RCSD Launches Community Budget Survey

The Rochester City School District is inviting students, families, staff, and community members to help inform the development of its 2027–2028 budget through a Community Budget Survey and a series of four Community Budget Forums.

The survey opens November 9, and will remain available through Friday, December 4. Families, staff, and community members are encouraged to share their perspectives on the programs, services, and resources they believe are most important to student success.

Students in grades 7 through 12 will also have an opportunity to share their priorities through a separate student survey sent directly to their District email accounts.

As the District faces a projected $54.7 million budget gap for the 2027–2028 school year, community input will be an important part of the budget development process.

“The financial challenges before us require difficult decisions, and those decisions must begin with what is best for our students,” said Superintendent Dr. Eric Jay Rosser. “We want our students, families, staff, and community members to understand the realities we face and have an opportunity to share what matters most to them. Their perspectives will help inform our work as we develop a budget that supports student success and the long-term future of our District.”

This year, RCSD is introducing a four-part Community Budget Forum Series, with each forum building on the previous conversation. The series will provide opportunities to learn about the District’s financial outlook, ask questions, review emerging priorities, and understand how budget considerations are evolving.

Community Budget Forum Schedule

Forum 1: Understand

Wednesday, November 18, 2026, 6:00 p.m.

Loretta Johnson Middle School Auditorium

An overview of the District’s financial outlook, budget challenges, and development process.

Forum 2: Listen

Wednesday, December 9, 2026, 6:00 p.m.

East High School

A discussion of community priorities, survey feedback, and emerging budget considerations.

Forum 3: Evaluate

Thursday, February 4, 2027, Virtual, 6:00 p.m.

An opportunity to review budget considerations and potential options as the District continues its planning.

Forum 4: Respond

Thursday, March 11, 2027, Virtual, 6:00 p.m.

A discussion of the Superintendent’s proposed direction, community feedback, and next steps in the budget process.

The forums are open to all community members. Additional information about the virtual sessions will be shared closer to their scheduled dates.

Supporting Long-Term Academic and Financial Sustainability

The community engagement process complements the work of the District’s Academic and Financial Sustainability Task Force, which began meeting on October 15. The Task Force brings together students, parents, staff, elected officials, and community representatives to examine the District’s financial outlook and identify opportunities to strengthen its long-term sustainability.

The Task Force is reviewing areas including staffing, student programming, school facilities, and operational efficiencies. Its recommendations are expected to be submitted to Superintendent Rosser and the Board of Education by January 30, 2027.

Community members are encouraged to complete the budget survey by December 4 and participate in the upcoming forums. Survey feedback will help District leadership and the Board of Education better understand community priorities as the budget development process moves forward.

To complete the Community Budget Survey and learn more about the Community Budget Forum Series, visit www.rcsdk12.org/budget.