Superintendent warns of roughly $53 million preliminary budget gap; board requests deeper plan and timeline

Superintendent Shep Rosser and budget director Mr. McDowell presented a preliminary update on the Rochester City School District’s 2026–27 budget on Jan. 13, telling the board they currently project roughly $984 million in general fund revenue and an emerging shortfall driven by rising charter tuition and potential grant reductions.

Budget staff said that two new charter schools could open next year, increasing enrollment by an estimated 600–700 students, and that charter tuition costs are running about $1,000 higher per pupil next year. Mr. McDowell said the district increased its charter cost estimate by $7 million and currently projects a GAAP general fund gap of about $46.3 million. He added that anticipated decreases in IDEA and Title grant funding — estimated at roughly 10% — could reduce grant revenue by about $7 million, producing a combined gap near $53 million.

"We're projecting about 984,000,000 for the general fund," Mr. McDowell said. He later summarized the combined shortfall: "When you add that to what we're looking at as a gap in our general fund, it equates to about a $53,000,000 gap at this particular time." Superintendent Rosser told commissioners the administration is working on lines and department budgets and will return with more detail after the governor's revenue runs are released; he said a comprehensive presentation is scheduled for Feb. 26.

Commissioners pressed administration for specifics and trade‑offs, including whether the district will use fund balance and what internal reductions have been identified. Commissioner Santiago noted that while tapping reserves is not ideal, modest use of fund balance may be necessary. Administration said work is underway at department and school levels and emphasized a commitment to transparency and regular updates.