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Rochester school board tables Caring Steps discussion after parents and staff press for more analysis
Summary
Trustees voted 5-0 at a Feb. work session to postpone action on the district-run early childhood program Caring Steps until the March 17 business meeting after parents, staff and committee members urged further review and better financial and operational data.
The Rochester Community Schools Board of Education voted to table discussion of the district-operated early childhood center Caring Steps until the board’s March 17 business meeting after a work-session motion to postpone passed 5-0.
The motion, made by Trustee Anath and seconded by Trustee Alsbaugh, came after several public commenters and board members said the district and the public need more time and more detailed analysis before any decision is made about the program’s future. “This topic was just brought forward a week ago for public discussion. ... It warrants more time for further deliberation and consideration,” Trustee Anath said when moving to postpone.
Why it matters: Caring Steps serves preschool-age children under the Rochester Community School District brand and parents and staff said the program both attracts families and feeds district enrollment. Opponents on the board have cited sustained operating losses and uncertainty about whether additional investment would produce a sustainable business model.
Public comments at the Feb. work session featured parents and Caring Steps staff describing the program’s facilities, demand and staffing challenges. Jessica Renick, who identified herself as a parent, urged deeper…
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