Rochester City School Board

We're joined by two more candidates for Rochester City School Board. It's our fourth and final discussion with candidates in this race prior to the primary on June 22.

Incumbent and current board vice president Cynthia Elliott and educator and activist Clianda Florence-Yarde join us to discuss their platforms and priorities for the district.

Our guests:

• Cynthia Elliott
• Clianda Florence-Yarde
  

We hear from two more candidates for Rochester City School Board. Our goal is to talk to all of the candidates before Primary Day.

Our guests this hour include:

• Minister Clifford Florence
• James Patterson
  

We talk with candidates for Rochester City School Board. Nine candidates are running in the Democratic primary, and there are three open seats on the board. Our goal is to hear from all nine candidates before voters head to the polls on June 22.

During this conversation, we talk with Joe Klein and Camille Simmons about why they are running and a number of issues affecting the district. Our guests:

• Joe Klein
• Camille Simmons
  

Some students in the Rochester City School District are back in the classroom, in-person, despite pushback from the Rochester Teachers Association.

Parents in favor of in-person learning join us to talk about why they feel it's essential for their young learners. We're also joined by RTA president Adam Urbanski and RCSD School Board member and parent Amy Maloy, who share why they support the RTA's position on learning remaining virtual until 70 percent of teachers are vaccinated.

Our guests:

• Gipsy Escobar, RCSD parent who supports in-person learning at this stage
• Leslie Knox, RCSD parent who supports in-person learning at this stage
• Adam Urbanski, president of the Rochester Teachers Association
• Amy Maloy, RCSD School Board member and parent
  

The total known deficit for the Rochester City School District is $117 million but during Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting, Chief Financial Officer Carleen Piece said the number could be much higher.

Pierce said the bulk of that debt includes the money borrowed on the district’s behalf by the city of Rochester as it waits for funding from grants, the city, the state and others.

She said costs for health insurance, workmen’s compensation, transportation and other areas are concerning. She also said other payments may come due shortly. Pierce said the district was overpaid roughly $12 million for a quality school bond, they’ll have to pay that back.

Tamiko Matthews received her second pink slip from the Rochester City School District this week. The 40-something mother of one has worked for the district for just two years. 

"What am I going to be able to do next, after this?” Matthews asked. “Am I gonna be able to come back to my job or continuously look for another job?”