RCSD outlines $27M summer construction plan; 14% MWBE participation and several carryovers

The Rochester City School District presented its summer 2026 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) plan at the June 9 work session, estimating roughly $27 million in construction activity spanning roofing, mechanical upgrades, playgrounds, pool work and solar installations.

Overview: Chief Scott said the district is managing 31 contracts valued at approximately $16.8 million this season plus carryovers from prior years, yielding an estimated $27 million of total construction activity when combined. He told the board there are 10 new projects and seven carryovers, and that project cycles run 30–36 months from initial design through closeout.

Funding and MWBE: The CIP uses two primary funding streams: about $14.925 million in bonds and approximately $9.5 million in cash capital drawn from the operating budget. Chief Scott reported MWBE participation at 14% across projects and emphasized the district’s aim to maximize state reimbursement rates where eligible (he cited a ~98% reimbursement target for SED‑eligible projects).

Notable projects and concerns: Elementary-level highlights include a full roof replacement at School 5, mechanical upgrades at several sites, playground and restroom work at Schools 19 and 28, and classroom/cafeteria improvements at School 35. Secondary highlights include pool dehumidification at Loretta Johnson Middle School, structural pool work at Marshall, HVAC rehabilitation and rooftop solar at several sites. Commissioners asked for a project-level roll-forward showing carryovers and delays.

Environment and safety question: Commissioner Griffin raised historical concerns about School 44 (reports of oil in the ground and past sewage problems) and requested ground testing results and the most recent building-condition survey. Chief Scott confirmed building-condition surveys have been conducted and agreed to provide documentation to the board.

What to watch: Commissioners asked why $9.5M appears as cash capital when the typical allocation has been $10M and requested explanations for project carryovers and roll-forwards; Chief Scott said delays (materials, labor) and project timing explain carryovers and committed to follow-up documentation.

Quote: "This summer we are managing approximately 27 million in construction activity across multiple district sites," Chief Scott said.

Limitations: The presentation provided dollar totals and project categories but did not include a line-by-line project roll-forward during the work session; commissioners requested that detail for board review.