The Rochester City School District must pass a budget that invests in positive school climate. Suspensions have dropped by more than a third since the new code of conduct was passed in June, 2016. But we cannot stop there, even with this positive trend there are still thousands of students being pushed out of the classroom. To end the school-to-prison pipeline requires more social workers, counselors, and special education teachers to meet students' needs. It also requires hiring more restorative practices coordinators to build strong relationships and heal trauma. 

The proposed 2017-2018 RCSD budget includes an increase of 17 full time social workers. This is a good start but will not be enough to meet the needs of over 50 elementary, secondary and program schools. That number should be twice as high. 

Funding priorities must reflect the widespread trauma, disability, and language access issues students face in Rochester. Parents, teachers, students, and community members will be at the Public Hearing on April 4th to speak in favor of: