During a recent meeting of the Rochester Community Schools (RCS) board, parents expressed both pride in the district's educational offerings and concerns regarding declining enrollment and board dynamics. One parent highlighted the positive experiences of their children in RCS, emphasizing the quality of education and the importance of community support. They urged fellow parents to adopt a mindset of curiosity rather than anger when discussing issues like SAT scores and enrollment challenges.

Another parent, Jennifer French, addressed the board's climate, criticizing the ongoing legal disputes involving a board member and the influence of external groups on local education. She pointed out that while RCS faces a decline in its capture rate, the overall school-age population in the area remains stable. French noted the presence of numerous religious-based schools as a factor in enrollment decisions, suggesting that the board should consider strategies to attract families back to public education.

The meeting underscored a call for unity and constructive dialogue among board members and the community, with parents advocating for leadership that uplifts rather than undermines the school district. As the November elections approach, the emphasis on electing supportive leaders was a recurring theme, reflecting a desire for a collaborative approach to address the challenges facing RCS.