City seeks land to build new facility that would combine 2 aging elementary schools

The aging Nancy Loud and School Street schools will be combined in a new facility. (Courtesy photos)

ROCHESTER -- The Rochester School District and school board are seeking proposals for land to purchase for a new facility that would combine two of the city's aging elementary schools.

The district is inviting community members that may have excess land to respond to its request for proposals. Key criteria would include the land is favorable for constructon, that it would consist of seven to 14 acres of contiguous dry upland soil and have access to public water, sewer, and natural gas lines.

The school board and City Council have met to evaluate the district's facilities' needs. The committee determined that a new elementary school will enable the district to provide more equitable educational opportunities by providing higher-quality facilities and eliminating modular classrooms currently in use at two schools.

The School Street and Nancy Loud schools are both more than 100 years old and are the least adaptive to modern educational needs, lack adequate space within their respective footprints, and are more expensive to maintain and operate.

The district has applied for state building aid to help with the cost of building a school and would also utilize the funds from a school building capital reserve.

"We are eager to explore the possibilities for placing a new school and are hopeful members of our community will evaluate the RFP we've created and determine if their property and needs align with the district's needs," District Supt. Kyle Repucci said. "The school board and City Council has done extensive work in partnership with experts and city data sources to identify the best solution for future generations of Rochester students."

Community members interested in learning more or submitting a proposal can do so by emailing School Board Attorney Jerome Grossman at jeromegrossmanlaw@gmail.com by Jan. 30.