The READY Report

February 2026

Introducing the READY Rundown

Dear Partners and Supporters,

We hear it all the time: education is complex and confusing.

Who is responsible for decisions in our schools? How do policies move from idea to classroom? Where can the community have influence?

So we created the READY Rundown — a series of short videos breaking down how Rochester’s education systems work.

No jargon. No guessing. Just clarity you can use.

Our first installment explores the role of the Board of Education, distinguishing governance from daily management and explaining how local elections shape school direction.

In just 90 seconds, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of how our schools really work. Stay tuned for more!

Learn it. Use it. Change it.

Yours in service,

Shanai Lee, MBA, EdD

Founder and Executive Director

READY, Inc.

Community Learning Session: Who’s In Charge?

You can’t demand change from a system until you understand how it works.

Many families, students, educators, and community members want better outcomes for Rochester’s children — but advocacy starts with knowing who actually makes decisions and how those decisions get made.

On March 23, READY is hosting a community learning session for anyone invested in Rochester’s future.

Together we will break down:

What different elected offices control
How laws and policies move from idea to action
The legislative designation process
Voter registration and participation
How to make the system work for all of us

This session isn’t about politics. It’s about clarity, confidence, and informed advocacy — giving our community the tools to participate effectively.

Invest in Rochester's Future

The lanes are filling and the energy is building — $27,500 of our $50,000 goal is already raised to support Rochester students exploring careers in education. We need you to help us cross the finish line.

Join us Friday, April 24 at 6:00 PM at Radio Social for READY’s Bowling 4 STARS (Supporting Teachers and Recruiting Students) — a fun night that turns community support into real opportunity.

Last year, this event launched the READY STARS Scholarship Fund, available to graduates of the Rochester City School District and local charter schools.

This year, sponsorships will grow those scholarships and expand the READY Teaching Academy to additional high school campuses — creating direct pathways into education careers for Rochester students.

There’s a way for everyone to participate:

· $10,000 — Strike Gold Title Sponsor

· $7,500 — Pin Pioneer

· $2,500 — Lane Leader

· $1,000 — Roll with READY

Or, give at any level — every contribution helps a student see teaching as a future they can reach.

Bowling 4 STARS is both a fun community night and a powerful signal to young people that Rochester is invested in them.

We can’t wait to see you there!

SPONSOR A TEAM

READY Reading Room: Fueling Dialogues in Education!

It’s February in Rochester — it's cold outside, but there's plenty heating up in the world of education. Below are some articles and reports that have caught the attention of the READY team:

Stay Connected: Follow READY on Social Media!

Stay connected to the bold ideas and real-time progress reshaping education in Rochester. Follow READY on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube to stay up-to-date on our latest work, hear powerful stories from the field, and learn how you can help create more quality school options for Rochester’s students.

Follow. Share. Donate. Let's build the future together!

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