News Blog

The Rochester school board will hold a special session Tuesday night, September 11, to discuss the latest version of the district’s teacher evaluation plan. The plan was recently submitted to the State Education Department for approval. All teachers and principals must be evaluated using the new plan this school year.

The evaluation plan has been controversial because for the first time, teachers’ ratings are linked to their students’ test scores. The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. in the district’s central office, 131 West Broad Street. — Tim Louis Macaluso

The North Winton Village neighborhood group will meet on Wednesday, September 12, to discuss concerns about East High School. Residents say they are concerned about students who cut classes and hang out in the neighborhood. The district’s chief of staff, Patricia Malgieri, will meet with residents at the association’s office, 1933 East Main Street, at 5 p.m. The meeting is open to residents from nearby neighborhoods. — Tim Louis Macaluso

City Council members will get another crack at the proposed deal to sell the Sibley building to a Winn Development entity when Council committees meet on Thursday, September 13. During an initial meeting last week, some Council members said the terms of the agreement are overly complicated and give the mayor too much leeway to alter the deal later.

The company would buy the building for $5 million and would also apply for a tax-abatement agreement through COMIDA. The Sibley building is currently owned by Rochwil Associates, which owes the city more than $20 million. But the city has been unable to collect and is reluctant to foreclose and take ownership of the massive building. Some Council members say they’re worried that the Winn deal could put the city in a situation similar to the one with Rochwil. Council committee meetings are held at 4:30 p.m. in City Council chambers, City Hall, 30 Church Street. — Christine Carrie Fien

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• Assembly member David Gantt, dean of Rochester's Albany delegation, faces a primary on Thursday.

On Thursday, Democratic voters in the 137th Assembly District will have a chance to choose their party’s candidate for the November general election.
The primary election is a three-way contest between incumbent Assembly member David Gantt, Rochester school board member Jose Cruz, and County Legislator John Lightfoot. The winner will face Green Party candidate Drew Langdon in November.

Gantt’s opponents say the district needs better representation in Albany. And Gantt’s supporters have highlighted his record, including the state funding he’s secured for numerous projects and programs. A selection of City’s stories about the race is available here.

The district (map here) covers the northeast part of the city, the west side of the city, and the town of Gates.

Republicans in the suburban and rural 133rd Assembly District (map here) can also vote in a primary. Attorney and talk radio host Bill Nojay and former Avon Mayor Richard Burke are seeking the party’s nomination. The winner will face Democrat Randy Weaver, a Hornell resident and Steuben County Legislator. — Jeremy Moule