Jared Falcone, introduced as the interim superintendent during the July 15 Rochester City Council workshop, told councilors he has already begun a budget review and identified roughly $100,000 in savings from duplicate or unused software and purchases. "I've already started digging into the budget and found approximately a $100,000 of of, of costs that we're going to, hold back," Falcone said.

Falcone emphasized that the school district is the largest consumer of city resources and pledged to work closely with the council to ensure taxpayers understand how dollars are used. He cited the district's career and technical education (CTE) program and said he wants the district to remain a draw for families moving to Rochester.

Falcone said the savings come from identifiable line items such as overlapping software subscriptions and unimplemented purchases; he said those funds will be held back while the district reviews needs. He offered to return to the council during budget season and to meet individually with councilors who want additional details.

Discussion: Falcone outlined budget-savings measures and emphasized transparency; councilors thanked him and invited him to return for budget discussions and a ribbon-cutting for a new school. Direction: Falcone will continue budget reviews and coordinate with city staff and council ahead of the fall budget process. Decision: no council vote or budget approval occurred at the workshop.

Next steps: Falcone will continue the review and said he is available to present more detailed budget analysis as the council prepares for budget season.