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RCSD nears budget deal

Rochester City School District

The Rochester City School District is nearing a budget deal after making many changes to outgoing superintendent Terry Dade’s budget on Tuesday night. 

Unlike previous presentations, this one didn’t have Dade’s name on it and it was presented by Deputy Superintendent Lynda Quick and Chief Financial Officer Robert Franklin. 

Quick said they’re seeking common ground with the board and the community on a budget with no gimmicks while attempting to serve student needs. The district is working to bridge an $87 million budget gap.

“We are about the children of Rochester,” said Quick. “They are the core of what we do and the budget we’re proposing tonight, will allow for our children to have the education they deserve.”

One of the most notable changes came to the district’s Pre-K plan. Dade championed opening two more district run Pre-K centers claiming that it’ll slow the flood of students leaving the district for charter schools in the coming years. The new proposal opens one and more than 200 students would stay in centers run by community based organizations like daycares or non-profits. 

“We’re done our best to address all your concerns, while keeping sound budget practices in place,” said Franklin.

Another sticking point of Dade’s plan with several members of the board of education was cutting $6 million from East High’s budget. East High is operated in partnership with the Warner School at the University of Rochester. The compromise which was negotiated with UR subtracts $4.5 million from their budget. 

The board of education also accepted Dade’s resignation. He’s set to leave the district for a downstate Superintendent job in July. 

The board plans to vote on the budget next week.

RCSD Revised Budget Present... by WXXI News on Scribd

James Brown is a reporter with WXXI News. James previously spent a decade in marketing communications, while freelance writing for CITY Newspaper. While at CITY, his reporting focused primarily on arts and entertainment.