RCSD Board of Education votes to close 11 schools

RCSD Board of Education votes to approve reconfiguration plan that will close 11 schools

By Spectrum News Staff and Sergio Cruel Rochester

UPDATED 9:52 AM ET Oct. 20, 2023 PUBLISHED 8:56 PM ET Oct. 19, 2023 PUBLISHED 8:56 PM EDT Oct. 19, 2023

The Rochester City School District Board of Education has voted to close 11 schools and five buildings.

While some parents at Thursday's meeting expressed disappointment that the vote was not delayed, the BOE voted to move forward with a reconfiguration plan.

RCSD held a board meeting tonight. Top of agenda, the vote on proposed reconfiguration plan. The proposed plan: closure of 11 schools & 5 buildings.. Why is this happening? The say because of low enrollment, The vote was passed, changes will take place in 2024 @SPECNews1ROC
— Sergio Cruel (@SergioCrueltv) October 20, 2023

The plan includes School No. 29 and RISE students in specialized ASD classrooms remaining together, and School No. 2 students being invited to join School No. 25.

A special lottery will begin in December for School No. 2 students who don't want to join School No. 25.

The closed schools include:

Clara Barton School No. 2
Dr. Walter Cooper Academy School No. 10
Adlai E. Stevenson School No. 29
Andrew J. Townson School No. 39
RISE Community School No. 106
Wilson Foundation Academy
Dr. Alice Holloway Young School of Excellence
Franklin Lower School
Monroe Lower School
Franklin Upper School
Northeast College Preparatory High School

Buildings that will be closed include:

School No. 20
School No. 29
School No. 39
School No. 44
School No. 106

“The decision to close schools was undeniably complex and challenging,” Superintendent Dr. Carmine Peluso said in a statement. “It was not a choice made lightly; rather, it was made with a heavy heart and a deep sense of responsibility. We are determined to transform this District to create better opportunities for our students and prepare them for a promising future.”