ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Members of the Rochester City School District Board of Education held a 2021-2022 budget deliberation session Tuesday night.

The BOE says a new bus contract and changes to current services will save the district $1.5 million.

Another topic of debate was the lack of food service workers who provide hot meals to students during the pandemic.

Commissioners say that was partially due to the layoffs of BENTE workers last year due to the pandemic and less students in school.

Some of those workers have since been re-hired, but the district still does not have the resources to provide hot meals.

Commissioners also say the district got less in reimbursements for served lunches due to the limited number of students in the building- something they hope will change in the fall.

Commissioner Beatriz LeBron says she would like food service staffing discussed further before the final budget is voted on.

There is a budget public hearing Thursday April 8 at 5:30 p.m.