ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The union representing teachers in the Rochester City School District has supported a “vote of no confidence” for the district’s reopening plans next month.

“I think the district needs to take more time to become more ready,” said Adam Urbanki, president of the Rochester Teachers Association.

What You Need To Know

  • RTA's Representative Assembly submitted a vote of no confidence in the Rochester City School District's reopening plan

  • The union wants a proper safety and instructional plan for teachers and students

  • The RTA does not believe schools are safe if a proper plan is not in place


The RTA's Representative Assembly is pushing back on plans to welcome students on February 8 for hybrid learning, citing the lack of a safety and academic plan. The union wants professional development, proper technology for students and teachers, vaccinations of teachers, and a proper instructional program.

“We want exactly the same thing as parents, we want schools to reopen, we want teachers back in the classroom safely, and with a program that is doable, it is not currently doable or safe,” said Urbanki.

The district addressed concerns about the instructional plan and technology concerns, but the union says it’s not enough. The RTA says it will also recommend a vote of no confidence in Superintendent Lesli Myers-Small if she “continues to dismiss the collective wisdom of parents and teachers.”

“They are making it sound like they’re ready, but they are not ready,” Urbanki added.

Spectrum News did not receive a response from the school district about RTA’s vote of no confidence. During the board of education meeting Tuesday, Superintendent Dr. Lesli Myers-Small acknowledged the reopening plan is not perfect and said the following:

“We have to have some flexibility, we’ll have to have some patience, and I know that individuals are frustrated, we’re working to get information together that addresses the questions.”

Adam Urbanski told Spectrum News a meeting is planned this weekend with the superintendent to figure out a plan to move forward and open schools.