Rochester board honors Commissioners Elliott and Patterson; celebrates Red Jackets’ state title

The Rochester Board of Education opened its Dec. 18 business meeting by recognizing two departing commissioners and celebrating the district’s first state football championship since 1993.

Board President Camille Simmons led tributes to Commissioner Cynthia Elliott, noting her two decades on the board and prior work in community organizations and human-services roles that informed her advocacy on nutrition and payroll inequities. Mayor Malik d Evans presented a proclamation designating Dec. 18, 2025, as Cynthia Elliott Day and praised Elliott’s community service. Family members and leaders from the Big 5 school-district group also offered remarks.

The board later presented a plaque to Commissioner James L. Patterson Sr., recognizing his four years on the board and leadership of the audit committee and youth-and-justice programming. Former commissioners offered reflections that cited public service and faith as guiding principles.

Superintendent Rosser and board members also recognized the Monroe Red Jackets football team, which won the NY state championship Dec. 6 at the Dome in Syracuse, finishing 12–0 with a 34–0 win in the final. Rosser said the title represents teamwork, community pride and leadership that will serve players beyond the field and presented the team with a district certificate of appreciation.

The ceremonial portion closed with photo opportunities and brief remarks stressing continuity: both honorees described their departures as a “see you later,” and the board pivoted to its business agenda.