RCSD BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR BUSINESS MEETINGS DECEMBER 23, 2021
Speaking before the Board at this meeting were 11 students and parents. All spoke about transportation for students attending schools other than a RCSD designated school, such as Mercy, the Rochester Academy Charter School, or schools in the Urban-Suburban program.Reports were mostly submitted online via BoardDocs. The Financial Report was given by Commissioner LeBron due to the need to approve changes in the budget and reports.
The Superintendent reports were celebratory, praising community and district efforts and wishing pleasant holidays. Superintendent Myers-Small asked that parents and students be prepared to shift to remote learning if it became necessary. Board members reacted with questions about plans for a pivot and the clarity and timeliness of the communication. A written plan is part of the school reopening document which is available online. It was confirmed that the majority of students have a Chromebook to take home. It was also emphasized that moving to remote would only happen in extreme circumstances and was not expected.
One board member raised concerns about young children at home especially in families where both parents need to work outside the home. A request was made to consider using funds from the Cares Act to provide childcare for those families.
In general, timely communication regarding not just pivoting to remote, but other issues as well, was discussed as a priority to developing positive community engagement and comfort.
Resolutions 313-346 (332 was withdrawn) were brought forward, discussed, and approved. These included Resolution 2021-22: 342, the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Rochester City School District and the Rochester Association of Paraprofessionals (RAP) through June 30, 2023.
Commissioner Powell presented the first reading of Management Policies including 2160 (the Code of Ethics). Within 2160 Requirement A Section 4 & 5, a suggestion to specifically include the highest officers such as members of the Board of Education and Superintendent was offered. Language will be put in writing to consider during the second reading.
Nine Finance Policies (6000, 6120, 6245, 6600, 6625, 6630, 6680, 6700 & 6745) were also discussed and approved.
Brief parting comments by President White and Commissioner Clark were given and the meeting was adjourned.
See BoardDocs® Plus on the District website under the Board of Education tab– click on meetings, 2021 and the agenda for the December 23 documents.
OBSERVED BY CONSTANCE FLAHIVE