School board approves superintendent's reorganization, eliminating four positions and creating two new roles amid $8.3M shortfall; vote 5–2

The Rochester Public Schools board voted 5–2 on April 21 to approve a superintendent‑proposed reorganization that eliminates four senior‑leadership positions and creates two new roles intended to align equity and learning‑environment work amid a projected $8.3 million budget shortfall for next year.

Superintendent Kent Pel framed the recommendation as a painful but necessary set of moves to address the district’s multi‑year budget reductions. The resolution directed elimination, effective July 1, of the executive director of community engagement and partnerships; executive director of family engagement and youth empowerment (previously variously titled in earlier administrations); director of positive behavioral supports; and director of school leadership and improvement. The resolution also authorized creation of an executive director of learning environments and a director of equity and organizational…