New York State leaders have finalized major financial support for the next phase of the Rochester City School District’s long-running modernization effort, a multiyear capital program aimed at bringing the district’s aging buildings up to 21st-century standards.
Senator Jeremy Cooney and Assemblymember Harry Bronson announced that Gov. Kathy Hochul signed their Rochester City School District Modernization Bill (S7157B/A7385), providing an additional $125 million for Phase III and raising the total investment to $600 million. The added funding gives the district greater flexibility to complete critical renovations without disrupting instruction, a key concern expressed by school administrators in recent years.
Cooney emphasized the personal significance of the project, noting his history as a graduate of the district. “As the first and only graduate of the Rochester City School District to serve in the State Senate in decades, the students and faculty of RCSD have always held a special place in my heart,” he said. “Our urban schools should have the same amenities as our suburban schools. This is about creating equal opportunities for student success, regardless of your home zip code.”
He added that the effort reflects years of advocacy: “Alongside Assemblymember Bronson and my colleagues in the Greater Rochester Majority Delegation, I have consistently fought for RCSD to create a positive learning environment for our youth… and I’m grateful for Governor Hochul’s support as we worked to make this a reality for our students.”
Bronson echoed that the initiative supports both education quality and the local economy. “The RCSD Modernization Project is a win for our students and our economy… This initiative is also partnering with the Rochester Building & Construction Trades to provide good, middle-class jobs to local residents, ensuring our taxpayer dollars are reinvested in our community,” he said. “I am thankful to Governor Hochul for supporting RCSD students, families, and employees with this investment.”
One of Rochester’s Largest Public Works Efforts
The Rochester Schools Modernization Program is among the biggest capital programs in the city’s history. Earlier phases delivered significant upgrades, including air-conditioning at major school buildings, improvements to the Franklin Auditorium, and a synthetic turf field at East High School. Nearly half of RCSD’s schools are more than 75 years old, underscoring the scale of deferred maintenance.
Phase III focuses on safety enhancements, building security, and expanded capacity for career and technical education. Renovations are planned for:
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. School No. 9
- Wilson Commencement
- East Campus
- Frederick Douglass Campus
- Edison Career & Tech High School
- Padilla High School (formerly Franklin Campus)
To ensure the work is completed on schedule and within budget, the district intends to enter a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) with the Rochester Building and Construction Trades Council. The partnership is intended to ensure local hiring, quality workmanship, and strong apprenticeship opportunities.
Leaders Call the Investment Transformational
District Superintendent Dr. Eric Jay Rosser said the new funding moves RCSD closer to learning environments that match students’ needs. “This investment moves us closer to giving our students the safe, modern, and uplifting learning spaces they deserve… Phase III will help us create schools that spark curiosity, support strong instruction, and open the door to greater opportunities for every learner.”
Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans said the modernization effort reinforces the city’s message that local students deserve the same high-quality facilities as those in surrounding communities. “Bringing Rochester’s schools into the 21st century is critical for the successful education of our students… these investments send Rochester’s children a clear message that they deserve the same high-quality classrooms and learning environments, state-of-the-art technology, and modern facilities for extracurricular activities as their peers in the suburbs.”
Tom Richards, chair of the Modernization Board, highlighted the extensive planning behind the effort. “Considerable planning has gone into developing the work necessary to bring the schools in this Phase to the condition necessary to support a modern day education… we are anxious to get to work and this legislation is a big step forward.”
Grant S. Malone, president of the Rochester Building and Construction Trades Council, praised the collective effort across government and labor. “This is an investment in our future… When you utilize a PLA you are taking advantage of our NYS Registered Apprenticeship Programs which gives anyone a start to a middle class life… It also ensures that no one is being left behind by utilizing MBE, DBE and WBE goals that opens opportunities for all that are willing to better their lifestyle.”
Additional Legislative Support
Cooney and Bronson also announced the adoption of S8218/A8606, which clarifies how any cost savings during construction must be directed back into improvements benefiting RCSD students and staff—ensuring maximum value for taxpayers and measurable gains for school facilities.
With Phase III now fully funded and authorized, Rochester’s largest educational infrastructure overhaul in decades is set to accelerate, promising safer, healthier, and more modern schools for thousands of students across the district.
Originally reported by Jeremy Cooney in My Senate.
