Rochester City School District Reports
Review of the Proposed 2021-2022 Rochester City School District Budget
May 10, 2021
The recommendations in this report were developed in partnership with students, parents, and community agencies such as the Parent Leadership Advisory Council (PLAC), Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC), Bilingual Education Council (BEC), Teens With Attitude, Teen Empowerment, Citizen Action of NY, Alliance for Quality Education, Roc/ACTS, the Community Task Force on School Climate, IBERO American Action League, and many more, as well as those who attended our numerous budget teach-ins and community forums.
Recommendations for use of American Rescue Plan Funds
April 22, 2021
On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), a $1.9 billion stimulus plan designed to accelerate our nation’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. It contains a number of measures to provide direct relief to families, e.g. $1,400 stimulus checks to households, extended unemployment benefits and emergency housing assistance, and $5 billion for federal food aid. The pandemic recovery is addressed with $160 billion for vaccine distribution, supplies, emergency response, testing and the public health workforce.
A significant portion of ARPA funds are directed to children and families through provisions that include changes to federal tax credits and increased resources for child care, PreK-12 education, and closing the digital divide.
2020 ROC the Future – State of Our Children Report
November 10, 2020
ROC the Future began as a StriveTogether community (one of 70 nationwide), using collective impact to address very complex issues impeding positive outcomes for children.
Community Schools Data Synthesis
October 30, 2020
A review was done of research and evaluations on community schools throughout the country plus available data on community schools in Rochester. Synthesis of the information can inform development of a community school system. There are varying principles community schools are based on, including collaboration, equity, and a mixed model. Community schools can impact students, teachers, families, communities, and systems. In Rochester the demographics of community schools are, overall, proportionate to the district, but notable variability exists. Current academic outcomes and available staff also vary greatly. Needs assessments indicate priorities for strengthening relationships, supporting social-emotional learning and restorative practices, increasing academic support, meeting basic needs, and engaging families
2020 Policy Brief: Paying the Highest Price
September 30, 2020
The Rochester City School District (RCSD) is facing unprecedented mid-year reductions in education aid from New York State. These cuts surpass the losses faced by any other school district in Monroe County, and are among the highest of any school district in New York State. The state’s current approach to budget reductions disproportionately targets districts with the highest needs, undermines the purpose of New York State aid to local school districts, and bolsters institutional racism in our community.
2020 Policy Brief: Reopening Schools
September 8, 2020
The Children’s Agenda is deeply concerned that school closures are disproportionately harming our most vulnerable children. We believe schools need to reopen safely as soon as possible, but are concerned the politicization of the issue, and the lack of sufficient resources and clear guidelines for schools, is putting reopening—and children’s wellbeing—in jeopardy.
Review of the 2020-2021 Rochester City School District Budget
April 30, 2020
Children will be gravely impacted by their parents’ financial struggles and the simultaneous cuts to school budgets and social programs. Children who attend the Rochester City School District (RCSD) are especially vulnerable given the district’s already deep financial problems and the generational effects of poverty and racism.
Review of the 2020-2021 Rochester City School District Budget – Executive Summary
April 9, 2020
Children will be gravely impacted by their parents’ financial struggles and the simultaneous cuts to school budgets and social programs. Children who attend the Rochester City School District (RCSD) are especially vulnerable given the district’s already deep financial problems and the generational effects of poverty and racism.
Why RCSD’s School Board Should Develop a More Inclusive and Comprehensive Plan to Restructure Pre-Kindergarten
March 2, 2020
The Rochester City School District (RCSD) Board of Education has approved a shift of as many as 500 PreK slots from existing neighborhood providers into two district-run schools starting next school year by a
5-2 vote. We applaud Commissioners LeBron and Elliott for opposing the plan and standing up for a more cautious and thoughtful approach. Now it is critically important to maximize potential benefits to
children and families and minimize any potential harm.
RCSD should immediately establish a Board-Staff-Community Task Force to develop a comprehensive Pre-K and early elementary enrollment plan.
Slides and Materials from the 2-13-2020 RCDS Budget Teach-in
February 13, 2020
The RCSD Budget: What happened, What you need to know, and What you can do
2019 ROC the Future – State of Our Children Report
November 20, 2019
ROC the Future began as a StriveTogether community (one of 70 nationwide), using collective impact to address very complex issues impeding positive outcomes for children.
K-3 Suspension Fact Sheet
October 2, 2019
Young Children Need Nurturing Not Removal:
Suspensions in K-3 Fact Sheet
TCA Review of the 2019-2020 Rochester City School District Budget
May 24, 2019
The purpose of The Children’s Agenda’s review of the RCSD budget, along with our annual reviews of the City and County budgets, is to break open the budget process in a way that increases transparency, accountability and parent empowerment. We present information
2019 Breaking The School To Prison Pipeline
January 20, 2019
In keeping with The Children’s Agenda’s mission, this report seeks to promote evidence-based solutions for improving children’s academic and social-emotional wellbeing, especially for those most impacted by poverty, discrimination, health disparities, and trauma.