[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6534934,"mediaKeyId","3449954-c488b02b7a68b1f7e439240d43260572","parentId",3449954,"title","Board approves bundled academic and administrative resolutions, unaudited financial report and calendar amendments","audioSeconds",4403,"startMs",6062000,"endMs",10465000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3449954-c488b02b7a68b1f7e439240d43260572&start=6062&end=10465","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3449954-c488b02b7a68b1f7e439240d43260572/thumbnail_6062000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6534934/New-York/Board-approves-bundled-academic-and-administrative-resolutions-unaudited-financial-report-and-calendar-amendments","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6534934-a874301445b689c197022a6e6ec9bb64/orig.mp4?Expires=1771088308&Signature=SUXBO63uP-sAR5e6HbyYbep7dYW9NHj7-E7QnYyv0DL3B-E9iRwJcGgyZhQqc~NMmgi1lg3I86lHOh1yS1jeldwDvLD5kS4e3q40zMxF6c9rWo1~XRHFGPG7HJIdSKrkkSYbEt9SNtZOG-wf8uJ22H~D2cz5r7OuhWCvBwUW6QRwq6nyQkTu1fheroVet8yYOE~Ec8rh8TesxP8fkmL71Vl9kfWc2remm1D2DHTqC52mN4P8wlRob-JCIUQ4OSqbQfeyTgiuEAp3qn~w1AALiJY7v0RJGbVyQsu2M0AL-H~0h7VJpFQFDnMbK2F3dUj1xaNfnfL3X5R9n3zTvqvxbA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Rochester City School District","date","2025-05-21T12:17:44Z","article","The Rochester Board of Education on May 22 voted to approve a bundle of academic and administrative resolutions, accepted the district's unaudited financial report for the period ending April 30, 2025, and adopted amendments to the 2025–26 board calendar.

Board action and context: The board bundled and approved academic resolutions (Nos. 670–687, plus an amendment to resolution 308) and a large set of administrative resolutions (Nos. 688–713). During discussion commissioners asked for clarifications on several items, including transportation contracts, a WestEd contract for equity-focused budget analysis, the Teachboost evaluation system, and BOCES nursing services. The board approved the bundled motions by voice vote; one commissioner recorded opposition on a subset of items (see vote details below).

Financial report: Acting Chief Financial Officer Derek Blair presented the district’s unaudited financial reports for the period ending April 30, 2025 and the board approved the report. Blair said the general fund estimate increased by $343,000, citing a Medicaid reimbursement of $103,000 and $235,000 in prior-year refunds. Special aid revenue rose by $700,000 because of two new SIG grants. Blair also reported capital activity including a $2,934,000 transfer from contingency for SED construction projects and noted the district’s Oracle ERP user-acceptance testing was scheduled to finish and defects to be resolved by the end of the month.

Notable contracts and agreements approved or discussed:
- WestEd (equity/resource-allocation study): Board discussion identified WestEd as the winning bidder for an RFP to provide budget-equity technical assistance and community engagement funded through a state resource-allocation grant. Board members asked about the timeline and the superintendent’s involvement; staff said the project predated the current superintendent and that a second report element is expected by June.
- Teachboost (teacher observation/evaluation system): Commissioners discussed that Teachboost is the district’s web-based system used for teacher and administrative observations to comply with state APPR requirements; staff said the district had used the platform for about three years.
- BOCES nursing services (contract with renewal options): The board approved a nursing services contract administered through BOCES with discretionary renewals, and staff said few providers can meet the district’s scale and scope for nursing services.
- Rise Up Rochester and Judicial Process Commission MOAs: The board approved memoranda of agreement (MOAs) with community partners (Rise Up Rochester and a Judicial Process Commission program); staff said MOAs will be followed by outcome data reporting as agreements mature.

Votes and dissents: Most bundled resolutions were approved by voice vote. Commissioner Cynthia Elliott recorded opposition to a subset of administrative items during the roll call (she stated opposition referencing resolution numbers during the vote sequence). The transcript shows the motions carried overall; specific roll-call tallies were not read aloud on the record for every item.

Process notes: Several resolutions were bundled and passed together by motion and second; where amendments or rescissions were required (for previously passed items), staff said amendments were being brought forward to maintain transparency. One summer-school resolution (No. 717) was pulled from the bundle during the meeting.

What the board asked staff to follow up on: Commissioners requested additional documentation on WestEd deliverables and timelines, clarification about Teachboost usage and retention of observation records, and follow-up evidence and metrics for MOAs with community partners after an initial period of implementation. Staff committed to adding these items to the board question log and to provide additional documentation.

Ending: With those votes the board moved on to other agenda items. Several commissioners used the session to acknowledge departing senior staff (see separate article).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board Business Meeting | May 22, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Rochester Board of Education on May 22 voted to approve a bundle of academic and administrative resolutions, accepted the district's unaudited financial report for the period ending April 30, 2025, and adopted amendments to the 2025–26 board calendar.","taxTitle","Rochester City School District, School Districts, New York","taxId",14389,"location","New York","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6534937,"Rochester International Academy staff, principal warn of possible program dismantling as families face uncertainty",822,500000,1322000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3449954-c488b02b7a68b1f7e439240d43260572&start=500&end=1322","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3449954-c488b02b7a68b1f7e439240d43260572/thumbnail_500000.jpg","/articles/6534937/New-York/Rochester-International-Academy-staff-principal-warn-of-possible-program-dismantling-as-families-face-uncertainty","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6534937-fd16c51e198684b330048f2476ce9ab2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771088308&Signature=J~QLBsLOAEiaqGN4vyX7yBenc3HaInqoZwg1hYEq0lyfuFZ8EYRp-uJbo38dx~GMIEey4N2gFwtwFegfSDCqadVgsLPrcs1rkUPN54ukQxd9cszC54u3skHcIDK8H1NuSckXXRGbXNfjexiLI6fJA79bvcALgRH7L~uOYCtrhhWNi7~pVcFjocwUXcwg6vxoGR0ni2lMqCL2pM9m3lEtB21bkusUEw7kUTkBlCFjxf06UnSma0~hX3jvgM8~5dOdZrW~xK6Cr4zF5E06~T~zlLDqzotaO8kPt3ACZBMc-A2q71Is42MiJTfLZBiZeKZKzsFKwl~fbh1RsykwEQ-zhw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rochester International Academy (RIA) leaders and community speakers urged the Rochester Board of Education on May 22 to intervene after school staff received displacement notices and families face uncertainty about the program's future.

Mary Diaz, founding principal of the Rochester International Academy, told the board she has handed out “16 displacement letters to my teaching staff,” and that she has not been given clear enrollment or staffing decisions for next year. “I could not believe that all of you on the board would agree to any dismantling of RIA at this time,” Diaz said. “I am begging the board to get involved.”

Why this matters: RIA serves newly arrived refugee, SIV and immigrant families, a population Diaz said has grown since January. Diaz said the school currently has about 350 students and that she has submitted placement names for more than 150 students in grades K–12 who “should stay at RIA for the 2025–26 school year.” She described households still arriving through resettlement partners and asked the board to preserve continuity for those children.

At the public comment portion of the meeting, other speakers framed the request as humanitarian and educational. A speaker who identified themself as representing the RIA program emphasized the district’s moral obligation to refugee children and pleaded that the board not remove their “voice” or access to education, saying, “They too are your children.”

Board members did not take action on RIA during the public comment period. President Camille Simmons and other board members acknowledged the statements but did not announce a decision at the time speakers were heard.

What speakers asked for: Diaz asked for board intervention to prevent displacement of staff and disruption to students. She said that refugee families had been told they would remain at RIA for 2025–26 and asked the district to honor that expectation amid “uncertainty and fear.”

What the record shows: Diaz said she distributed displacement letters to staff and provided the board with placement lists; she said she had not been given definitive enrollment numbers. The transcript records her statements and pleas but does not record a formal board decision or a response resolving program status during the meeting.

Next steps indicated: Diaz and public commenters asked for follow-up from the board and staff. Board members said they would accept written comments and encouraged offline conversations but did not announce a formal timeline for staff or program decisions during the session.

Ending: The board moved on to committee reports and resolutions after the public comment period. Diaz and other RIA supporters asked that the board consider program continuity before staffing or placement changes are finalized.","Speakers at the Rochester Board of Education meeting pressed the board to intervene after principal Mary Diaz said 16 staff received displacement letters and that enrollment projections are unclear for Rochester International Academy (RIA).",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6534928,"Deputy superintendent and chief of staff acknowledged as they prepare to leave RCSD",2586,8077000,10663000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3449954-c488b02b7a68b1f7e439240d43260572&start=8077&end=10663","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3449954-c488b02b7a68b1f7e439240d43260572/thumbnail_8077000.jpg","/articles/6534928/New-York/Deputy-superintendent-and-chief-of-staff-acknowledged-as-they-prepare-to-leave-RCSD","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6534928-88b55a86ba0258ef9683c54051a1a94f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771088308&Signature=mShfnITpsxMLFpQ9RGSJpHsavhcV~uXByNN07fKgCOBPWgMb2hUmEaunAoCqAJZEnIWD1lgY4TSBYt7pDmn7jMinHyrncIWx6-W0wFmEkz6YH-5ht4Ktbi5-JpJx0towveWc-c14nZ0NtgONhzxFOplhfAGriHD-t-UZJwaRK9N2qlJljsMM8CytbG~y~WgFS4GM0XwcuIcmdQTeV3Sbq21s3CF7KMUcwh72VfoNyVIQlEfjPmXfgRtdEApSX~jS6Hf4jL9xAmEjtzcWKulYJMhGYF8WRk5BaD8RBLSzb-vXrqGXmf4AcB7NRG1mA60mHAc2W~Qz5YZfHLIr74LzMg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Board members on May 22 used part of the meeting to acknowledge two senior district leaders who are leaving the Rochester City School District.

Deputy Superintendent Ruth Turner: Commissioners and board leadership praised Turner’s work on social-emotional learning, student supports and statewide presentations. During the meeting staff announced Turner will leave the district on July 1 to become superintendent in Mount Clare, New Jersey. Turner said she appreciates the opportunity to serve the district and that she will continue to support the district’s work until her departure. “Thank you, commissioner Santiago… Deputy superintendent Turner has been a staple… fighting for student empowerment, mental health, restorative practices,” Commissioner Santiago said in public remarks.

Chief of Staff Evans: President Camille Simmons and other commissioners thanked Chief of Staff Evans for her service and noted this is Evans’ last meeting. Evans said she was honored to return to the district and that she will be reachable after her departure; commissioners praised her contributions in leadership and operations.

What the board said: Commissioners from across the dais offered personal thanks and highlighted the leaders’ contributions to students, staff and district initiatives. Multiple commissioners said both Turner and Evans will be missed and wished them well in their next positions.

Ending: Both officials affirmed their continued support for the district through the transition; commissioners asked staff and the clerk to ensure formal acknowledgments and transition steps are recorded.","Deputy Superintendent Ruth Turner and Chief of Staff (Evans) were recognized by commissioners; Turner will leave July 1 for a superintendent post in Mount Clare, N.J., and Chief of Staff will depart for another district role.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6534931,"Board hears concerns about bus-driver shortages and parent communication amid transportation contract renewals",208,4842000,5050000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3449954-c488b02b7a68b1f7e439240d43260572&start=4842&end=5050","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3449954-c488b02b7a68b1f7e439240d43260572/thumbnail_4842000.jpg","/articles/6534931/New-York/Board-hears-concerns-about-bus-driver-shortages-and-parent-communication-amid-transportation-contract-renewals","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6534931-b3d7b393a15654fcd5d80b68c2db4c37/orig.mp4?Expires=1771088308&Signature=Rh3HsNlYvb6RearmlWVov649VPnGxGl-~Ys8qgz85LKeHYoAS2mwwZXX7BQqMuAHB0xSS5pZS9zOfl-qhn7yZesBytEa4~lI8I4GB-zCBrEJyr5F7eeIWst4OxegSToVvc0pz-7TBY1w4TnMSJYUYqweRPBwl8Ly~zTpgD~f33r60GHrAPMLaAizZl9ZdIgZKAMK48shQ9rvTwanSZDjsPTQvj-dnhex6VU~WTZs859wuJ9jPrEQsvoBXgnOXTEJSQaocikAMv-CZ98YEdSC7CKn97IZeAVO306D9FwznIBXRHrarXZkwtyDbCEbvYusFK2kGx6i5nwt53M7shgYrQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Board members pressed district staff on May 22 about transportation contracts, driver shortages and parent communications as the district considered contract renewals and amendments related to student transportation.

What officials said: Chief Scott (presenting for transportation) told the board that several vendor agreements under consideration cover summer and the upcoming school year and include First Student and other providers. He confirmed the district is exploring options to improve family communications, noting some vendors use their own apps and that the district has had preliminary discussions with its internal information-technology group about a cross-vendor solution. “There is currently robocalls that do go out. I do know there is an app that one of our vendors uses... we have been in discussions with, like, IM and T, in our district to see if there's something else that we can possibly provide across the board,” he said.

Board concerns: Commissioner Santiago and others described repeated reports of late buses and said late arrivals can affect student attendance and class time. Commissioners asked whether the district has a pulse on the number of available drivers and whether start-time schedules have been surveyed for family impact. Chief Scott described a regional driver shortage and called for recruiting more drivers: “We need bus drivers… We need bodies, to transport our our babies,” he said, adding that the district transports students for other schools and providers as well, which increases demand.

Data and follow-up requests: Commissioners asked staff to gather historical data on arrival times and start-time impacts so the board can evaluate whether schedule or routing changes might improve attendance. Staff said they would include transportation questions in the board question log and explore options for family-facing communications and driver recruitment.

Ending: The board approved bundled administrative resolutions that included transportation contract items; commissioners asked staff to pursue improved family notifications and to return with route and driver data to inform future decisions.","Commissioners questioned transportation contract renewals and pressed district staff on bus-driver shortages, late buses and whether the district will pursue family-facing bus-tracking or communication tools.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board approves bundled academic and administrative resolutions, unaudited financial report and calendar amendments

Rochester International Academy staff, principal warn of possible program dismantling as families face uncertainty

Deputy superintendent and chief of staff acknowledged as they prepare to leave RCSD

Board hears concerns about bus-driver shortages and parent communication amid transportation contract renewals