Volume 1, Issue 6
June 2026
Rochester Board of Education
Roc BOE News
Board Goals Through June 2031
All students reading by third grade –Increase the percentage of students proficient on the 3rd grade NYS ELA from 22% to 49%.
Increase the percentage of students in grades 3-8 who are proficient on the NYS ELA assessment from 19% to 34%.
Increase the percentage of students in grades 3-8 who are proficient on the NYS Math assessment from 16% to 31%.
Increase the number of students earning 5 or more credits in 9th grade from 73% to 81%.
President ’ s Desk As we close out the 2025 – 2026 school year, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the extraordinary commitment of our educa- tors, staff, administrators, and school commu- nities during what has undoubtedly been a strenuous year. We recognize the tremen- dous effort it takes to support our students amid significant challenges and change. We also want to take this opportunity to cel- ebrate the proud moments and achievements that come with the completion of grade levels and graduation season. Our students have demonstrated resilience, growth, and
Inside this issue:
perseverance as they reach these important milestones.
Student Outcomes Focused Governance
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I hope this summer presents opportunities to exercise self- care through rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Public Education is undoubtedly not easy work ... but it is power- ful, and it is worth it. In the words of Kendrick Lamar, I truly believe that as we press forward for our students, "WE GON ’ BE ALRIGHT".
Advisory Group Corner
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Don ’ t Forget To ….
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Can Someone Please HELP ME?!
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Camille Simmons Board President
Engaging with the Board
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Roc BOE News
Student Outcomes Focused Governance
by the Board for the review of the Superintendent will be filed in the District Office, and will be available upon request for review by any individual no later than September 10th of each year. For more information about the Student Outcomes Focused Gov- ernance (SOFG) framework, visit https://www.rcsdk12.org/sofg.
Student Outcomes do not change until adult behaviors change.
the Goals and honoring the Guardrails. Goal and Guardrail monitoring reports provided per an adopted monitoring calendar will serve as a frequent review of the Superintendent ’ s progress. The annual evaluation of the Su- perintendent shall provide a sum- mative written record of perfor- mance to be used in making judg- ments concerning probationary service, contract terms, termina- tions, and other personnel actions. The Superintendent ’ s annual eval- uation is pursuant to the regula- tions of the Commissioner of Education and will be discussed only during an executive session. The most recent plan developed
The Board of Education recogniz- es that student growth, District progress, and community satisfac- tion are all affected by the perfor- mance of the Superintendent. The Superintendent cannot function effectively without periodic feed- back about their performance. Therefore, the Board recognizes its responsibility to evaluate the Superintendent as a means of ensuring the highest quality lead- ership for the school system. The Board will evaluate the Su- perintendent based on their per- formance toward accomplishing
DID YOU KNOW ….
DID YOU KNOW ….
Board meetings are open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend and stay informed.
The Board meets publicly at least once a month from January to December.
Advisory Group Corner
Get Involved in District-wide Advisory Groups!
Are you a current RCSD student or parent? Are you aware that there are three District-wide parent groups and one District- wide student group? For Students The Student Leadership Congress (SLC) is a body of student leaders representing their respective high schools and serves as the voice of students to the Board of Educa- tion, Superintendent, District administration, and community leaders. Participating members offer their perspectives on educa- tion policies, school climate and
inform their administrators about relevant citywide school issues. For more information, visit https:// www.rcsdk12.org/youth. For Parents District-wide groups offer parents and caregivers a space to engage in advocacy and support their children ’ s education. Most parent groups meet monthly. District-wide parent groups in- clude: 1. Bilingual Education Council (BEC) 2. Parent Leadership Advisory
Council (PLAC) 3. Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) For more information about each District-wide group, visit https:// www.rcsdk12.org/parentgroups, or contact the Office of Parent Engagement by emailing parentcenter@rcsdk12.org or calling 585-324-9999. To learn more about participating in a school-based student or par- ent group, contact your school.
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Volume 1, Issue 6
Don ’ t Forget To ….
During the summer, remember:
Parent and Family Engagement Policy (Policy 1900): Get connected. If you have not done so yet, during the summer, take time to create and explore a PowerSchool Parent Portal ac- count by visiting http:// www.rcsdk12.org/powerschool. Summer Meals: The Wellness Policy (Policy 5405) and “ Charging ” School Meals and Prohibition Against Shaming (Policy 8505) outlines the Board ’ s vision in ensuring District students have access to free, healthy and
nutritious meals. To ensure this access continues during summer break, kids and teens ages 2 to 18 can get FREE breakfast and lunch this summer at locations all across the community. Visit https:// www.summermealsroc.org/ for locations and times.
Transportation of Students & Others (Policy 8400) : Moving? Connect with your child ’ s school to ensure they have the most update home address and contact information to avoid any delays in transportation in Sep- tember. The deadline for transpor- tation request changes is July 31, 2026. Visit https://www.rcsdk12.org/ transportation for frequently asked transportation questions.
For the full policies, visit https:// www.rcsdk12.org/policy.
The 2026-27 school year Board meeting calendar and at a glance District calendar are available at https://www.rcsdk12.org/calendar.
“ You should never view your challenges as a disadvantage. Instead, it's important for you to understand that your experience facing and overcoming adversity is actually one of your biggest advantages. ” - First Lady Michelle Obama
Can Someone Please HELP ME?!
Oftentimes our District families, staff, and community reach out to the Board Office, a Board mem- ber, and/or register to speak at a Board meeting because they do not know who to call, or they feel unseen or stuck. While the Board and its depart- ment are always happy to assist our families, going directly to the District staff who can resolve the issue is often the fastest way to get help. The right connection makes all the difference.
When you are not sure where to start, here are two resources available to you: RCSD Family Services: When our families have an issue or concern, we want to provide you with a clear method for com- municating those concerns. We ask that you follow the process outlined on https:// www.rcsdk12.org/familyservices, which provides the appropriate steps to take for most school- related issues.
Let ’ s Talk! Customer Service Platform:
The District is utilizing Let ’ s Talk! to help create new lines of com- munication for school and District services for parents, staff, stu- dents, and our community to ac- cess anytime, anywhere. Visit https://www.rcsdk12.org/letstalk for more information on the Let ’ s Talk! platform. Clear communication helps us re- solve concerns faster, so we can stay focused on what matters most—our students ’ success.
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Rochester Board of Education
Board of Education Meetings
WHEN ARE PUBLIC BOARD MEETINGS : The Board of Education meets monthly the second Tuesday at 6pm for Work Sessions, the third Tuesday at 5:30pm for Speaker Forums, and the fourth Thursday at 6pm for Business Meetings. At least once a year, the Board meets the first Tuesday at 6pm for Audit Committee meetings. Periodically, the Board may convene for other public meetings. For the Board ’ s most up to date calendar, visit www.rcsdk12.org/calendar. WHERE ARE BOARD MEETINGS HELD: Unless otherwise specified, all Board meetings can be accessed in-person at 131 West Broad Street, 14614 in Conference Room 3A/3B, or online at www.rcsdk12.org/youtube or www.rcsdk12.org/rcsdtv. WHERE ARE BOARD MEETING MATERIALS: All Board meeting agendas and materials can be found at www.rcsdk12.org/boarddocs. Meeting materials are typically available two days prior to the meeting. SPEAKER FORUMS: The Board values input from the community, as such input can directly inform Board discussions and decision-making. To facilitate this, the Board hosts a monthly Speaker Forum dedicated to receiving public comments. Forums are held at 5:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month (unless otherwise noted). An individual may register to speak and/or submit a written comment by contacting the Board of Education office by noon on the day of the meeting, by calling (585) 262-8525 or emailing boardofeducation@rcsdk12.org. The fol- lowing information must be included: name, telephone number, email address, home address, affiliation (student, parent, community member or staff) and the topic on which the individual wishes to speak on. Excluding staff, individuals who do not reside within the City of Rochester do not have the privilege of speaking and/or submitting written comments at meetings, except when exception is granted by the chair of the fo- rum. Excluding public hearings, Speaker Forums will be the only opportunity for the community to address the Board.
Board Upcoming Public Events Tuesday, July 14, 2026: Speaker Forum & Contract for Excellence Public Hearing (5:30 pm) Tuesday, July 14, 2026: Work Session (6:00 pm) Thursday, July 30, 2026: Business Meeting (6:00 pm) Tuesday, August 11, 2026: Work Session (6:00 pm) Tuesday, August 18, 2026: Speaker Forum & Districtwide Safety Plan Public Hearing (5:30 pm) Thursday, August 27, 2026: Business Meeting (6:00 pm)
We ’ re on the Web! www.rcsdk12.org/boe
MATCHING GAME Connect the cards on the left with the correct definition on the right by drawing a line.
Become a Parent or Student Advisor
Parent Advisors and Student Advisors serving in an advisory capac- ity to monthly Board Work Session may be appointed in alignment with exhibit 2300-E3. The Board recognizes the role that parents and students play in our school communities and requests that parents and students play an active part in the fiscal oversight and accountability functions of the Board. WHO CAN SERVE? Interested Parents: Only parents and legal guardians of students currently attending the Rochester City School District who are not employees of the District will be allowed to serve. Interested Students: Only students currently attending a Roches- ter City School District school, in grades 8 th through 12 th , having good academic standing, and on track to graduate will be allowed to serve.
The leader responsible for managing the school district ’ s daily operations.
DISTRICT
The local public school system serving a community.
COMMISSIONER
Time during a Board meeting when community members may address the Board.
BOARD OF EDUCATION
A person elected to serve on the Board of Education.
SUPERINTENDENT
For more information and how to apply, visit www.rcsdk12.org/ boerep.
The group responsible for governing the school district.
RESOLUTION
CONTACT US: Rochester Board of Education
131 West Broad Street Rochester, NY 14614 Phone: 585-262-8525 Fax: 585-262-8381 Email: boardofeducation@rcsdk12.org
SPEAKER FORUM/ PUBLIC HEARING
A formal decision approved by the Board.
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