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CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE CALLS ON U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE TO INVESTIGATE FINANCES OF ROCHESTER CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

September 22, 2019

(Rochester, NY) – Today, Congressman Joe Morelle released a letter (attached) calling on the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) to commence an investigation into the ongoing financial and operational troubles of the Rochester City School District (RCSD).

On Friday, the RCSD Board of Education made public that internal audits revealed overspending in the District's 2018-19 budget. Reports suggest a financial gap of nearly $50 million – which would equal a five percent overspend in RCSD's 2018-18 budget.

"The District's continued failings ultimately amount to students in the City of Rochester, the vast majority of whom are students of color, being denied their fundamental right to an equal and adequate education," writes Rep. Morelle in the letter. "Since the District continues to abdicate their responsibility to our children, it is my hope that the DOJ might intervene to ensure justice for our students and their families."