Hundreds of teachers, parents, and students protested proposed cuts to the Rochester City School District on Monday, April 27, 2026. The demonstration took place outside Rochester City Hall prior to the City Council’s budget hearing.

Budget Concerns and Community Response

Attendees voiced strong opposition to reductions in essential programs and staff positions. Proposed cuts included teaching roles, social workers, and a significant portion of the district’s Home Hospital Instruction Program.

Student Voices Heard

Emerra Moore, a student at the Rochester Academy Charter School, passionately addressed the crowd. “We want to learn,” Moore said. “Some of us have challenges at home, and when you take away our resources, it hurts us deeply. Many students rely on school meals, and cutting those programs is disrespectful. It shows you don’t care about us. What we need is for you to listen and stop these cuts.”

District Response and Budget Status

Superintendent Dr. Eric Jay Rosser acknowledged the complexity of the budgeting process in an interview with 13WHAM. “Unfortunately, our community doesn’t fully grasp the intricacies of budgeting,” Rosser stated. “It’s our responsibility as a school district to better educate the public on these matters.”

The district’s budget is currently incomplete, based on the governor’s executive budget proposal from January. RCSD is awaiting the final New York State budget from Albany before finalizing its financial plans.

Grant Funding Secured

Since releasing its draft budget, the district has secured nearly $5 million in grant funding. Leaders hope this funding will help mitigate some of the proposed cuts and preserve critical programs and positions.

Separate Incidents Raise Safety Concerns

In a separate incident, two arrests were made after a paramedic was attacked and a brawl erupted on Main Street in Fairport early Saturday morning. Chief Robert Cieri of Perinton Ambulance reported his team responded to the village around 2 a.m. for reports of an unconscious man.

Additionally, a shooting occurred in the Beechwood neighborhood on Sunday, resulting in charges against a suspect. These events have heightened tensions in the community as residents demand accountability and safety measures.