East High School updates on enrollment caps and bilingual program additions

In the heart of Rochester, the Board Business Meeting on February 27, 2025, unfolded with a focus on the progress and challenges facing the Rochester City School District (RCSD). As the meeting commenced, Superintendent Blocker presented a data snapshot that revealed a mixed picture of student performance and attendance. The district reported 16 out-of-school suspensions for lower grades and 32 for upper grades, while chronic absenteeism stood at 54.2% for lower and 54.3% for upper grades. Daily attendance figures were slightly better, with 82.9% for lower schools and 80.3% for upper schools. Notably, the cohort graduation rate saw a slight increase to 7.3%, although the dropout rate remained a concern at the same percentage.

Transitioning to updates on East High School, Superintendent Strickland emphasized the importance of the partnership between East and the RCSD. The meeting highlighted the successful negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, which will maintain the school day length at 7.5 hours and keep bell times consistent. Enrollment caps were set for various grades, with sixth grade capped at 40 students and seventh and eighth grades at 180 each for the upcoming school year. Additionally, the ninth-grade cohort will see an increase of 50 scholars, bringing the total to 250.

The meeting also addressed the expansion of support services, including additional resource consultants and self-contained classes for students with special needs. A new bilingual program will be introduced for seventh graders, aimed at enhancing Spanish language skills among heritage speakers. The curriculum for East will continue to be aligned with RCSD's offerings, ensuring a collaborative approach to education.

As the meeting concluded, the board members reflected on the significant strides made over the past months, while acknowledging the ongoing challenges that lie ahead. The commitment to improving student outcomes and fostering a supportive educational environment remains at the forefront of the district's mission. With plans for continued updates, the community can anticipate further developments in the coming months, as the RCSD strives to create a brighter future for its students.