Rochester Explores Independence
Why Are We Proposing An Independent Community School?
Why Are We Proposing An Independent Community School?
Will the Independent School make my taxes go up?
Currently taxes in Rochester are on the lower side compared to our neighbors because they are impacted by phantom resident students that do not exist at the Rochester School (about 30 students). This is a result of the equalized pupil number which does not decrease at the same speed at which our student population has. (Click here for more financial information). Taxes may rise because the independent school operates on actual current student population numbers. The independent school model provides a structure which fosters an ongoing focus on efficiency.
Currently taxes in Rochester are on the lower side compared to our neighbors because they are impacted by phantom resident students that do not exist at the Rochester School (about 30 students). This is a result of the equalized pupil number which does not decrease at the same speed at which our student population has. (Click here for more financial information). Taxes may rise because the independent school operates on actual current student population numbers. The independent school model provides a structure which fosters an ongoing focus on efficiency.
What happens to the Rochester School District?
The Rochester School District will continue operation. It will be a non-operating public school district. The District will continue to be governed by the publicly elected School Board, and will maintain its responsibility for providing an educational program for all the children of Rochester. As the Rochester School District no longer operates a public school, parents residing in the District will now have choice as to where their children attend school.
Who will govern the independent school?
The independent school will be governed by the Board of Trustees. Typically these boards are self selecting with
10-15 members. Generally a Board of Trustees will place an emphasis on selecting members who are committed to the school's mission and purpose and are able to contribute to the school in some manner. There is a commitment to maintaining a strong representation from the local community.
How is the independent school funded?
The primary sources of funds for the independent school will be property taxes that support publicly funded tuition paid to the independent school by the Rochester School District for each resident child that attends the school. This is the same for the tuition towns, Hancock, Granville, Stockbridge and Pittsfield. The independent school will also rely on a development campaign to supplement its revenue and provide funding for extended programs that the school chooses to offer.
Will residents still be able to vote on the budget?
Residents will vote on the budget if it EXCEEDS the average announced tuition set by the state. They will vote on the budget by voting to support or reject the tuition rate proposed by the independent school. Each year the independent school develops a budget and sets a tuition rate needed to support the budget plan. In simple terms this tuition rate is a function of the school's total level of expected expenditures divided by the number of children enrolled at the school. If the rate, as requested, is higher than the state average costs for educating elementary and secondary students, the rate must be approved by the school board, and the voters of the district. Click here for more tuition information.
What happens to the staff of the school?
We recognize that the quality of a school is, in large measure, a reflection of the quality and dedication of the staff. Additionally, we know that teaching in an independent school environment will be different, and we want to be respectful of each individual's decision to be part of this new school and what it stands for. We are committed to preserving quality instruction and staff.
We recognize that the quality of a school is, in large measure, a reflection of the quality and dedication of the staff. Additionally, we know that teaching in an independent school environment will be different, and we want to be respectful of each individual's decision to be part of this new school and what it stands for. We are committed to preserving quality instruction and staff.