Rochester superintendent outlines balanced‑budget model; board to vote Jan. 7

Superintendent Kent Pickell presented a revised balanced‑budget proposal on Dec. 17 that would overhaul how Rochester Public Schools allocates people and funds to schools. The model, prepared with technical assistance from Afton Partners, groups funding into four categories: fixed school staffing, flexible school funding, specialized programs, and central office.

Under the proposal, many positions now allocated centrally would be reclassified as 'fixed school staffing' and assigned to schools by formula (for example, the model uses ratios such as 130 students per elementary allocation), while a second bucket of flexible funding would give principals greater discretion to use dollars aligned with school improvement plans. The plan also proposes moving compensatory education revenue to school sites (from 80% to 100% site allocation) and expanding Title I coverage to more schools, extending supports into middle and high schools.

Pickell said the model includes a measured plan to account for postsecondary enrollment options (PSEO), CTEC and PTEC costs by using a three‑year rolling average of enrollment and course counts so high schools are not unduly penalized. Finance staff reported PSEO FTE estimates were calculated by course counts.

Administrators told the board that under the model, "almost all schools will see increased funding and would be able to maintain current staffing should they choose to do so." The superintendent emphasized the model is not the final budget but a framework that will inform the development of site budgets; a formal vote on the model is scheduled for Jan. 7, 2025.

Board members asked for supplemental materials including an updated listing of positions and a clear description of which staff would make site‑level decisions. Administration committed to provide those implementation details and a timeline for school improvement plans (with schools expected to have plans highly developed by March).