 Equity in Student Achievement

The Equity in Student Achievement Committee will approve the minutes from the November 12, 2024 meeting. It will hear presentations on consent decree outcomes, district attendance data, and quarterly freshman passing rates. The board may recess into executive session to consider an appointment and issues with the General Counsel before adjourning.

• Approve minutes from the November 12, 2024 ESA COW
• Presentation of consent decree benchmark outcomes by the Chief of Special Education
• Attendance data presentation by Director of Attendance Joe Feeney
• Teaching & Learning quarterly data presentation by secondary school chiefs
• Executive session to discuss appointment of a specific individual and matters with General Counsel

The Board approved the minutes from the November 12, 2024, ESA COW meeting. Members received presentations on the Special Education Consent Decree Annual Report, attendance data, and freshman quarterly passing rates.

• Approved November 12, 2024 ESA COW minutes (6-0)

December 3, 2024 Audit Committee Meeting of the Whole

The Audit Committee reviewed the 2024 financial audit results presented by Drescher & Malecki. The committee decided to forward the 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, Student Activity Fund report, and Single Audit Report to the December 19, 2024 Business Meeting for adoption.

• Presentation of 2024 Financial Audit Results by Drescher & Malecki
• Approval of June 4, 2024 Audit COW minutes
• Review of 2023-24 Claims Audit Year End Report
• Update from the Office of Auditor General
• Executive session for confidential meeting with the External Auditor

The committee reviewed the 2024 financial audit results, which showed an unrestricted fund balance of $254,383,703. Members voted to move the annual financial reports to the December 19, 2024 Business Meeting for adoption.

• Approved minutes from June 4, 2024 Audit COW
• Approved forwarding 2024 ACFR, SAF, and Single Audit reports to Dec. 19 meeting
• Approved entering Executive Session with External Auditors at 6:33 pm
• Approved returning to Open Session at 7:22 pm

December 3, 2024 Policy Committee of the Whole

The Policy Committee of the Whole reviewed several updates regarding school board operations and financial management. Most discussed policy items were voted to be forwarded out of the committee for further action.

• Policy 6500: Fund Balance
• Policy 2120.1: Electioneering in Schools
• Policy 2160: Code of Ethics/Conflict of Interest
• Policy 2260: Advisory Bodies
• Policy 2280: Consultants to the Board

The Policy Committee of the Whole approved forwarding several policies, including those regarding fund balance and board governance, to the full board. Policy 9110 was tabled until the February 4, 2025 meeting. Commissioners also discussed improving the orientation process for new board members.

• Approved minutes from August 6, 2024 Policy COW Meeting
• Forwarded Policy 6500 (Fund Balance) out of committee
• Forwarded Policies 2120.1, 2160, 2280, 2325, 2440, 2510, 2521, and 2530 out of committee
• Forwarded Policy 2260 out of committee (5-1)
• Tabled Policy 9110 until no later than February 4, 2025 (5-1)
• Forwarded Policy 9260 out of committee
• Forwarded Policy 2300 (Board By-Laws) out of committee

November 21, 2024 Business Meeting

The Rochester Board of Education met to approve minutes, accept unaudited November 2024 financial reports, and consider several committee reports. After an executive session on personnel and litigation matters, the board voted to approve two academic agreements: a $313,249 contract with TNTP, Inc. to provide leadership coaching for the Principal Pipeline, and a $24,000 contract with Realizing Others Outstanding Talents, LLC for ROOTSHOPS at John James Audubon School. All motions carried.

• Approval of the unaudited November 2024 financial reports
• Executive session to discuss appointment, promotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal, and pending litigation
• Authorization of a $313,249 agreement with TNTP, Inc. for leadership coaching and principal pipeline redesign
• Authorization of a $24,000 agreement with Realizing Others Outstanding Talents, LLC for ROOTSHOPS training at John James Audubon School
• Approval of the meeting minutes

The Board of Education approved the unaudited November 2024 financial reports and several academic contracts. The board also authorized multiple additional pay resolutions for extended learning, parent engagement, and curriculum design, along with various staff appointments and tenure grants.

• Accepted Unaudited November 2024 Financial Reports (5-0)
• Authorized agreement with TNTP, Inc. (5-0)
• Authorized agreement with Realizing Others Outstanding Talents, LLC for School No. 33 (5-0)
• Authorized CSE/CPSE Recommendations for Special Education Programs & Services 2024-25 (5-0)
• Approved additional pay for Upper School Extended Learning, Parent Engagement, and Work-Based Learning (5-0)
• Approved additional pay for Live Performance Support and SEL Intervention Curriculum Design (5-0)
• Authorized agreement amendment with New York University (5-0)
• Approved various professional educator appointments and tenure grants (5-0)

November 13, 2024 Special Meeting to Discuss the Superintendent Search

The Rochester Board of Education held a special meeting to discuss the Superintendent Search. The meeting began with a call to order and immediately entered an executive session to discuss personnel matters. After the session, the board returned to open session and adjourned the meeting.

• Special meeting to discuss Superintendent Search
• Executive session to discuss employment of a particular individual
• Return to open session after executive session
• Adjournment of the meeting

The Board of Education convened a special meeting to discuss the superintendent search. The board entered a closed executive session to discuss employment matters and legal advice before adjourning.

• Approved motion to enter Executive Session (4-0, 2 not present)
• Approved motion to return to Open Session (6-0)
• Approved motion to adjourn (6-0)

November 12, 2024 Special Meeting to Convene for Consideration of Resolutions

The Rochester Board of Education held a special meeting to consider and unanimously pass eight resolutions for personnel actions, including part-time and contract substitute teachers, acting and permanent administrative appointments, professional educators, home hospital instructors, and provisional/permanent civil service hires. The meeting began with a call to order and no public speakers were listed.

• Appointed Rebecca Fox as Acting Executive Director of the Arts at $105,000/yr
• Appointed Susan Quinlan Ogden as Associate Director of Special Education at $92,000/yr
• Appointed seven professional educators including Kayla Nellis (School No. 8, $57,904/yr) and Christina Steenhoff (Edison, $69,226/yr)
• Provisionally appointed Katherine Sargeant as Assistant Personnel Analyst ($65,000/yr), Sonia Alvarado as Language Assessor ($33.79/hr), and Jaime Adkins as Process and Control Specialist ($92,000/yr)
• Approved part-time contract substitute Quanmain Harmon (Security, $42,815/yr) and contract substitutes Mirta Arroyo ($53,519/yr), Andrew Carrasco ($59,190/yr), and Eliza Conyers ($53,519/yr)

The Board unanimously approved 14 personnel-related resolutions, including emergency conditional hires, administrative appointments, and retirements. The Board also authorized an agreement with Imagination Station Inc. to support non-native speakers.

• Approved part-time and full-time contract substitutes (7-0)
• Approved acting and permanent administrative appointments (7-0)
• Approved professional educator and home/school instructor appointments (7-0)
• Approved provisional and permanent Civil Service appointments (7-0)
• Approved recalls from preferred eligibility lists (7-0)
• Accepted personnel retirements and resignations (7-0)
• Appointed CSE/CPSE Chairperson/Local Education Agency Representative (7-0)
• Authorized agreement with Imagination Station Inc. (7-0)

November 12, 2024 2024 Equity in Student Achievement

The Rochester City School District Board of Education approved the minutes from the October 8, 2024 Equity in Student Achievement Committee of the Whole meeting. The agenda included presentations on teaching and learning updates for i-Ready, IXL, and Brigance, as well as updates on the Quarterly Academic Plan and school receivership reports.

• Approval of October 8, 2024 ESA COW minutes
• Presentation on i-Ready, IXL, and Brigance teaching tools
• Quarterly Academic Plan update
• Receivership reports for Edison, Monroe, Sch. 16, Sch. 28, and Sch. 33
• Rochester Early Childhood Assessment Partnership (RECAP) report

The Board approved the minutes from the October 8, 2024, Equity in Student Achievement Committee of the Whole meeting. Members received presentations on student achievement data and the Quarterly Academic Plan. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved minutes from October 8, 2024 ESA COW (7-0)

November 5, 2024 Community and Intergovernmental Relations Committee of the Whole

The Rochester Board of Education's Community and Intergovernmental Relations Committee met to discuss legislative priorities with the Executive Director of the Big 5, plan a legislative breakfast, and approve a review of Policy 2111.1 on board member school visits with no amendments. The committee also lifted Resolution No. 2024-25:313a from the table and accepted minutes from the September 3, 2024 meeting. The agenda included routine procedural items and an executive session.

• Discussion of legislative priorities with Executive Director Jennifer Pyle
• Approval of Policy 2111.1 'Board Member School Visits' with no amendments
• Motion to lift Resolution No. 2024-25:313a from the table (carried)
• Acceptance of minutes from September 3, 2024 CIGR COW meeting
• Planning for a legislative breakfast

The Community and Intergovernmental Relations Committee approved Policy 2111.1 with no amendments following a discussion on the role of school liaisons. The committee also accepted the minutes from the September 3, 2024 meeting.

• Accepted September 3, 2024 CIGR COW minutes (5-0)
• Lifted Resolution No. 2024-25: 313a from the table (6-0)
• Approved Policy 2111.1 with no amendments (6-1)

Board Work Session with Council for the Great City Schools (CGCS)

The Rochester Board of Education held a work session with the Council for the Great City Schools to discuss the Student Outcomes Focused Governance (SOFG) mindset and committee structure. The board may have entered executive session before the public portion. No votes or decisions were made on substantive matters; only a motion to adjourn was carried.

• Discussion of SOFG Mindset – student outcomes-focused governance approach
• Discussion of SOFG Committee Diet – potential restructuring of board committees
• Meeting began with a call to order, with possibility of immediate executive session
• Motion to adjourn carried 5-0 (two members not present at vote)

The Board held a work session with the Council for the Great City Schools to review the necessity and focus of its committees. Members discussed which committees to keep, modify, or sunset to better focus on student outcomes and reduce administrative burden.

• Proposed to sunset Human Capital (HC) committee
• Proposed to sunset CIGR committee
• Proposed to sunset Finance committee and move reports to business meetings
• Proposed to modify Audit committee
• Proposed to modify ESA committee and its reporting structure
• Proposed to modify Policy committee
• Adjourned meeting at 8:27 pm (5-0)

October 24, 2024 Business Meeting

The Rochester Board of Education approved emergency conditional hires for substitute teachers and social workers, along with acting administrative appointments and the acceptance of financial reports. The meeting included reports from various advisory councils and committee updates.

• Emergency conditional hires for substitute teachers and social workers
• Acting administrative appointment for Dr. Freddie Thomas Middle School
• Acceptance of October 2024 financial reports
• Reports from Student, Parent Leadership, and Special Education advisory councils
• Committee reports from ESA, Finance, and CIGR committees

The Board approved a series of human capital resolutions including new hires, retirements, and an updated 2024-2025 school calendar. Members also authorized several professional service agreements for architectural, engineering, and environmental work. Financial reports for October were accepted.

• Approved updated 2024-2025 School Calendar (6-0)
• Accepted October financial reports (6-0)
• Approved multiple personnel actions including emergency hires, permanent appointments, and retirements (6-0)
• Authorized contract addendum with University of Rochester for EPO Services (6-0)
• Authorized additional pay for curriculum writing, walkthrough system maintenance, and scholar support (6-0)
• Authorized architectural agreement with Architectura (6-0)
• Authorized special inspections agreement with CME (6-0)
• Authorized civil engineering agreement with Hunt and environmental agreement with Lozier (6-0)

October 15, 2024 Finance and Resource Allocation Committee of the Whole

The Finance and Resource Allocation Committee of the Rochester City School District approved the 2025-26 budget calendar for the October 24 business meeting and provisionally appointed a Community Liaison Specialist at an annual salary of $85,000. The meeting also included discussions on grant forecasts, school bus cameras, and policy readings.

• Approved 2025-26 Budget Calendar for October 24 adoption
• Provisionally appointed Lindsey Brown as Community Liaison Specialist ($85,000/yr)
• Waived policy Second Reading requirement for Policy 2410
• Discussed Parent Preference/Managed Choice Policy (5153)
• Received Medicaid Compliance Report for Q1 2024

The committee approved forwarding the 2025-26 budget calendar to the October 24 business meeting. Members also voted to waive specific policy second-reading requirements and accepted previous meeting minutes. A resolution regarding provisional civil service appointments was postponed.

• Approved 2025-26 Budget Calendar for adoption at Oct 24 meeting (6-0)
• Waived policy second-reading requirement per Policy 2410 (6-0)
• Accepted August 20, 2024 Finance COW minutes (5-0)
• Lifted Resolution No. 2024-25: 260b from the table (5-1)
• Postponed Resolution No. 2024-25: 260b regarding provisional appointments until Oct 24 meeting (6-0)

October 8, 2024 Special Meeting to Convene for Consideration of Resolutions

The Rochester Board of Education approved appointments for contract substitute teachers, school instructors, and provisional civil service staff. The board also approved permanent appointments for several staff members and tabled one appointment until the October 15 Finance Committee meeting.

• Contract Substitute Teachers appointed (up to $88,516/yr)
• School Instructor appointed ($54,771/yr)
• Provisional Community Liaison Specialists appointed ($70,000-$86,500/yr)
• Permanent appointments for 11 staff members
• Resolution 260b tabled until Oct 15 Finance Committee

The Board of Education approved the Interim Superintendent's 2024-25 goals and revised language for Policy 7500 regarding naming facilities. The board also approved numerous personnel actions, including hires, tenures, and resignations, while tabling one provisional appointment.

• Approved Interim Superintendent's 2024-25 goals
• Approved revised language for Policy 7500, Naming Facilities
• Approved contract substitute emergency conditional hire (Res 258)
• Approved provisional appointments for Cheryl Lee, Jalen McGill, and Fatima Guerrouza (Res 260a)
• Tabled provisional appointment for Lindsey Brown until Oct 15 (Res 260b)
• Approved various permanent and part-time appointments (Res 261, 262, 263, 264, 265)
• Approved tenure grants, retirements, and resignations (Res 266, 267, 268)
• Approved terminations (Res 269) and East EPO administrative amendments (Res 270)

October 8, 2024 2024 Equity in Student Achievement

The Rochester Board of Education approved the minutes from the September 10, 2024 meeting. The committee discussed summer school outcomes, New York State assessment data, and school network receivership highlights.

• Approved minutes from September 10, 2024 ESA COW
• Reviewed Summer School Outcomes
• Presented NYS Assessment Data for ELA & Math
• Reviewed Receivership Highlights
• Discussed Multilingual Learner instruction

The Equity in Student Achievement Committee of the Whole approved the minutes from its September 10, 2024 meeting. The session consisted primarily of presentations on summer school outcomes, NYS assessment data, receivership schools, and the MTSS process.

• Approved September 10, 2024 ESA COW minutes (6-0)

Board Work Session Student Outcomes Focused Governance

This is a work session where the board will discuss the Student Outcomes Focused Governance (SOFG) implementation calendar. The meeting may begin with executive session. No votes or action items are on the agenda beyond adjournment.

• Discussion of SOFG implementation calendar and timeline

The Board discussed the Student Outcomes Focused Governance implementation calendar. Members agreed to conduct community listening sessions in October and November and to perform a 'committee diet' review in January.

• Scheduled community listening sessions for October and November
• Scheduled committee review ('committee diet') for January
• Scheduled timeline vote for 10/15
• Approved motion to adjourn (7-0)

Eugenio Maria de Hostos Charter School Public Hearing

The Board of Education held a required public hearing on the renewal application for Eugenio Maria de Hostos Charter School. The proposed renewal would take effect July 1, 2025, and expand the school's capacity to serve 1,300 students in grades K-12. No speakers or written comments were submitted.

• Public hearing for Eugenio Maria de Hostos Charter School renewal application
• Proposed renewal effective July 1, 2025, expanding capacity to 1,300 students in grades K-12
• No speakers or written comments received at the hearing

September 26, 2024 Business Meeting

The Board of Education met to approve the Special Education Audit and the 2023-2025 District Special Education Plan. The body also accepted unaudited financial reports for September 2024 and voted on several personnel appointments.

• Approval of the Special Education Audit
• Approval of the 2023-2025 District Special Education Plan
• Acceptance of Unaudited September 2024 Financial Reports
• Appointment of 8 CSE/CPSE Chairpersons/Local Education Agency Representatives
• Appointment of contract substitute teachers with salaries ranging from $52,256 to $86,037

The Board of Education approved the Special Education Audit and the 2023-2025 District Special Education Plan. Members also accepted September 2024 financial reports and authorized several personnel appointments and facility payments.

• Approved Special Education Audit (5-0)
• Approved 2023-2025 District Special Education Plan (5-0)
• Accepted Unaudited September 2024 Financial Reports (5-0)
• Authorized Agreement with University of Rochester for AmeriCorps Support (5-0)
• Approved Bond Request for 2024-25 Capital Improvement Program (6-0)
• Approved final payment to Concord Electric Corp. for Wilson Commencement Academy (6-0)
• Approved calculator contract award to El Dorado Trading Group, Inc. (6-0)
• Granted tenure to listed personnel (5-1)

September 17, 2024 HC Committee of the Whole

The Human Capital Committee of the Whole met to discuss district staffing updates and the ongoing superintendent search process. The committee also reviewed board goals, the 2024-25 workplan, and previous meeting minutes.

• Staffing & Recruitment Update including vacancies and teacher certification
• Superintendent Search Discussion
• Superintendent Goals Update
• Review of May 21, 2024, meeting minutes

The committee approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from May 21, 2024. Members discussed staffing recruitment, including potential incentives for special education and bilingual teachers, and reviewed the focus group list for the superintendent search.

• Approved HC COW Meeting Agenda (5-0)
• Accepted May 21, 2024 HC COW Minutes (5-0)
• Approved recess into executive session with General Counsel (5-0)

September 10, 2024 2024 Equity in Student Achievement

The Rochester Board of Education approved the minutes from the June 11, 2024 meeting and voted to forward the Special Education Audit to the September Business Meeting. The session included presentations on year-end data, the Restorative HUB, and the Special Education Review, followed by a report on the Draft RCSD Equity Plan.

• Approval of June 11, 2024 ESA COW minutes
• Motion to forward Special Education Audit to September Business Meeting
• Presentation on 2023-24 Year End Data Part II (Secondary)
• Presentation on Restorative HUB (Healing, Understanding, Belonging) Outcomes
• Presentation on Special Education Audit by General Auditor Henry-Wheeler

The Equity in Student Achievement Committee reviewed secondary student year-end data and restorative HUB outcomes. The committee approved forwarding a special education audit to the September Business Meeting for further action.

• Approved June 11, 2024 ESA COW minutes
• Approved motion to enter Executive Session (6-0)
• Approved motion to exit Executive Session (6-0)
• Approved forwarding Special Education Audit to September Business Meeting (7-0)

September 10, 2024 Special Meeting to Convene for Consideration of Resolutions

The Rochester Board of Education is holding a special meeting to vote on three resolutions approving the appointment of part-time and full-time educators and contract substitute teachers for the 2024-25 school year. The board may enter executive session before the public portion. All three resolutions passed unanimously with seven votes in favor.

• Resolution 2024-25:207 – appoints three part-time special education teachers at 0.6 FTE, salaries from $42,130 to $44,290/yr.
• Resolution 2024-25:208 – appoints 38 full-time educators (teachers, librarians, psychologists, teaching assistants) at salaries from $51,381 to $83,704/yr. across multiple schools.
• Resolution 2024-25:209 – appoints 32 contract substitute teachers (emergency conditional hires) for the school year ending June 30, 2025, with salaries from $52,256 to $71,997/yr.

The Board approved multiple resolutions regarding staff appointments, retirements, and resignations. It also approved a Memorandum of Agreement between the East High School Educational Partnership Organization and the Rochester Teachers Association.

• Approved part-time professional educator appointments (7-0)
• Approved professional educator appointments (7-0)
• Approved contract substitute emergency conditional hires (7-0)
• Approved permanent classified Civil Service appointments (7-0)
• Approved personnel terminations (6-1)
• Approved administrative appointments (7-0)
• Approved provisional to permanent appointments (7-0)
• Approved Memorandum of Agreement between East EPO and RTA (7-0)

Green Tech Rochester Elementary Charter School for Boys and BRICK Rochester Academy Charter School Public Hearing

The Rochester City School District Board of Education is holding a public hearing to gather community input for the SUNY Charter Schools Institute regarding two new charter school applications. The hearing covers Green Tech Rochester Elementary Charter School for Boys, which plans to open in August 2025, and BRICK Rochester Academy Charter School, which plans to open in August 2026. No speakers or written comments were submitted.

• Public hearing for Green Tech Rochester Elementary Charter School for Boys
• Public hearing for BRICK Rochester Academy Charter School
• Green Tech plans to serve 150 students in year one, 510 in year five
• BRICK plans to serve 120 students in year one, 480 in year five
• No speakers or written comments submitted

September 3, 2024 Community and Intergovernmental Relations Committee of the Whole

The committee is deciding on a $112,500 claim settlement and will discuss the superintendent search process with Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates. Presentations on youth and parent engagement are also scheduled.

• Claim settlement of $112,500 from general funds for lawsuit Latoya Brock v. RCSD
• Discussion on superintendent search process with Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA)
• Youth Engagement presentation by Family and Community Engagement (FACE)
• Office of Parent Engagement presentation
• Motion to waive 48-hour submission rule for resolution

The committee approved a claim settlement and accepted minutes from February 2024. Members received presentations on youth and parent engagement and discussed various parameters for the ongoing superintendent search, including residency and compensation.

• Accepted February 6, 2024 CIGR COW minutes (5-0)
• Approved motion to enter Executive Session at 6:48 pm (6-0)
• Approved motion to exit Executive Session at 7:17 pm (6-0)
• Waived 48-hour submission rule for Resolution No. 2024-25: 206 (7-0)
• Approved Claim Settlement Resolution No. 2024-25: 206 (7-0)

August 27, 2024 Special Meeting to Convene for Consideration of Resolutions

The Rochester City School District Board is voting on three grant‑funded agreements. It will approve a $55,000 contract with The Center for Youth Services to provide a Social Learning Specialist at School No. 19. It will also approve a $172,000 contract with Spectrum Creative Arts LLC for music‑therapy and evaluation services for special‑education students, and a $110,000 contract with M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence to provide restorative‑justice mediators at Loretta Johnson Middle School and Padilla High School. The meeting may begin with an executive‑session recess before the public portion.

• Authorize $55,000 agreement with The Center for Youth Services, 905 Monroe Ave, to staff a Social Learning Specialist at Dr. Charles T. Lunsford School No. 19.
• Authorize $172,000 agreement with Spectrum Creative Arts LLC, 3300 Monroe Avenue, for music‑therapy and evaluation services for approximately 31 special‑education students.
• Authorize $110,000 agreement with M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence, 929 South Plymouth Avenue, to provide Restorative Justice Mediators at Loretta Johnson Middle School and Padilla High School.

The Board approved agreements with The Center For Youth Services, Inc., Spectrum Creative Arts LLC, and the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence. All three resolutions passed with unanimous support.

• Approved agreement with The Center For Youth Services, Inc. for School No. 19 (7-0)
• Approved agreement with Spectrum Creative Arts LLC (7-0)
• Approved agreement with M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence (7-0)

August 27, 2024 Special Meeting to discuss the Superintendent Search Plan

The Rochester City School District Board of Education will meet to discuss the superintendent search plan and process with the consulting firm HYA. The meeting includes a closed executive session to discuss employment matters.

• Discussion on Superintendent Search Plan
• Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA) discussion on search process
• Executive session to discuss employment matters
• Adjournment at 8:23 p.m.

The Board reviewed the four-phase Superintendent search plan, currently in the engagement phase. Members discussed candidate tiering, the use of a leadership profile rubric, and preferences for virtual versus in-person interviews. No formal vote was taken on the search plan itself.

• Agreed that internal candidates should follow the standard search process
• Adjourned the meeting (5-0)

August 22, 2024 Business Meeting

The Board approved minutes, heard reports from advisory councils and committees, and went into executive session to discuss collective negotiations, personnel, and litigation. After returning, they accepted the unaudited August 2024 financial report and authorized a $15,000 contract with Reviewed Costs Inc. for unemployment insurance management. They also appointed 22 emergency conditional substitute teachers and teaching assistants at various schools and salaries for the 2024-25 school year.

• Approval of unaudited August 2024 financial report
• Authorized $15,000 contract with Reviewed Costs Inc. (dba Industrial U.I. Services) for unemployment insurance management
• Appointed 22 emergency conditional substitute teachers and teaching assistants (e.g., Elyse Harzynski at Padilla High, $54,771/yr; James Dean at Padilla High, $21.53/hr)
• Executive session to discuss collective negotiations, personnel appointments, and pending litigation
• Reports from ESA Committee, Finance Committee, Policy Committee, and Interim Superintendent Strickland

The Board approved the 2024-2025 District-Wide School Safety Plan and appointed the District-Wide Safety Team. Other actions included approving the August 2024 financial report and various personnel appointments and contracts.

• Adopted 2024-2025 District-Wide School Safety Plan (5-0)
• Appointed 2024-2025 District-Wide Safety Team (5-0)
• Approved Unaudited August 2024 Financial Report (5-0)
• Approved Intermunicipal Agreement with Rochester Police Department (4-1)
• Authorized Agreement with Franklin Covey Co. (4-1)
• Authorized Agreement with Reviewed Costs, Inc. (5-0)
• Approved contract award for envelopes to PAD Business Forms (5-0)
• Authorized expenditure amendment for Edison Pavilion construction (5-0)

August 20, 2024 Finance and Resource Allocation Committee of the Whole

The Rochester Board of Education's Finance and Resource Allocation Committee met to discuss the Facilities Modernization Program year-end presentation, review draft financial resolutions for September 2024, and examine the August 2024 unaudited financial report. The committee also approved forwarding the financial reports to the August 22 Board Business Meeting and accepted the minutes from the February 13, 2024 meeting. No public speakers or written comments were submitted.

• Discussion of Facilities Modernization Program year-end presentation
• Review of draft financial resolutions for September 2024
• Review of August 2024 Unaudited Financial Report and Trend Analysis (July data)
• Motion to forward financial reports to August 22, 2024 Business Meeting (carried 6-0)
• Medicaid Compliance Report Quarter 4 presentation

The Finance and Resource Allocation Committee accepted the February 13, 2024 minutes and voted to forward the August 2024 unaudited financial reports and trend analysis to the August 22, 2024 Business Meeting. The committee also reviewed the Facilities Modernization Program year-end presentation and discussed potential revenue sources, including school bus arm cameras.

• Approved minutes from February 13, 2024 Finance COW (6-0)
• Approved forwarding August 2024 financial reports to August 22 Business Meeting (6-0)

Board Retreat - Monday, August 19, 2024

This is a closed-board retreat with no public participation. The board will discuss and review Student Outcomes Focused Governance (SOFG) and its implementation, along with the district's 2023-2028 Board Goals. No votes or decisions are scheduled; it is a training and discussion session.

• Discussion item: Student Outcomes Focused Governance (SOFG) – manual attached
• Board Goals PDF (2023-2028) provided as background material
• Closed session with no opportunity for public participation
• Meeting held at Carlson Metro YMCA, 444 East Main Street

Board Retreat on Student Outcomes Focused Governance - Sunday, August 18, 2024

The Rochester City School District Board of Education is holding a closed retreat focused on Student Outcomes Focused Governance. The meeting is scheduled for Sunday, August 18, 2024, at the Carlson Metro YMCA.

• Closed session with no public participation
• Review of Board Goals 2023-2028
• Discussion of Student Outcomes Focused Governance Manual

The minutes record a retreat session focused on student outcomes governance. No substantive decisions, votes, or actions were recorded in the document.

Districtwide School Safety Plan Public Hearing

The Rochester City School District is holding a public hearing on the 2024-25 Districtwide School Safety Plan. The meeting will include a presentation on the plan and a list of speakers. No formal decisions are scheduled.

• Public hearing on 2024-25 Districtwide School Safety Plan
• Presentation on all-hazards crisis management procedures
• Speakers list available for the safety plan discussion

August 13, 2024 2024 Equity in Student Achievement

The Rochester Board of Education Equity in Student Achievement Committee will consider several agenda items, including rescinding a motion to approve minutes from the June 11, 2024 meeting, an overview of the committee’s purpose and 2024‑25 workplan, a presentation of 2023‑24 year‑end data by the Chief Academic Officer, and a presentation on the outcomes of the Special Education consent decree by the Special Education Chief. After these items, the board may enter an executive session to discuss personnel appointments and legal matters before adjourning.

• Rescind motion to approve minutes from the June 11, 2024 ESA COW (motion carried)
• Committee purpose and 2024‑25 workplan overview (files attached)
• 2023‑24 year‑end data presentation by Chief Academic Officer LaMorte
• Summary of outcomes of the Special Education consent decree presented by Chief Swann
• Executive session to discuss appointment of a specific individual and matters with General Counsel

The Board approved the minutes from the June 11, 2024 ESA COW, but subsequently voted to rescind that approval. Members also received presentations on 2023-24 year-end data and consent decree outcomes.

• Approved Minutes from June 11, 2024 ESA COW (7-0)
• Rescinded motion to approve Minutes from June 11, 2024 ESA COW (7-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:59 pm (7-0)

August 13, 2024 Special Meeting to Convene for Consideration of Resolutions

The special meeting agenda includes four resolutions: an intermunicipal agreement with the Rochester Police Department for up to $100,000 for police services at sporting and district events through June 2025; a $27,375 contract with Corwin Press for professional learning workshops; an extension of fast-tracked hiring authority through September 2025; and the appointment of 20 emergency conditional substitute teachers for the 2024-2025 school year. The board also added discussion items on official correspondence and the superintendent search process.

• Intermunicipal agreement with Rochester Police Department for $100,000 for police services at school events (Resolution 2024-25:137)
• Professional development contract with Corwin Press for $27,375 to train staff on school comprehensive education plans (Resolution 2024-25:138)
• Extension of fast-tracked hiring authority through September 2025 due to ongoing staffing shortages (Resolution 2024-25:139)
• Appointment of 20 emergency conditional substitute teachers at salaries ranging from $52,256 to $75,549/yr (Resolution 2024-25:140)

The Board approved an intermunicipal agreement with the Rochester Police Department and a contract with Corwin Press, Inc. Members also approved a series of personnel actions, including hiring, provisional appointments, and payroll amendments for summer learning and professional development.

• Approved Intermunicipal Agreement with Rochester Police Department (6-1)
• Approved agreement with Corwin Press, Inc. (7-0)
• Approved extension of fast tracked hiring (7-0)
• Approved various personnel appointments, including contract substitutes and civil service titles (7-0)
• Approved East EPO administrator appointments to aligned RCSD titles (7-0)
• Accepted various retirements, resignations, and terminations (7-0)
• Approved additional pay for summer learning staff at Monroe, SOTA, and Edison schools (7-0)
• Approved additional pay for middle school professional learning at Andrew Langston, Freddie Thomas, and Northwest schools (7-0)

August 6, 2024 Policy Committee of the Whole

The Rochester City School District Policy Committee approved minutes from June, forwarded several budget and student policies to the full board, and passed board by-laws. A motion to forward an Equal Employment Opportunity policy failed.

• Approved minutes from June 4, 2024 Policy COW meeting
• Forwarded budget policies (6110, 6120, 6130, 6150, 6200, 6240) to full board
• Forwarded board by-laws (2300) and mentor guidelines to full board
• Motion to forward Equal Employment Opportunity policy (9110) failed
• Motion to forward Parent Preference/Managed Choice policy (5153) failed

The committee approved forwarding several sets of policies, including those related to the School Board and general operations, out of the Policy Committee. Motions to forward the Equal Employment Opportunity and Parent Preference/Managed Choice policies failed. The Board By-Laws were forwarded with the exception of language regarding interpreter requests.

• Approved forwarding policies 0110, 4205-4206, 5000, and 6000-6240 (5-0)
• Denied forwarding Equal Employment Opportunity policy 9110 (2-3)
• Denied forwarding Parent Preference/Managed Choice policy 5153 (2-3)
• Approved forwarding policies 2000, 2100, 2110.1, 2111, and 2111.1 (5-0)
• Approved forwarding Board By-Laws (2300) and Mentor Guidelines for Student Representative (2300-E4), excluding interpreter request language (4-1)
• Approved June 4, 2024 meeting minutes (5-0)

July 25, 2024 Business Meeting

The Board of Education met to review financial reports and approve a series of emergency conditional hires for teachers and teaching assistants. The meeting included presentations from Superintendent Blocker and Interim Superintendent Strickland.

• Approval of Unaudited July 2024 Financial Report and 2022-23 and 2023-24 Quarterly Change Order Reports
• Appointment of contract substitute teachers including salaries ranging from $52,256 to $67,550 per year
• Appointment of multiple teaching assistants with hourly rates between $20.49 and $22.06
• Appointment of Jamie Bickom as Coordinator of Instruction
• Reports from Student, Parent Leadership, Bilingual Education, and Special Education Parent Advisory Councils

The Board of Education approved the July financial report and a series of human capital resolutions, including staff appointments, tenures, and retirements. The Board also authorized several agreements and additional pay for educational programs. Discussions included driver shortages and challenges with the district's aging finance system.

• Approved July financial reports (7-0)
• Approved contract substitute emergency conditional hires (7-0)
• Approved administrative appointments (5-2)
• Approved professional educator appointments (7-0)
• Approved extension of probationary periods (7-0)
• Approved provisional and permanent civil service appointments (7-0)
• Approved unpaid leaves of absence and staff recalls (7-0)
• Approved tenure for listed individuals as amended (6-0)

July 19, 2024 Special Meeting to Discuss Personnel Matters

The Rochester Board of Education convened a special meeting to discuss personnel matters in executive session, which concluded with a motion to adjourn.

• Executive session to discuss employment of a particular individual or corporation
• Motion to adjourn the special meeting

July 18, 2024 Special Meeting to Discuss Personnel Matters

The Rochester Board of Education held a special meeting solely to discuss personnel matters. The board immediately convened into executive session at 5:31 p.m. to discuss employment of a particular individual or corporation and to receive legal advice. After the closed session, the board returned to open session at 7:00 p.m. and adjourned. No public action or decision was taken.

• Special meeting called to discuss personnel matters
• Board convened into executive session at 5:31 p.m. (motion carried 4-0)
• Executive session topics: employment of a particular individual or corporation and legal advice
• Board returned to open session at 7:00 p.m.
• Meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.; board member Amy Maloy not present at vote

The Board convened a special meeting to discuss personnel matters in a closed executive session. No substantive decisions were recorded in the open session before the meeting adjourned.

• Approved motion to convene into Executive Session (4-0)
• Approved motion to return to Open Session (4-0)
• Approved motion to adjourn (4-0)

July 16, 2024 Special Meeting to Discuss Personnel Matters

The Rochester Board of Education held a special meeting on July 16, 2024, that was primarily procedural. The board immediately convened into executive session (closed to the public) to discuss matters related to the employment of a particular individual or corporation, as permitted by New York Open Meetings Law. After returning to open session, the board adjourned. No other substantive business was conducted.

• The board voted 5-0 to enter executive session at 5:11 PM.
• The session lasted approximately two hours, ending with a return to open session at 7:13 PM.
• Discussion covered employment of a particular individual or corporation and legal advice from the General Counsel.
• The meeting adjourned at 7:13 PM immediately after returning to open session.

The Board convened a special meeting and entered an executive session to discuss personnel matters and receive legal advice. No substantive decisions were recorded in the open session.

• Approved motion to enter executive session to discuss employment matters
• Approved motion to return to open session
• Approved motion to adjourn

State Monitor Public Hearing

The Rochester Board of Education is holding a public hearing regarding the State Monitor Academic and Financial Plans for 2024-25. The meeting includes a presentation of the draft plans and a session for speaker comments.

• Review of Draft Academic and Financial Plan 2024-2025
• Public comments from the Speakers List regarding the State Monitor plans

July 9, 2024 Special Meeting to Convene for Consideration of Resolutions

The Rochester City School District Board of Education approved four agreements totaling $378,343.33, including police details for school arrival and dismissal, a summer camp at Monroe Community College, restorative practices for Spanish-speaking students, and professional learning for science teachers.

• Police detail agreement with City of Rochester ($90,800)
• ROC VOCADEMIC summer camp at MCC Downtown ($69,891.40)
• Restorative practices agreement with Ibero-American Action League ($150,000)
• Science teaching standards support from National Science Teaching Association ($62,400)
• Additional pay for ELL professional learning at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., School No. 9 ($6,150)

The Board approved several personnel appointments, payroll authorizations, and intermunicipal agreements. Key approvals included a summer camp at MCC Downtown and a police department summer detail agreement. The Board also authorized agreements with the Ibero-American Action League Inc. and the City of Rochester for Pathways to Peace.

• Approved Intermunicipal Agreement with Rochester Police Department for Summer Detail (4-3)
• Approved ROC VOCADEMIC SUMMER CAMP at MCC Downtown (7-0)
• Authorized Agreement with Ibero-American Action League Inc. (5-2)
• Authorized Agreement with National Science Teaching Association (7-0)
• Authorized additional pay for professional learning and work at School No. 9, Assessment and Testing, Teaching & Learning (CTE), and MTSS (7-0)
• Approved various personnel actions including appointments, resignations, retirements, and terminations (7-0)
• Approved layoffs and placement on Preferred Eligibility Lists for certificated and civil service positions (7-0)
• Authorized Agreement with City of Rochester for Pathways to Peace (4-3)

Contract for Excellence Public Hearing

The Rochester Board of Education is conducting a public hearing on the 2024-25 Contract for Excellence plan. The hearing opens a 30-day comment period ending August 7, 2024. Public feedback will be submitted to the New York State Education Department along with the plan. Residents may speak or submit written comments.

• Open comment period July 9 – August 7, 2024
• Public hearing at 5:30 p.m. at 131 West Broad Street, Rochester
• Speakers must sign up by noon on July 9 via email or phone
• Written comments accepted by email at [email protected]
• Agenda includes presentation on Contract for Excellence and NYSED guidance documents

June 28, 2024 Special Meeting to Discuss Superintendent Search Supports and Summer Governance Work [CANCELED]

The Rochester City School District Board of Education canceled its June 28, 2024 special meeting to discuss superintendent search supports and summer governance work. The agenda included a discussion on the Council for the Great City Schools Superintendent Search and general summer governance tasks.

• Canceled special meeting
• Superintendent search supports discussion
• Summer governance work discussion
• Executive session discussion on employment matters

June 20, 2024 Business Meeting

The Board approved renaming the school at 500 Webster Avenue from John James Audubon No. 33 to Dr. Iris J. Banister School No. 33, effective 2025‑2026. It also approved final payments of $15,010.05 to UDN, Inc. for the Charlotte Campus construction and $12,371.00 to Concord Electric Corporation for School No. 28 electrical work. The Board accepted the 2024 Graduation Follow‑up Audit and the unaudited June 2024 Financial Report. An executive session was held to discuss collective bargaining, personnel appointments, and pending litigation.

• Rename School No. 33 to Dr. Iris J. Banister School No. 33 (Resolution No. 2023-24: 959)
• Approve final payment of $15,010.05 to UDN, Inc. for Charlotte Campus construction
• Approve final payment of $12,371.00 to Concord Electric Corporation for School No. 28 electrical work
• Accept the 2024 Graduation Follow‑up Audit
• Accept the unaudited June 2024 Financial Report

June 11, 2024 Equity in Student Achievement

The Equity in Student Achievement Committee met to review presentations on curriculum and school improvement. The body discussed the 2024-25 Academic & Fiscal Plan and bilingual education.

• Language Arts Curriculum presentation regarding goals for 3rd grade and grades 3-8 ELA proficiency
• School Improvement Plans & Receivership Overview presentation
• Annual Bilingual Education & World Languages presentation
• 2024-25 Academic & Fiscal Plan presentation and draft
• Approval of May 14, 2024 meeting minutes

The Board approved the minutes from the May 14, 2024 ESA COW meeting. Members received presentations on the 6-8 EL Education language arts curriculum, school receivership status, and the draft 2024-25 academic and fiscal plan.

• Approved May 14, 2024 ESA COW minutes (6-0)

June 11, 2024 Special Meeting to Convene for Consideration of Resolutions

The Rochester Board of Education will consider resolutions to appoint new teachers, administrators, and staff, accept resignations and retirements, and discuss the superintendent evaluation process.

• Appointments for 12 teachers and staff with salaries ranging from $18.97/hr to $120,144/yr
• Administrative appointments including a Director of Student Support Services ($116,081/yr)
• Acceptance of 21 resignations and 12 retirements effective between June 8 and August 19, 2024
• Discussion on the Superintendent Evaluation and Council of Great City Schools search
• Provisional appointment of a Senior Information Services Business Analyst ($75,000/yr)

June 4, 2024 Audit Committee Meeting of the Whole

The Rochester Board of Education Audit Committee will discuss and vote on accepting the Drescher & Malecki Financial Audit Plan for the year ending June 30, 2024. The committee will also review the April 2024 claims audit report and receive an update on the graduation audit follow-up, which they will forward to the full board's June business meeting. The meeting includes approval of prior minutes and possible executive session.

• Approve Drescher & Malecki Financial Audit Plan for year ending June 30, 2024 (Resolution No. 2023-24: 848)
• Review Nawrocki Smith's April 2024 Claims Audit Report (382 KB attachment)
• Forward Graduation Audit Follow-Up Report to June 20, 2024 Business Meeting
• Approve minutes from March 19, 2024 Audit Committee meeting
• Possible executive session for personnel or legal matters

The committee approved the Drescher & Malecki Financial Audit Plan for the year ending June 30, 2024. Members also voted to move the Graduation Audit Follow-Up Report to the June 20 business meeting. The committee reviewed a claims audit report covering claims through April 30, 2024.

• Approved Minutes from March 19, 2024 Audit COW (6-0)
• Approved 2024 Drescher & Malecki Financial Audit Plan (6-0)
• Approved forwarding Graduation Audit Follow-Up Report to June 20, 2024 Business Meeting (6-0)

June 4, 2024 Policy Committee of the Whole

The Rochester City School District Policy Committee approved minutes from April, appointed President Cynthia Elliott as chair, and voted to forward multiple special education policies and a service learning policy to the full board. The committee also approved criteria for Board Committee Representatives.

• Approved minutes from April 9, 2024 Policy COW Meeting
• Appointed President Cynthia Elliott as Policy Committee Chair
• Forwarded special education policies 4216-4240 to full board
• Forwarded Service Learning (Civic Engagement) policy 4314.3 to full board
• Approved criteria for Board Committee Representatives

The Policy Committee of the Whole appointed President Elliott as chair and forwarded several policy updates for further action. The committee also approved criteria for Board Committee Representatives, requiring student representatives to report to the Student Leadership Congress.

• Appointed President Elliott as Policy Committee Chair (4-0)
• Forwarded Policies 4216-4240 out of the Policy Committee (4-0)
• Forwarded Service Learning (Civic Engagement) (4314.3) out of the Policy Committee, including name change to Service Learning (4-0)
• Approved Board Committee Representatives criteria, including reporting requirement to Student Leadership Congress (4-0)
• Approved April 9, 2024 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved meeting agenda (5-0)

May 23, 2024 Special Meeting to Convene for Consideration of Resolutions

The Rochester Board of Education held a special meeting to consider resolutions. They voted to waive the 48-hour submission rule and then approved a one-year agreement appointing Demario Strickland as interim superintendent starting July 1, 2024, at an annual salary of $230,000. The board also entered executive session before adjourning.

• Approved Resolution No. 2023-24:847 authorizing an agreement appointing Demario Strickland as Interim Superintendent of Schools from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025 at $230,000 per year.
• Waived the 48-hour submission rule (Policy 2300) to allow consideration of the resolution.

May 23, 2024 Business Meeting

The Rochester Board of Education will vote on a consent agenda that includes a final payment of $1,782.63 to Hewitt Young Electric, LLC for completed electrical work at the Charlotte Campus. The board will also accept several staff resignations effective in June and May 2024, and will adopt the unaudited May 2024 financial reports. An executive session is planned to discuss collective negotiations, personnel actions, confidential student matters, and pending litigation.

• Approve final payment of $1,782.63 to Hewitt Young Electric, LLC (Charlotte Campus)
• Accept resignations of eight staff members, including Ying Chen (Art, School No. 28) effective June 27 2024
• Adopt the unaudited May 2024 financial reports
• Enter executive session to discuss collective negotiations, personnel actions, confidential student matters, and litigation
• Review Finance Committee report and other board committee reports

May 21, 2024 HC Committee of the Whole

The Rochester Board of Education Human Capital Committee met to discuss personnel processes and wellness. The committee also held an executive session to discuss an individual's employment and receive legal counsel.

• Discussion of staff transfer process
• Discussion of employee wellness
• Discussion on tying human capital to academic goals
• Upcoming Educator of the Year 2024 event
• Executive session regarding the employment of a particular individual

The committee approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the March 19, 2024 meeting. Members discussed staff transfers and employee wellness updates. The committee entered executive session to discuss personnel matters before adjourning.

• Approved HC COW Meeting Agenda (4-0)
• Accepted March 19, 2024 HC COW minutes (4-0)
• Entered executive session to discuss employment matters (6-0)
• Exited executive session (6-0)

May 16, 2024 Special Meeting to discuss Personnel Matters

The Rochester City School District Board of Education held a special meeting on May 16, 2024, to discuss personnel matters. The meeting began with a call to order and immediately entered an executive session to discuss the employment of a particular individual. After the executive session, the board returned to open session and adjourned the meeting.

• Special meeting called to discuss personnel matters
• Executive session held to discuss employment of a particular individual
• Motion to return to open session carried
• Meeting adjourned at 7:41 p.m.
• Board members present: Cynthia Elliott, James Patterson, Camille Simmons, Jacqueline Griffin, Isaiah Santiago

The Board of Education convened a special meeting to discuss personnel matters. The board entered and then exited an executive session; no substantive decisions were recorded in the open session.

• Approved motion to enter executive session to discuss employment matters (4-0)
• Approved motion to return to open session (5-0)
• Approved motion to adjourn meeting (5-0)

May 14, 2024 Special Meeting to Convene for Consideration of Resolutions

The Rochester Board of Education approved three international field trips to Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario and authorized additional pay for staff working on summer learning planning and executive director transitions.

• Authorize international field trip for World of Inquiry School No. 58 (36 students)
• Authorize international field trip for Franklin Upper School (20 students)
• Authorize international field trip for Joseph C. Wilson Magnet High School (20 students)
• Authorize $4,335.48 for Early Childhood Education executive director transition work
• Authorize $75,337 for Summer Learning Planning - Registrars

May 14, 2024 Equity in Student Achievement

The Rochester City School District Board of Education approved the minutes from the April 16, 2024 Equity in Student Achievement Committee of the Whole meeting. The agenda included a presentation on the Attendance Department and a discussion of the Quarterly Academic Plan Update.

• Approved minutes from April 16, 2024 Equity in Student Achievement COW
• Presentation on Attendance Department
• Discussion of Quarterly Academic Plan Update
• Executive session to discuss personnel and legal matters
• Meeting adjourned at 8:06 p.m.

The committee approved the minutes from the April 16, 2024 meeting. Members received a third-quarter update on the Academic and Financial Plan and a presentation on student absenteeism. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved April 16, 2024 ESA COW minutes (5-0)

May 13, 2024 Special Meeting to discuss Personnel Matters

The Rochester Board of Education held a special meeting on May 13, 2024, to discuss personnel matters. The meeting began with a call to order and immediately entered executive session to discuss the employment of a particular individual. After the executive session, the board returned to open session and adjourned.

• Special meeting called to discuss personnel matters
• Executive session held to discuss employment of a particular individual
• Board returned to open session after executive session
• Meeting adjourned at 4:02 p.m.

May 10, 2024 Special Meeting to discuss Personnel Matters

This is a special Board of Education meeting devoted to personnel matters. The board convened in executive session to discuss the employment of a particular individual and received legal advice, then returned to open session and adjourned. No votes on substantive policies or contracts occurred in public.

• Board entered executive session at 5:45 PM to discuss employment of a particular individual
• Returned to open session at 7:41 PM
• Motion to adjourn immediately after open session resumed

Special Meeting: Budget Adoption

The Rochester City School District Board of Education adopted a $1.07 billion budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year. The meeting included a public comment period and an executive session regarding personnel matters.

• Adoption of 2024-25 budget ($1,071,659,143)
• Use of $8 million from General Fund balance
• Allocation of $2,870,505 to School Food Service Fund
• Executive session regarding employment of a particular individual
• Public comment period for budget adoption

May 3, 2024 Special Meeting to discuss Personnel Matters

The Rochester Board of Education held a special meeting on May 3, 2024, to discuss personnel matters. The meeting began with a call to order and immediately entered executive session to discuss employment-related topics. After the executive session, the board returned to open session and adjourned the meeting.

• Special meeting to discuss Personnel Matters
• Executive session to discuss employment of a particular individual
• Return to open session
• Motion to adjourn

Third Budget Deliberation Session

The Rochester City School District Board of Education held a third budget deliberation session to discuss the 2024-25 proposed budget and answer questions from previous rounds. The meeting included presentations on administration and East EPO budgets, followed by a vote to enter and exit executive session. The board is scheduled to adopt the budget on May 7.

• Third budget deliberation session
• Presentation on 2024-25 BOE Budget
• Presentation on East EPO Budget
• Budget Question Log Rounds 1-3
• Budget adoption vote scheduled for May 7

Public Forum re: Interim Superintendent

The Rochester Board of Education is holding a public forum to receive comments regarding the interim superintendent. The meeting is scheduled for 5:30 PM on April 25, 2024, at the Conference Room 3A/B in the City Hall building. The agenda includes a call to order, a speakers list, and adjournment.

• Public forum on interim superintendent
• Speakers list and comments available
• Meeting at Conference Room 3A/B, 131 West Broad Street

April 25, 2024 Business Meeting

The Rochester Board of Education approved the unaudited April 2024 financial report and quarterly change order reports for Jan–March 2024. The board also accepted resignations, retirements, and unpaid leaves of absence for district staff. The board entered executive session to discuss personnel appointments and pending litigation.

• Accepted Unaudited April 2024 Financial Report and Quarterly Change Order Reports (Jan–March 2024)
• Approved resignations of Richard Pradia, Saharah Orum, Shaquinn Wilson, Arlen Perez Leon
• Approved retirements of Steven Moulton, Cynthia Josselyn, Amy Demis, Diana Tatum
• Approved unpaid leaves of absence (Resolution No. 2023-24: 729)
• Convened executive session for personnel appointments and litigation

Second Budget Deliberation Session

The Board of Education is meeting to discuss specific sections of the proposed 2024-25 budget. This session focuses on student supports, administrative services, and operational costs. The board will review a question log and responses from district administration.

• Budget discussion on Student Supports and Administrative Services
• Budget discussion on Facilities
• Budget discussion on Food Service
• Budget discussion on Safety and Security
• Budget discussion on Transportation

First Budget Deliberation Session

The Board of Education is conducting the first of three deliberation sessions regarding the proposed 2024-25 budget. This session focuses on the budget process, teaching and learning, and responses to questions submitted by Board Commissioners.

• Discussion of the 2024-25 budget process and Teaching and Learning
• Review of the Round 1 Budget Question Log and administration responses
• Discussion of presentations from the District Superintendent, East EPO Superintendent, and State Monitor
• Potential executive session regarding an individual appointment or General Counsel matters

April 22, 2024 Special Meeting to discuss Personnel Matters

The Rochester Board of Education held a special meeting primarily to discuss personnel matters. The board voted to recess into executive session and later returned to open session before adjourning. No other substantive items were considered.

• Board voted 4-0 to enter executive session to discuss employment of a particular individual or corporation and receive legal advice

April 16, 2024 Equity in Student Achievement

The Equity in Student Achievement Committee will discuss science curriculum, graduation projections for the 2023 cohort, and network presentations. The board may also enter executive session to discuss personnel and legal matters. The meeting may immediately go into executive session before the regular agenda.

• Review and approval of minutes from the March 12, 2024 Equity in Student Achievement Committee meeting
• Discussion and presentation on science curriculum
• Presentation on teaching and learning: graduation projections for Cohort 2023
• Network presentations from schools
• Possible executive session to discuss personnel appointments and matters with General Counsel

The Board approved the minutes from the March 12, 2024 Equity in Student Achievement meeting. Members discussed a proposed new 9-12 grade Biology curriculum, graduation projections for the 2023 cohort, and Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) practices.

• Approved March 12, 2024 ESA COW minutes (4-0)

April 16, 2024 Special Meeting to Convene for Consideration of Resolutions and Discussion of the Superintendent Search Process

The Rochester Board of Education approved provisional and permanent appointments, accepted resignations and retirements, and terminated one employee during a special meeting focused on superintendent search discussions.

• Provisional appointment of Jason Israel at $18.27/hr.
• Permanent appointment of Zlatko Vetrov at $103,174/yr.
• Acceptance of retirements for Director Lisa Traficante-Loncao and Executive Director Robin Hooper.
• Acceptance of resignations for 16 staff members.
• Termination of James Compitello from Home/Hospital Tutor Prog.

The Board established a set of qualifications for interim superintendent candidates, including requirements for leadership and budget management. The Board also approved several personnel resolutions and agreed to hold four policy meetings for the 2024-2025 calendar.

• Approved provisional Civil Service appointments (6-0)
• Approved permanent classified Civil Service appointments (6-0)
• Approved professional educator area appointments (6-0)
• Accepted retirements (6-0)
• Accepted resignations (6-0)
• Approved terminations (6-0)
• Agreed to four policy meetings for the 2024-2025 Board Meeting Calendar
• Agreed upon criteria for Interim Superintendent candidates

2024-25 Public Budget Hearing

The Rochester City School District Board of Education will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, to accept feedback on the proposed 2024-25 budget. The meeting is limited to budget topics and will be held at 6:00 p.m. in Conference Room 3A/B at 131 West Broad Street.

• Public Budget Hearing on 2024-25 budget
• Draft budget and district profile submitted March 21, 2024
• Superintendent's budget presentation (Dr. Carmine Peluso and CFO Shawn Farr)
• East EPO Superintendent's budget presentation (Marlene Blocker)
• Next budget deliberation session scheduled for Tuesday, April 23

April 9, 2024 Policy Committee of the Whole

The Rochester City School District Policy Committee of the Whole approved the minutes from a February meeting and voted to forward multiple policy revisions to the full board for further consideration. The committee also approved a motion to change the language in Board By-Laws regarding student representatives.

• Approved minutes from February 6, 2024 Policy COW Meeting
• Forwarded Code of Conduct (Policy 1400) and Mini Code of Conduct (1400-E1) out of committee
• Forwarded multiple policies including Student Harassment (0115), Parent Engagement (1900), and Public Board Hearings (2390)
• Forwarded Board By-Laws (2300) to the April 25, 2024 Business Meeting for third reading
• Approved name changes for IEP and IESP policies (4209, 4210)

The Policy Committee of the Whole approved forwarding several policies, including the Code of Conduct and Board By-Laws, out of committee. The board also approved a claim settlement and amendments to the 2023-24 meeting calendar.

• Forwarded Code of Conduct (1400) and Mini Code of Conduct (1400-E1) out of committee
• Forwarded Policies 0115, 1900, 2390, 2390-E1, and 4211-4215 out of committee
• Forwarded and renamed Policy 4209 to Student Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Individualized Education Services Program (IESP): Development and Provision
• Forwarded and renamed Policy 4210 to Implementation of Individualized Education Programs and Individualized Education Services Program
• Updated Board By-Laws (2300) language from 'student representatives' to 'student committee representatives'
• Forwarded Board By-Laws (2300) to the April 25, 2024 Business Meeting for third reading
• Approved amendment to the 2023-24 Board Meeting Calendar
• Approved Claim Settlement Resolution No. 2023-24: 720

March 28, 2024 Business Meeting

The Rochester Board of Education will hold a business meeting that may begin with executive session for negotiations, personnel, and legal matters. The board is scheduled to accept committee reports including the Student Equity and Placement and Transportation audits and the unaudited March 2024 financial reports. A consent agenda includes final payment for electrical work at Dr. Freddie Thomas Learning Center, unpaid leaves, resignations, and retirements.

• Final payment of $4,267.55 to Hewitt Young Electric, LLC for electrical work at Dr. Freddie Thomas Learning Center
• Acceptance of the Unaudited March 2024 Financial Reports
• Acceptance of Student Equity and Placement and Transportation Audit Reports
• Unpaid leaves for four employees (Michayla Majors, Anna Perez, Lauren Barley, Nancy Nguyen)
• List of 20 resignations and several retirements (full list in agenda)

March 26, 2024 Special Meeting to discuss Personnel Matters

The Rochester Board of Education held a special meeting to discuss personnel matters, which consisted of convening into executive session to discuss the employment of a particular individual, then returning to open session and adjourning. No substantive decisions or public discussions occurred.

• Convened into executive session at 6:04 pm to discuss employment of a particular individual
• Returned to open session at 7:10 pm

[POSTPONED] March 20, 2024 Special Meeting for the 2024-2025 State Monitor Budget Presentation

The special meeting scheduled for March 20, 2024, was postponed due to the emergency closure of all RCSD schools and offices. The State Monitor's 2024-25 budget presentation has been rescheduled for the March 28, 2024, Business Meeting.

• State Monitor 2024-25 budget presentation (rescheduled to March 28, 2024)

March 19, 2024 HC Committee of the Whole

The Human Capital Committee discussed the 2024-25 school year calendar and staff recruitment effectiveness. The committee also voted to accept a gift of solar eclipse glasses from the Rochester Museum & Science Center.

• Review of the 2024-25 RCSD School Year Calendar
• Discussion regarding Teach Rochester and Staff Effectiveness
• Acceptance of 32,000 total solar eclipse glasses valued at $80,000 from Rochester Museum & Science Center

The committee approved the acceptance of a gift of solar eclipse glasses from the Rochester Museum & Science. Members also reviewed the 2024-25 school year calendar and received updates on teacher recruitment and staff effectiveness.

• Approved HC COW Meeting Agenda
• Accepted minutes from January 23, 2024 HC COW Meeting
• Waived 48-hour submission rule for Resolution No. 2023-24: 667
• Approved gift acceptance of solar eclipse glasses from Rochester Museum & Science (6-1)

Code of Conduct Public Hearing

The Rochester Board of Education is holding a public hearing to receive input on proposed changes to the District's Code of Conduct (Policy 1400). The hearing includes discussion of a recommendations overview and tracked changes. No speakers or written comments were submitted.

• Public hearing on proposed changes to Code of Conduct (Policy 1400)
• Proposed policy documents include clean copy and tracked changes
• No speakers signed up for the hearing
• Recommendations overview attached to the agenda

The Board of Education held a public hearing regarding the proposed Code of Conduct (policy 1400). No speakers or written comments were submitted. The item is slated for Board approval at the April 25, 2024 Business Meeting.

• Held public hearing on proposed Code of Conduct (policy 1400)

March 19, 2024 Audit Committee Meeting of the Whole

The Rochester City School District Audit Committee met on March 19, 2024. Members entered executive session twice, reviewed and approved the minutes from the December 5, 2023 audit meeting, examined the Student Equity and Placement Report and the Transportation Audit Report, and voted to accept those audit reports. The meeting also included an update from the Auditor General and a board survey completion. The session concluded with adjournment and notice of the next meeting on June 4, 2024.

• Convene into executive session to discuss matters under Open Meetings Law
• Review and approve minutes from the December 5, 2023 Audit Committee meeting
• Review Student Equity and Placement audit report
• Review Transportation audit report
• Motion to accept the Student Equity and Placement and Transportation audit reports

The Audit Committee approved the minutes from the December 5, 2023 meeting. The committee also accepted audit reports regarding RCSD Transportation and Student Equity and Placement.

• Approved December 5, 2023 Audit COW minutes
• Accepted RCSD Transportation Audit report (19 recommendations issued)
• Accepted Student Equity and Placement Review report (15 recommendations issued)

March 12, 2024 Special Meeting to Convene for Consideration of Resolutions

The Board of Education held a special meeting to consider and approve several personnel resolutions. These actions include the appointment of contract substitutes, provisional civil service employees, and permanent staff across various schools and departments.

• Appointment of 6 contract substitutes, including music and special education teachers
• Provisional appointment of a Senior Research Analyst at $100,000/yr
• Permanent appointment of an Assistant Transportation Director at $86,260/yr
• Permanent appointment of a Senior Information Services Business Analyst at $108,250/yr
• Appointment of several professional educators, including a Business & Marketing teacher at $65,077/yr

The Board of Education approved several resolutions regarding staff hiring, permanent and provisional civil service appointments, and resignations. The board also authorized additional pay for Extended School Year Summer Planning. All motions passed with unanimous 7-0 votes.

• Approved contract substitute emergency conditional hires (7-0)
• Approved provisional competitive civil service appointments (7-0)
• Approved permanent classified civil service appointments (7-0)
• Approved part-time professional educator appointments (7-0)
• Approved professional educator area appointments (7-0)
• Accepted staff retirements (7-0)
• Accepted staff resignations (7-0)
• Authorized additional pay for Extended School Year Summer Planning (7-0)

March 12, 2024 Equity in Student Achievement

The Rochester Board of Education approved the minutes from the February 27, 2024 Equity in Student Achievement Committee of the Whole meeting. The agenda included presentations on the Annual Summer School program, the Course Catalog, and Quarter 2 Graduation Projections. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.

• Approved minutes from February 27, 2024 ESA COW
• Annual Summer School Presentation
• Course Catalog Presentation
• Teaching and Learning Update: Quarter 2 Graduation Projections
• Executive session regarding personnel and general counsel matters

The Board approved the minutes from the February 27, 2024 meeting. Members discussed the loss of ARP funding for summer learning and reviewed graduation projections for the 2020 cohort.

• Approved February 27, 2024 ESA COW Minutes (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:39pm (7-0)

February 29, 2024 Business Meeting

The Rochester Board of Education will consider final payments for plumbing and general construction work at Dr. Alice Holloway School of Excellence No. 3/Adams Street Recreation Center, totaling $38,912.32. The board will also accept unaudited February 2024 financial reports and hear reports from committees and superintendents. The meeting may begin with an executive session for negotiations and personnel matters.

• Final payment of $4,223.90 to DG Messmer Corp. for plumbing work at Dr. Alice Holloway School of Excellence No. 3/Adams Street Recreation Center (Resolution 2023-24:615)
• Final payment of $34,688.42 to UDN, Inc. for general construction work at Dr. Alice Holloway School of Excellence No. 3/Adams Street Recreation Center (Resolution 2023-24:616)
• Acceptance of unaudited February 2024 financial reports
• Reports from Audit, ESA, CIGR, Finance, Policy, and Human Capital committees
• Superintendent presentations from Dr. Peluso and Dr. Blocker

February 27, 2024 Special Meeting to discuss the RCSD Strategic Plan

This is a special meeting of the Rochester Board of Education to discuss the RCSD Strategic Plan. The agenda includes a presentation on the plan, a possible executive session for personnel and legal matters, and adjournment. No votes on the plan itself are scheduled.

• Presentation of the RCSD Strategic Plan (Information, Presentation)
• Possible executive session to discuss appointment of a specific individual and matters with General Counsel
• Meeting may enter executive session immediately after call to order

The Board of Education reviewed drafted core values, vision, mission, priorities, and goals for the RCSD Strategic Plan. Commissioners requested the addition of start and end date timelines to the priorities and goals. The plan will be presented via resolution at the March Business meeting.

• Reviewed drafted core values, vision, mission, priorities, and goals
• Requested inclusion of timelines in priorities and goals
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

February 27, 2024 Equity in Student Achievement

The Rochester Board of Education Committee on Equity in Student Achievement meets to discuss the Academic and Financial Plan quarterly update and a Career and Technical Education (CTE) update. The board also votes on approving minutes from the January 16 meeting and may enter executive session for personnel or legal matters. The meeting includes public speaker comments.

• Discussion of Academic and Financial Plan quarterly update (presentation attached)
• CTE program expansion update (presentation and summary attached)
• Approval of minutes from January 16, 2024 ESA COW meeting (motion carried, 4 yes)
• Board may enter executive session to discuss appointment of specific individual or concerns with General Counsel
• Public speaker list for commenting on ESA agenda topics

The Board approved the minutes from the January 16, 2024, Equity in Student Achievement COW meeting. Members received updates on the Academic and Financial Plan and Career and Technical Education (CTE) goals. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved minutes from January 16, 2024 ESA COW Meeting (4-0)

February 13, 2024 Special Meeting to Convene for Consideration of Resolutions

The Rochester Board of Education met to approve the naming of five new schools and the renaming of two existing schools for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. The Board also authorized a relocation services contract and several staff appointments.

• Naming of Loretta Johnson, Thurgood Marshall, Dr. Freddie Thomas, and Andrew A. Langston Middle Schools, and Padilla High School
• Renaming of School No. 34 to Ida B. Wells-Barnett Elementary and School No. 46 to Austin Steward Elementary
• Contract with Vargas Associates, Inc. for relocation services not to exceed $859,500.00
• Appointment of D'Onnarae Johnson as acting Principal at School No. 52 with a salary of $120,000/yr
• Appointment of nine professional educators and three contract substitute teachers

The Board approved the minutes from the December 19, 2023 Finance Committee of the Whole. Members reviewed the 2024-25 budget presentations from Superintendent Peluso and East EPO Superintendent Blocker, as well as the Fund Balance policy and Capital Improvement Program documents.

• Approved minutes from December 19, 2023 Finance COW (5-0)

February 13, 2024 Finance and Resource Allocation Committee of the Whole

The Rochester City School District Finance Committee accepted the December 2023 minutes and discussed the preliminary 2024-25 budget with Superintendent Peluso and East EPO Superintendent Blocker. The meeting also included a review of the March 2024 financial resolutions and the fund balance policy.

• Acceptance of December 2023 Finance Committee minutes
• Review of March 2024 financial resolutions
• Review of 6500 Fund Balance Policy
• Superintendent Peluso's 2024-25 budget presentation
• East EPO Superintendent Blocker's 2024-25 budget presentation

The committee accepted the minutes from the December 19, 2023 meeting. Members reviewed draft financial resolutions, the fund balance policy, and budget presentations for the district and East EPO. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Accepted December 19, 2023 Finance COW minutes (5-0)

February 6, 2024 Community and Intergovernmental Relations Committee of the Whole

The Rochester City School District Board of Education approved its legislative priorities for 2024 and approved the minutes from the previous committee meeting. The meeting concluded with an executive session and adjournment at 8:54 p.m.

• Approved minutes from January 9, 2024 CIGR COW meeting
• Approved 2024 Legislative Priorities
• Discussed CIGR Looking Ahead
• Entered executive session to discuss personnel and General Counsel matters
• Adjourned at 8:54 p.m.

The Community and Intergovernmental Relations Committee approved the district's 2024 legislative priorities. The committee also approved the minutes from the January 9, 2024 meeting.

• Approved 2024 Legislative Priorities (5-1)
• Approved minutes from January 9, 2024 CIGR COW Meeting (6-0)

Genesee Community Charter School Public Hearing

The Board of Education is holding a public hearing to gather community input on the proposed merger of Genesee Community Charter School – Flour City Campus (1100 South Goodman Street) with Genesee Community Charter School (657 East Avenue). No decisions are being made; the input will be provided to the State Education Department.

• Public hearing on merging two charter school education corporations
• Flour City Campus (1100 South Goodman St.) to merge with East Avenue campus (657 East Ave.)
• SUNY-authorized school merging with Regents-authorized school
• Rochester City School District Board seeking community input
• Hearing includes in-person, Zoom, and written comment submissions

The board conducted a public hearing to receive comments on a proposed charter merger. Two parents spoke in favor of the merger. No formal votes or decisions were recorded during this session.

February 6, 2024 Policy Committee of the Whole

The Rochester City School District Policy Committee approved minutes from December 2023 and amended the purpose of the Policy Development and Review Committee. The Board also voted to forward multiple special education policies and Board By-Laws to the full Board for further consideration.

• Amended the Policy Development and Review Committee Purpose
• Forwarded Board By-Laws (2300) to the full Board
• Forwarded Special Education: District Plan (4200) to the full Board
• Forwarded Conditional Appointment and Emergency Conditional Appointment - Student Safety (9260) to the full Board
• Approved minutes from the December 5, 2023 Policy COW Meeting

The Policy Committee of the Whole approved amendments to the Policy Development and Review Committee Purpose. The committee also voted to forward several policies regarding special education, board bylaws, and student safety out of the committee for further action.

• Approved amendment to Policy Development and Review Committee Purpose (5-0)
• Forwarded Board By-Laws (2300) and Mentor Guidelines for Student Representative (2300-E4) (6-0)
• Forwarded Policy Management (2410) (6-0)
• Forwarded Special Education policies 4200, 4201, 4202, 4203, and 4204 (6-0)
• Forwarded Special Education appointment and training policies 4207 and 4208 (7-0)
• Forwarded Conditional Appointment - Student Safety (9260) (7-0)
• Tabled Board By-Laws sections 3a, 4c, 4d, and 5
• Approved minutes from December 5, 2023 meeting (5-0)

East EPO Public Forum

The Rochester Board of Education is holding an informational public forum at East High School to discuss topics and review comments from attendees.

• Informational East EPO Public Forum
• Review of speakers list and comments
• Meeting at East High School Collaboratorium

January 25, 2024 Business Meeting

The Rochester Board of Education met to review advisory council reports and financial documents. The board approved final payments for electrical work at East High School and construction work at Abelard Reynolds School No. 42, as well as several staff retirements and resignations.

• Final payment of $12,859.05 to Concord Electric Corp. for East High School electrical work
• Final payment of $65,241.40 to Steve General Contractor, Inc. for Abelard Reynolds School No. 42 construction
• Acceptance of retirements for Marilyn Haile, Florine Nelson, and Andrea Berardi
• Acceptance of resignations for Daniel Resch, Anuradha Kodituwakku, Jennifer Kelly, Joselyn Perez, Destiny Ragins, and Egypt Parson

January 23, 2024 HC Committee of the Whole

The Rochester City School District's Human Capital Committee of the Whole approved the meeting agenda and accepted minutes from previous meetings. The session included informational presentations on the committee's purpose and staff retention, followed by a recess into executive session.

• Approved the HC Committee of the Whole meeting agenda
• Accepted minutes from the September 19, 2023 HR COW Meeting
• Accepted minutes from the November 28, 2023 HR COW Meeting
• Presented on the purpose of the Human Capital Committee
• Presented on Nurturing Excellence & Staff Retention

The committee approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from September 19 and November 28, 2023. Members discussed updating the committee's purpose and received a presentation on staff retention. No substantive policy or budget decisions were made.

• Approved HC COW Meeting Agenda
• Accepted September 19, 2023 HR COW Meeting minutes
• Accepted November 28, 2023 HR COW Meeting minutes

January 16, 2024 Equity in Student Achievement

The Rochester Board of Education approved the minutes from the December 12, 2023 meeting and discussed the Anti-Racist Curriculum Project and Teaching and Learning updates.

• Approved minutes from December 12, 2023 meeting
• Anti-Racist Curriculum Project presentation
• Teaching and Learning update presentation
• Executive session regarding personnel and legal matters
• Commissioner Complete Board Meeting Survey

The Board approved the minutes from the December 12, 2023, Equity in Student Achievement meeting. Members also received presentations on the Anti-Racist Curriculum Project and a Teaching and Learning update regarding assessments.

• Approved Minutes from the December 12, 2023 ESA COW (6-0)

January 16, 2024 Special Meeting to Convene for Consideration of Resolutions

The Board of Education met to consider several resolutions regarding staff hiring and appointments. These actions included emergency conditional hires for teachers, provisional civil service appointments, permanent roles, and administrative assignments.

• Emergency contract substitute teacher appointments at School No. 58, RISE, Franklin Lower, and School No. 5
• Contract substitute teacher appointment for Physical Education at School of the Arts
• Provisional appointments for Home School Assistants and a Senior Office Account Clerk
• Permanent appointments for various roles including Bus Driver, Cook Manager, and several Office Clerks
• Acting administrative assignments for Academy Director and Principal at School of the Arts

The Board approved the 2023-28 Board Goals following a discussion on strategic planning and performance expectations. The Board also approved several personnel appointments, retirements, and a contract with West Ed.

• Adopted 2023-28 Board Goals (7-0)
• Authorized Agreement with West Ed (7-0)
• Approved contract substitute emergency conditional hire (7-0)
• Approved contract substitute appointments (7-0)
• Approved provisional Civil Service appointments (7-0)
• Approved permanent classified Civil Service appointments (7-0)
• Approved part-time administrator tenure area appointments (7-0)
• Approved professional educator area appointments (7-0)

January 9, 2024 Special Meeting to discuss the RCSD Strategic Plan

The Human Resources Committee is holding a special meeting to review a presentation on the RCSD Strategic Plan. The Board may enter into an executive session to discuss personnel appointments or matters with General Counsel.

• RCSD Strategic Plan Presentation

The Board discussed a draft of the RCSD Strategic Plan, providing feedback on core values, vision statements, and mission options. A final draft of the plan is projected for completion in March 2024. No formal votes were taken on the plan's content during this meeting.

• Selected 'Option 2' for the mission statement, subject to further wording adjustments
• Identified 'activating dreams and unlocking potential' as the preferred vision direction
• Requested clearer definitions for core values, specifically regarding 'relationships' and 'safety'
• Proposed prioritizing Mental Health/SEL within the plan's priority areas
• Approved motion to adjourn (7-0)

January 9, 2024 Community and Intergovernmental Relations Committee of the Whole

The Community and Intergovernmental Relations Committee of the Whole will discuss both the review of 2023 legislative priorities and the proposed 2024 legislative priorities for the Rochester City School District. The committee will also receive an update on a legislative breakfast event and vote on approving minutes from the November 2023 meeting. The board may enter executive session to discuss personnel or legal matters.

• Approve minutes from November 7, 2023 CIGR COW meeting
• Review of 2023 Rochester City School District Legislative Priorities
• Discussion of 2024 BOE Legislative Priorities (as of 1/8/24)
• Legislative Breakfast Update with invitation attached
• Possible executive session for appointment discussions or legal counsel matters

The committee approved the minutes from the November 7, 2023 meeting. Members discussed a draft of the 2024 Legislative Priorities and received an update on the 2024 Legislative Breakfast.

• Approved meeting minutes from November 7, 2023 (7-0)

Genesee Community Charter School - Flour City Campus Public Hearing

The Rochester City School District Board of Education held a public hearing to gather community input on the proposed merger of the Genesee Community Charter School – Flour City Campus with the Genesee Community Charter School. The hearing was required by state law to be held within 30 days of receiving notice of the application. The hearing concluded with adjournment.

• Public hearing on Genesee Community Charter School merger
• Flour City Campus to become successor under proposed name 'Genesee Community Charter Schools'
• Hearing held at Conference Room 3A/B, 131 West Broad Street
• Schools located at 1100 South Goodman Street and 657 East Avenue

Board Work Session - Thursday, January 4, 2024

The Rochester City School District Board of Education will hold a work session to discuss proposed board goals and the East EPO program. The meeting may include an executive session to discuss employment matters.

• Discussion of proposed Board Goals
• Discussion of East EPO program
• Potential executive session for employment matters
• Adjournment at 8:48 PM

The Board held a work session to discuss whether to continue or transition the East EPO partnership. No final decision was made; members requested further information on finances, state input, and potential extension models before a decision in March.

• Tabled decision on East EPO continuation until approximately March
• Requested a letter to Commissioner Rosa for feedback and guidance
• Requested detailed financial data and transition plans for the district
• Adjourned meeting at 8:48 PM (7-0)

January 2, 2024 Organizational Meeting

The Rochester Board of Education convened for its organizational meeting to elect officers and assign committee chairs. The body appointed Cynthia Elliott as Board President and Beatriz LeBron as Vice President. Additionally, the board designated the Director of Procurement & Supply as the Purchasing Agent and Nawrocki Smith LLP as the Claims Auditor.

• Election of Cynthia Elliott as Board President
• Election of Beatriz LeBron as Board Vice President
• Appointment of James Patterson to Audit Committee Chair
• Appointment of Beatriz LeBron to Finance and Resource Allocation Committee Chair
• Designation of Nawrocki Smith LLP as Claims Auditor

The Board of Education swore in four commissioners and elected its leadership for 2024. The board appointed a President, Vice President, and chairs for six committees. Several administrative resolutions regarding district officers and designations were also approved.

• Appointed Cynthia Elliott as Board President (5-2)
• Appointed Beatriz LeBron as Board Vice President (5-2)
• Appointed James Patterson as Audit Committee Chair (6-1)
• Appointed Isaiah Santiago as Community and Intergovernmental Relations Committee Chair (7-0)
• Appointed Camille Simmons as Equity in Student Achievement Committee Chair (7-0)
• Appointed Beatriz LeBron as Finance and Resource Allocation Committee Chair (7-0)
• Appointed Amy Maloy as Human Resources Committee Chair (7-0)
• Appointed Jacqueline Griffin as Policy Development and Review Committee Chair (6-1)