Mayor signals interest in larger role with schools

Jan. 22, 2019 -- Mayor Lovely Warren has released a report indicating community support during a series of public forums for her taking a more active role in the Rochester City School District.

The forums were in response to state-appointed educator Jaime Aquino's scathing review of the RCSD late last year, and Warren's summary of the public forums suggests she is potentially taking a step toward mayoral control over the district.

Chief of Staff Alex Yudelson said the city has had discussions with legislators, New York State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia and others on the subject.

Charter school will close in June

Jan. 11, 2019 -- ROC Achieve Charter School in northeast Rochester will cease operations in June after five years of existence. The board of trustees said it had decided to withdraw its renewal application, a sign that the State University of New York was likely to reject an extension.

The most recent progress report on the state website from September 2017 showed the school on Mark Street was not meeting several of its targets, particularly in English language arts.

Munno files notice of claim

Jan. 9, 2019 -- University Prep founder Joseph Munno, who resigned under pressure as school president after controversy arose over the decision to block last year's valedictorian from making a graduation speech, has filed a notice of claim against the City of Rochester and the Rochester City School District.

In the notice of claim, Munno intends to sue over defamation and tortious interference with a contract, his attorney said.

Mayor Lovely Warren allowed Jaisaan Lovett the chance to give his speech on the city's YouTube channel after being denied by Munno, who subsequently faced national scrutiny as the decision sparked a racial debate. Munno retired days after the mayor posted the video.

"Unfortunately, it appears Mayor Warren, for political gain, slandered the good name and reputation of an educator who had a flawless reputation in our community and was a mentor and built a formidable educational institution to help a segment of our community suffering from minimal educational opportunities," Munno's attorney, Paul Guerrieri, said in a statement. "She assassinated the character of a man who devoted his entire life to the causes of educational improvement for inner-city youth. Her political actions cost Joseph Munno his job."

Ex-Rochester superintendent leaving N.H. job

Jan. 4, 2019 -- Former Rochester City School District Superintendent Bolgen Vargas has resigned from his job leading the Manchester, N.H., school district. His resignation will take effect in 90 days -- in the midst of the annual budget process.

School board vice chairman Arthur Beaudry said Vargas felt he had lost the support of Mayor Joyce Craig and a faction of the 15-person school board. Other board members said a culture of constant bickering within their own ranks likely factored into Vargas' decision less than three years into his term.

"There are all kinds of these petty little battles that just sap your will to live, let alone be a superintendent to schools," board member Richard Girard said.

Vargas earlier turned down a two-year extension offered by the board.

White will continue leading school board

Jan. 2, 2019 -- Rochester's school board re-elected Van White as president by a 4-2 vote and selected Cynthia Elliott to replace Willa Powell as vice president.

New board member Natalie Sheppard received two votes for president. Judith Davis, another new board member, abstained from voting.

The Rochester City School District's board came under criticism late last year in a report from Distinguished Educator Jaime Aquino, who cite an inability to work cohesively. Members will soon have to provide a report to New York State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia that addresses Aquino's recommendations for improving the district as well as conduct a search for a new superintendent.