Rochester Education Fellowship Newsletter (February 2023)

February 2023

On the road to informed decisions

"It's very important for parents to be a part of the school finder because we are our children's first advocate, and it's going to be easy for the parents to navigate instead of having to look all over the place to find answers and questions."

—TIFFANY HOWARD

READY School Finder Parent Leader

Click on the photo to see how Tiffany Howard and other READY School Finder Parent Leaders are working to equip families with information to ease the burden of school selection processes and empower their advocacy in education and development of Rochester’s children. She and other engaged parents bring passion and determination to own this School Finder as a critical information resource and advocacy tool.

In the news: Parent Spotlight

"Knowing what schools we have available to us and how they are performing is the key first step to getting the high-quality school system we want and that our children deserve."

—KAMARIAH DOUGLAS

READY School Finder Parent Leader

Parent Kamariah Douglas recently voiced her opinion on the need for the READY School Finder. Such a tool, she believes, is the first step in creating a high-quality school system in Rochester.

READ THE ARTICLE HERE

On the Fellow's desk

In addition to capturing the voices of our community, I'm researching best practices and sourcing resources related to Rochester's educational landscape. Below is some information on my desk this month.

Presentation of the RCSD Preliminary Draft Budget for 2023-24
The Right to Read
Education Workforce Housing in California: Developing the 21st Century Campus
Family Newsletter: Message from Commissioner Betty A. Rosa – Join the mailing list!
Upcoming webinars from Starbridge
Preschool to Committee on Special Education Transition Process for Families Wednesday, Mar. 1, Noon-1:00 pm
Planning for the Future with James Traylor Wednesday, Mar. 29, Noon-1:00 pm
Homeschooling for Students with Disabilities Thursday, Mar. 30, Noon-1:00 pm
Disability Disclosure Tuesday, Apr. 4, Noon-1:00 pm
Supporting Your Child's Vocabulary Development at Home Wednesday, Apr. 26, Noon-1:00 pm

Out and about

The Rochester City School District budget review process, which outlines the management of funds to support student success, also includes pass-through funding for Rochester residents enrolled in area charter schools, suburban school districts, and private and parochial schools. The final draft budget is due to the RCSD board by March 23. Join us at these sessions to stay informed.

Tuesday, March 14: Finance Committee Chair hosts Public Budget Webinar Event
Thursday, March 23: State Monitor’s presentation on the 2023-24 Budget during the March Business Meeting (Deadline in accordance with State legislation—45 days from budget adoption)
Wednesday, April 12: Traditional Public Budget Hearing
Wednesday, April 19: First Budget Deliberation Session
Wednesday, April 26: Second Budget Deliberation Session
Wednesday, May: Third Budget Deliberation Session
Tuesday, May 9: Special Board Meeting for Budget Adoption
Tuesday, June 20: City Council Budget Vote (Date set by City)

All Meetings and Public Hearings at 5:30 PM, unless otherwise specified here.

Keep in touch

The Rochester Education Fellowship is growing our presence online. Follow me on LinkedIn, Facebook , and Instagram for up-to-date information and relevant news. Visit www.RocEdFellow.net to stay in the know.

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