Rochester City School Board decides to split the partnership between U of R and East High School

Rochester, New York – The agreement between East High School and the University of Rochester was terminated by a vote taken by the Board of Education of the Rochester City School District on Thursday night.

The board decided to terminate the agreement after June 2025, despite community members’ pleas for the educational partnership organization (EPO) to be extended or continued.

Before the vote on Thursday night, board members who were in support of closing the EPO addressed financial issues. They claim that without assistance from the U of R, the district has given $22 million.

Opponents of discontinuing it argue that the school has advanced significantly as a result of the collaboration. In the end, members decided to terminate the EPO 4-3.

The supervisor of the EPO, Marlene Blocker, says she’s still proud of their achievements.

“There’s no vote that will ever diminish the transformation that has happened at East or the positive impact that we have had on lives at East,” she said. “I’m incredibly proud of the staff and the commitment to our kids, and the support that the U of R has provided.”

“Whether we have an EPO or not, if people love our children, that work is going to continue,” said Cynthia Elliott, president of RCSD’s Board of Education. “We as a board have to look at our future financial position.”

Blocker promises to collaborate with the board to develop a transition plan that will assist pupils.