Rochester City School District outlines expanded Summer 2025 programs to accelerate learning and support students with disabilities

Rochester City School District officials presented a Summer 2025 proposal on Jan. 14 focused on accelerating learning, expanding career and technical education (CTE) exposure and strengthening Extended School Year (ESY) services for students with severe disabilities.

The proposal, presented to the Equity and Student Achievement (ESA) committee by Director Alicia Thomas, Director of Expanded Learning, and Melissa Pittman, Director of Special Education, would fund more than 21 summer programs, add targeted literacy interventions and continue multi-year program development to improve outcomes for students off track academically.

District leaders described the plan as aligned with the RCSD strategic plan and said it prioritizes students in grades 3–8 and high schoolers who are off track. "Our mission is activating those dreams and unlocking potential," Director Thomas said, explaining summer programming aims to provide culturally relevant instruction, internships and safe, nurturing sites.

Why it matters: the plan targets multiple groups the district cited as high priority — students two grades below proficiency who need intensive literacy support, ninth-graders who are off track for credits, English learners and students with significant disabilities who qualify for ESY. District presenters said summer work is intended both to prevent learning loss and to accelerate students' progress.

Key program elements and…