Rochester City School District Superintendent, Dr. Lesli Myers-Small, provided an update of the District’s finances at the Board of Education’s Finance Committee meeting this evening.
Dr. Myers-Small outlined her conservative approach to spending and provided an update on the District’s current budget and financial status. She reviewed some key challenges the District has been grappling with, including a structural deficit projected at $59.3 million this fiscal year; and a budget gap for the 2021-22 school year projected at $74 million.
Late last week, the RCSD received notification that it would incur a 20% cut in State funding totaling $128 million; cuts in food and transportation services funding are projected at over $6 million. Additionally, other concerns have arisen as a result of an in-depth review of the current fiscal year budget.
In order to address these issues, Dr. Myers-Small announced the District is taking immediate action including imposing:
- 20% budget reductions for all departments and schools
- Staffing changes
- Implementation of internal controls
- Review of fiscal practices & commitments
- Creating new opportunities for greater fiscal oversight
Dr. Myers-Small stated “My commitment is steadfast and my administration and I are taking all necessary steps, however uncomfortable they may be, to restore the financial stability of this District. In this endeavor, we will move FORWARD. TOGETHER. NOW.”
The Superintendent's presentation to the Board of Education is
available here.
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