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Students tell Rochester board to prioritize mental‑health supports over phone enforcement in code of conduct review
Summary
At a March 17 public hearing, Rochester City School District students urged the board to revise Code of Conduct Policy 1400 to emphasize consistent counseling, restorative practices and proactive mental‑health supports, citing a student suicide and gaps in ongoing care.
Students urged the Rochester City School District Board of Education on March 17 to revise the district’s Code of Conduct (Policy 1400) to emphasize mental‑health supports and consistent counseling instead of focusing primarily on enforcing phone rules. Ayanna Dillard, a student at School of the Arts, and Leterias Lee Jr. delivered public comments during the required hearing.
Dillard said she developed anxiety in middle school and that, when she finally received help, it came from a teacher rather than counselors. She described a March 24, 2025 student suicide — identifying the student as Caitlin Reneta Benoit — and…
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