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Board weighs future of Caring Steps childcare after budget shortfall; trustees approve one-year transfer
Summary
The Rochester Community Schools board approved a budget amendment that includes an estimated $265,904 transfer from the general fund to support the Caring Steps childcare center this fiscal year, while trustees and administrators debated longer-term options including scaling, relocation, staffing changes or closure.
The Rochester Community Schools Board of Education approved a budget amendment on Feb. 20 that updates the Caring Steps childcare fund and includes an estimated $265,904 transfer from the district general fund to cover a projected shortfall for the remainder of the fiscal year.
Why it matters: Caring Steps, the district-operated early-childhood center established under a prior strategic plan, has not reached a self-sustaining enrollment/staffing level since opening. Board and staff said the program serves district families and some employees but continues to require district subsidy; trustees asked administration for clearer options and financial scenarios before committing to ongoing support.
District finance staff told trustees the shortfall resulted from lower-than-projected tuition revenue and from restoring food service at the site after plans to remove onsite food were changed when a planned GSRP (Great Start Readiness Program) classroom did not…
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