Get the latest news from RTA President Dr. Adam Urbanski.
Adam’s Update (12.12.23) MOA, Reconfiguration
Colleagues, The closing of even a single school is usually difficult and controversial. So when the District announced an ambitious plan to close multiple schools because of declining enrollment, along with grade configuration changes that would create separate middle schools, it understandably conjured fears of massive layoffs of teachers, maxing out of class sizes, and a chaotic transition next school year. None of this is likely to happen, though. Thanks to the availability of some additional Federal and State funding, and collaborative negotiations, we were able to conclude a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the District that ensures the following changes for the next school year: - For the 2024-2025 school year, general education class sizes at elementary schools will be lowered from a maximum of 26 to 24 pupils; and at middle schools from a maximum of 28 to 25 students. - The District will invest in additional safety and social-emotional supports where they are needed the...
read moreAdam’s Update (8.21.20) United in Opposition to Premature and Devastating Cuts
Colleagues, Late last week, the New York State Division of Budget notified all school districts...
Adam’s Update (8.18.20) Reopening, Teaching from School is Teacher Choice, Retro Pay, Sample Schedule, Budget
Colleagues,Here are a few timely reminders as well as a status report on some current issues: -...
Adam’s Update (8.13.20). Remote Teaching the First Ten Weeks
Colleagues, For at least the first ten weeks of the 2020-2021 school year, and for all students...
Adam’s Update (8.10.20) There Is Strength In Solidarity!
Colleagues, I am pleased to inform you that our sister teacher unions in Monroe County announced...
Adam’s Update (8.9.20) Reopening, Email Superintendent, Leaves of Absence
Colleagues, Last Friday our Governor indicated that, pending approval of their plans by the NYS...
Adam’s Update (8.4.20) The District’s hybrid plan is aspirational, vague, unworkable, unrealistic & problematic
Colleagues, As you already know, we have called on the Rochester City School District to postpone...
Adam’s Update (7.30.20) RTA Resolution on Keeping Our Students Safe
Dear Colleagues, At a Special Meeting earlier today, the RTA Representative Assembly voted...
Adam’s Update (7.16.20) Survey, plan to possibly reopen school buildings
Dear Colleagues, Teachers want schools to reopen - but only if and when it’s safe to do so. In the...
Adam’s Update (6.29.20) Salary Schedules & Adjustments
Dear Colleagues, Please find attached the salary schedules that reflect the recent salary...
Adam’s Update (6.16.20) RA Resolution, MOU
Colleagues, I am pleased to inform you that earlier this evening the RTA Representative Assembly...
Adam’s Update (6.4.20) Last Day of School, Negotiations, SPED Displacements, Tenure, Rochester Teachers Care
Colleagues, Here’s a brief update about current issues; - Last Day of School. We have worked...
Adam’s Update (6.3.20) …And Justice for All…
Rochester teachers and their union stand in solidarity with all who are demanding that racial...
Adam’s Update (5.28.20) Layoff Information and Meeting, ROC-SOS Action
Colleagues, This is an especially tough week for all of us because approximately 200 of our...
Adam’s Update (5.21.20) Negotiations, Staffing & Transfers, Exempt Schools, Cleaning Out Lockers & Desks, Ed Week Article, PD, Rochester Teachers Care
Colleagues, Yes, this Monday, Memorial Day, is a day off from work for you and your students. It’s...
Adam’s Update (5.11.20) Planned Layoffs, Negotiations, Continued Learning, ELT, Evaluations, School Closures, Rochester Teachers Care
Colleagues, Here’s a brief update on some current issues: - Planned Layoffs. The school board...
Adam’s Update (4.30.20) Budget, Continued Learning, Supts. Day, Rochester Teachers Care, Employee Assistance Plan, RTA Scholarships, Reopening Of Schools
Colleagues, As we soon conclude yet another week of remote teaching and learning, here are some...
Adam’s Update (4.23.20) Caravan, Relationship Breakdown between the Superintendent & BOE
Colleagues,Just a reminder that today’s Rochester Community Coalition to Save Our Schools...
Adam’s Update (4.21.20)
Colleagues, By Executive Order of the Governor, as you probably already know, schools in New York...
Adam’s Update (4.14.20)
Colleagues, In the ongoing effort to balance next year's budget, the Rochester City School...
Adam’s Update (4.9.20)
Colleagues, First and foremost, thank you for all that you continue to do for your students during...
Adam’s Update (4.7.20)
Colleagues, Thank you to the more than 1600 RTA members who joined today’s Telephone Town Hall. As...
Adam’s Update (Lottery Spin-Up/Foundation Aid)
Colleagues, I am pleased to inform you that it is anticipated that the Rochester City School...