Rochester City School District

The Special Meeting of the Rochester Board of Education included a motion to enter into Executive Session to discuss a matter related to the employment of a particular person. Following the executive session, the body moved to Open Session before adjourning the meeting.

The primary purpose of the meeting was to receive public input on the Superintendent's proposed budget for the 2018-19 fiscal year. Several students and community members provided comments advocating for increased resources to address educational needs, specific funding for a pan-African studies course, more counselors, better training for School Safety Officers, improved School Food Services offerings, restorative justice practices, social emotional supports, culturally relevant programming, improved school climate, and resources for students with disabilities and English language learners. The Board also moved to recess in executive session to discuss matters related to the discipline of particular students. Furthermore, Resolution No. 2017-18: 747 was separated into two resolutions, 747a and 747b, both of which were subsequently adopted by the Board.

Key discussions during the meeting included the Superintendent's report on the upcoming school opening on September 7, 2006, covering transportation, food service, secondary school modifications, and the success of the Dell Techno Program. Committee reports covered Quality Assurance's role and potential joint ventures, Finance Committee recommendations for resolutions 140-157, and the approval of a student activity fund report (dissenting vote recorded). The Community and Intergovernmental Relations Committee updated on facilities modernization legislation and set dates for a fall legislative breakfast. The Audit Committee held an election for Chair. The Governance Committee discussed a proposed personnel committee and changing the business meeting date. Action was taken to declare September as "Act for Education Month" in the Rochester City School District. Unfinished business included an update on the Ethics Review Panel meeting scheduled for August 22. A visitor addressed the group regarding curriculum use for achieving peace.

The public hearing was conducted by the Board of Education of the Rochester City School District to gather community input regarding the application for the renewal of the Vertus Charter School. The discussion centered on the existing charter expiring on June 30, 2019, and a proposed charter revision that would allow the school to serve a maximum of 340 students in grades 9-12 until June 30, 2024. Under the current charter, the approved capacity is a maximum of 384 students in grades 9-12. No public speakers were present during the session.

The meeting agenda included several action items concerning change orders for Monroe 2a and 2b contractors, specifically Manning Squires Hennig, and School 7 contractors, DiPasquale Construction and John W. Danforth. Requests for Purchase Orders were scheduled for Furniture (School 7) and Moving Services (Monroe 2b), as well as Edison for HVAC Controls. The committee planned to authorize a bid for DWT Mini-Bids (Phones and Brackets) and review the RJSCB Annual Report for FY 2017-18 and the schedule for FY 2018-19. Discussion items included updates on PLA negotiations, SED and SmartBond, potential property acquisitions, RSMP Phase 3 Legislation, and District Standards for windows. New business covered the Bid Award for School 4 (Phase 2c) and amendments to The Pike Company contracts for CM services at Monroe 2a/b and East projects. The session included an Executive Session to discuss particular corporations and their contracts, as well as consultation with the Board's general counsel regarding attorney-client privileged matters.