School Or Housing? Local Charters Urge City Leaders To Sale Former RCSD Schools

Thursday Night, community members and charter school leaders weighed in on a debate surrounding what Rochester City Council should do with two vacant school, as charters look to purchase the buildings to move into. A majority of the attendees at Thursday’s public hearing at Rochester City Hall were in favor of City Council approving both proposals to sell the buildings. City Councilmember Michael Patterson explained the purpose of the public hearing.

One proposal would allow the Young Women’s College Prep Charter School, currently utilizing a mixed-use educational space on Hoover Drive in Greece, to purchase former School No. 20 on Oakman Street. In the past, members of City Council have suggested to renovate the School No. 20 property to be utilized as housing. Principal of Young Women’s College Prep Sheri Webber explained why she believes the idea to use the space for housing is wrong.

“We’re here for the kids and it’s already a school,” Webber said. “A school needs to stay a school, and we need to be here for our families.” Last month, The Rochester Academy of Science (RocSci) expressed interest in purchasing former School No. 29 on Kirkland Road. The proposal to sell the building was rejected by City Council with six in favor and three against.

At the time, those in opposition cited concerns with charter schools in general and their impact on the local public school system. The proposal will now be re-introduced to the council and Principal of RocSci Dennis Yaman hopes those who voted against it originally reconsider.

“Despite the lack of resources [we currently have], our students are doing an amazing job and now we need a permanent home for our kids,” Yaman said. Many of the parents, teachers and students who spoke on Thursday evening agree with Yaman.

“We are a community that comes together and supports each other, all we need to finish that puzzle is a home that we can bring that sense of community we have in our school building out into the city,” one RocSci teacher said. Another public hearing regarding these two proposals is expected to be held on Tuesday, May 5 at 6 p.m. at Rochester City Hall.

Source: Rochester First