The Rochester Board of Education convened on September 16, 2025, for a work session focused on refining governance goals and establishing guardrails for the district. The session was facilitated by Dr. Ray Hart and Cindy Ellsburn from the Council of Great City Schools, who emphasized the importance of aligning board actions with community values and student outcomes.

The meeting began with President Simmons thanking attendees for their patience and introducing the facilitators. Dr. Hart provided a recap of previous discussions, highlighting that effective student outcomes hinge on changes in adult behaviors within the educational system. He outlined the governance structure, noting that the community elects board members to represent their interests, while the superintendent manages day-to-day operations.

A significant portion of the session was dedicated to reviewing feedback from recent community listening sessions. Board members reflected on the themes that emerged, such as literacy and social-emotional learning, and discussed the need for more inclusive and accessible community engagement. Several commissioners expressed concerns about the low turnout at these sessions, suggesting that future meetings be scheduled at more convenient times and locations to encourage broader participation from parents and community members.

Commissioner Griffin proposed utilizing recreation centers for future sessions to attract more attendees, while Commissioner Malloy echoed the need for larger sample sizes to better represent community voices. The board acknowledged the importance of continuous improvement in their outreach efforts, with several members advocating for a more dynamic approach to community engagement rather than strictly adhering to scripted formats.

The session concluded with a commitment to refine the board's goals and guardrails based on community input, ensuring that the district's vision aligns with the needs and expectations of the families it serves. The board plans to continue this dialogue and enhance its engagement strategies moving forward, recognizing that effective governance relies on active community participation.