New York State Assemblyman Harry Bronson of Rochester has thrown a new proposal into the dispute over how Rochester’s schools should be run.
The Rochester Democrat says he’s sponsoring a bill he calls the Rochester City School District Empowerment Act. It would help implement the recommendations of the distinguished educator assigned to Rochester by the State Education Department. Provisions include:
- 12 hours of annual training in ethics, public relations and governance for school board members.
- School superintendent required to work with the State Education Department to convert all schools flagged in need of support and improvement into community schools.
- Superintendent responsible for day-to-day operation of the school system; school board focuses on policy only.
- Establish an arbiter to resolve disputes arising between the board and superintendent.
- School improvement plan implementing distinguished educator’s report in place within 60 days of bill’s enactment into law.
Bronson also wants a seven-member Children’s Advisory Council to provide guidance to the superintendent. It would have representatives from community groups and experts in fields including mental health and special education.
Bronson hopes to get this plan through the legislature in the coming week.
This plan comes a week after Mayor Lovely Warren called for a referendum on a state takeover of the Rochester City School District. District officials have also submitted their revised plan for implementing Distinguished Educator Jamie Aquino’s report, and are waiting to hear back from the state.