A contentious debate about two old school buildings

A contentious debate about two old school buildings

From Connections Podcast by WXXI News

May 6, 2026 · 51 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the contentious debate in Rochester regarding the future of two vacant school buildings and a proposal to sell them to local charter schools.

The city of Rochester has to decide what to do with two vacant school buildings. One proposal involves selling them to local charter schools. But that proposal appears to be one vote short on city council. We examine an issue that has become, at times, contentious. In studio: Michael Patterson, member of Rochester City Council Paul Miller, Ed.D., chief academic officer for EDceptional Sheri Webber, Ed.D., principal of Young Women’s College Prep Charter School of Rochester Deniz Yaman, founding principal of RocSci High School --- Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding. --- Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email , Facebook or Twitter . Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here . --- Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections .

People in this episode

Guests: Michael Patterson, Paul Miller, Ed.D., Sheri Webber, Ed.D., Deniz Yaman

Topics covered

  • education
  • city council
  • charter schools
  • vacant buildings
  • local governance

Keywords

  • Rochester
  • school buildings
  • charter schools
  • city council
  • education policy

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: EDceptional, Young Women’s College Prep Charter School of Rochester, RocSci High School, WXXI

Places: Rochester

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