“Sunshine is the best disinfectant.”
       -late Supreme Court Justice Louis D. Brandeis

 

The ROCHESTER FUND for EDUCATIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY is part of a growing national movement of fiercely independent  parents, taxpayers, writers and researchers working on the outside of school systems to create public pressure for school accountability and sustainable reform.  This movement is grounded in the belief--and evidence--that public school systems like the Rochester City School District are incapable of reforming themselves, no matter how large their budget. Rather than investing directly in public schools, the Rochester Fund invests in the public itself, to help build their capacity to understand school accountability systems and to mobilize for change. We work behind-the-scenes, empowering parent and community leaders working on the front line of school reform with information, access to experts and tools for activism.

Accessing and sharing information is vital to this effort. While the information age has transformed our economy and empowered citizens and consumers alike, the Rochester City School District and school systems across the country have historically resisted information-sharing with the public. Too often, parents, citizens or public leaders who dare to ask critical questions of the establishment are labeled fanatics, troublemakers or micromanagers. And although public participation in school reform efforts is vital to its success and mandated by law, district business is routinely conducted behind closed doors, without any check on special interests.

The staff, volunteers and partners of the Rochester Fund hope to challenge this. We invite you to join us in asking those courageous questions we believe can make real, sustainable change for Rochester's children.  

 

 

 

© 2007-09 Rochester Fund for Educational Accountability.