Get Involved in Rochester Schools' Future Tonight

Three events today invite the Rochester community to get involved in what's happening in the schools.

School reform legislation meeting

At 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., Vickie Markavitch, superintendent of Oakland Schools, will speak at Rochester High School about pending education reform legislation that is being debated in the state Legislature. 

Supporters argue underperforming schools and achievement gaps necessitate the reforms, which they say would make students more competitive when they enter college or the work force.

But opponents say the measures are moving too quickly, do not provide proper regulations for new schools and would strip communities of control over their local districts and instead put the power in the hands of corporations and the state.

Here's a closer look at the proposals. 

School board candidate interviews

Fifteen candidates have applied for an open seat on the Rochester Board of Education.

The public is invited on Monday to meet them during an informal meet-and-greet from 6-6:45 p.m. at the School Administration Building.

The board will then interview the candidates formally during a public meeting beginning at 7. After the interviews, the public will have an opportunity to voice their opinions on the candidates before board members decide on finalists for the position.

For more on the board vacancy and the candidates, see 15 Apply for Open Rochester School Board Seat.

Will you attend the meetings? Tell us in the comments.