Rochester superintendent says DEI director post removed to reduce federal funding risk; community speakers press for continued supports

Superintendent Andrew Russo announced at the April 21 Rochester Community Schools Board of Education meeting that he has eliminated the district—s Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion position as part of a risk-reduction effort tied to shifting federal enforcement guidance.

Russo told the board that the change followed a U.S. Department of Education request, dated April 3, 2025, asking Michigan to certify compliance with civil-rights requirements. "Because of the shifting positions by the U.S. Department of Education, we were advised that there was a substantially increased risk of funding loss," Russo said. He said the district made the change to protect roughly $10,000,000 in annual funding that supports all students and staff.

Community members, current and former staff, and the Rochester Education Association president urged the district not to eliminate the functions and supports they associate with DEI work. Cheryl Heinegger, a parent and long-time district volunteer, said the position had been elevated after past incidents and legal disputes and warned that losing a dedicated officer will "undo" sustained progress. "I fear without a dedicated DEI officer to continue to drive meaningful and sustained change, all of our gains will be lost," Heinegger said during the public comment period.

Liz Schreck, president of the Rochester Education Association, told the board the union—s members remain committed to inclusion and equity in classrooms. "Fostering diversity, ensuring equity, and cultivating inclusion are not separate initiatives but rather the very foundation of the work we do," she said.

Supporters of the superintendent—s move said it responded to real legal and financial uncertainty. In his remarks, Russo said the district—s legal advisers counseled that the mere existence of a cabinet-level DEI position could increase exposure during an aggressive federal enforcement push; he described the change as an effort to reduce the district—s enforcement risk while continuing programs through other structures.

Trustees and community speakers asked how the district will preserve services and measurable supports previously associated with the DEI office. Several speakers asked specifically that nothing intended to help vulnerable students be cut. Albert Rush, a longtime volunteer, said that when the position existed parents and staff had a clear place to raise concerns and get administrative help.

Board members debated whether the subject should be handled by committee, legal counsel or the superintendent—s office going forward. Trustee comments at the meeting reflected a range of views: some trustees urged the district to preserve the underlying work and measurable supports even if the title is removed; others said the change was a prudent step to protect federal funding.

What happens next: Russo said the district will continue services and programming, will seek legal guidance as positions evolve and will provide implementation details through staff briefings and future board materials. Several speakers asked the board to clarify precisely which functions and staff will be retained and how the district will measure and publish outcomes that previously were overseen by the DEI office.

The board did not take a formal vote to remove the position; Russo presented the administrative decision and invited continued public dialogue and follow-up through staff reports and upcoming work sessions.

Community reaction at a glance: public comments reflected strong concern from parents and staff that the removal will reduce attention to bias, discipline disparities and culturally responsive supports. Educators emphasized ongoing classroom-level commitment to students; community members urged transparency and continued measurable work on inclusion.

Ending: Board members and administrators said they will return with more specific operational plans and with information about how the district will preserve services previously tied to the DEI office. The superintendent asked the public to watch for further reports and invited community members to share specific implementation questions through district channels.