With the FY2017 budget comes yet another sob story from our school department. For decades our school district has consistently underperformed and is ranked as one of the worst performing districts in the state. While Rochester has an inordinately high percentage of socioeconomically challenged, special needs and special Ed students, the superintendent and school board still seems think more sports fields and new or renovated buildings is a higher priority than retaining teachers and support staff who teach and help our students.
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As one of the people who worked to bring the tax cap to Rochester I've let the City Council know (for what that's worth) I wouldn't be opposed to an override this year. But I also asked that they take a long hard look at working with the school board to make real changes that lead to better outcomes for our students and our city. Yes the school board is its own elected body, but the council has bottom line responsibility of their budget which gives them a great deal of control. The school department has to be held accountable for results and the time for rubber stamping their decisions has to come to an end.
As the council scampers around trying to improve the city's economy and revitalize our downtown, they overlook the single most important economic driver for our community - our schools! "Homes located in a good school district typically hold onto their value better than those in less highly regarded districts. In fact, Redfin real estate company completed a nationwide study in 2013 that shows that Americans pay $50 per square foot more for homes served by a top-ranked school than for homes served by an average-ranked school." (http://www.realtor.com/advice/buy/how-to-choose-the-right-neighborhood/) The "character of a community is also an important factor when businesses decide where to locate. "A quality local school system can give your business an available pool of well-educated potential employees. Just as important, local community colleges and high schools can be resources that your business can draw on to encourage employees (possibly through tuition reimbursement programs) to improve and enhance their job-related skills." (http://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/sbg/office-hr/your-workplace/business-facility-location-evaluations.aspx)
So yes, Rochester's schools need adequate funding but as important is how those funds are spent. If the focus isn't about teaching students to give them the tools they will need as they continue on in life, not only do they suffer but all of Rochester suffers!
Fred Leonard - long time advocate for an improved school system in Rochester, NH
