Rochester Seeks More State Funding for Special Education
Families of Rochester's roughly 5,000 students with disabilities should watch the December vote on the district's state funding priorities.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Special Education
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The Rochester Board of Education has outlined its 2027 legislative priorities for state lawmakers, which will shape funding requests ahead of the New York State legislative session that begins in January. The board is expected to vote on a finalized priorities list in December.
Why it matters
The priorities target state funding that affects Rochester's roughly 5,000 students with disabilities, who make up a large share of the district's 22,000 students. Board members argue urban districts face unique funding and access challenges in providing specialized services, so decisions in Albany could directly affect special education programs and transition supports for Rochester families.
About 5,000 of the district's 22,000 students are classified as having a disability, and the board is asking for funding that covers students ages 3 through 22. The priorities include boosting state aid for community schools, Medicaid-supported mental health services, and career and technical training programs.
The players
Rochester Board of Education
The governing body for Rochester City School District, which sets local education policy and lobbies state lawmakers for district funding.
Kareem McCullough
Rochester school board member who discussed funding needs for students transitioning to adult life.
Heather Feinman
Rochester school board member who argued state funding must cover students ages 3 through 22.
The details
Each year the board develops its legislative priorities before the state session begins, and this year's list was shared through a 2027 Legislative Priorities Feedback document. Board member Kareem McCullough said the board is seeking funding to accompany special service aid for students moving into adult life. Board member Heather Feinman argued that state funding must account for the full age range of students served, from age 3 through 22. One proposed priority is a potential moratorium on opening new charter schools.
Timeline
Oct. 27: Board meeting where Feinman discussed age-spectrum funding needs
Late October 2026: Board meeting where McCullough discussed transition funding
December 2026: Board expected to vote on the finalized priorities list
January 2027: New York State legislative session begins
The Home Front
Each year, school districts across New York petition the state legislature for aid before the annual session begins in January, and Rochester's list follows that established cycle. Because Rochester's budget depends heavily on state decisions, the outcome of these requests shapes local property tax pressure and the services families can count on.
If your child receives special education services in Rochester, consider asking the school district how any state funding changes would affect your child's IEP and transition planning. Families with students approaching adulthood may want to request information about transition services and mental health supports available through their district.
The takeaway
State funding decisions made in Albany will shape how much support Rochester's students with disabilities receive from age 3 through 22. Parents who want to follow the issue can attend the December board vote and ask how proposed priorities would affect their child's services.
What happens next
The Rochester Board of Education is expected to vote on its finalized legislative priorities list in December 2026, and the New York State legislative session begins in January 2027.
Further reading
For context on how districts plan services for students with disabilities, explore Special Education coverage on We are Home.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Esther Winter.
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