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Governor Kathy Hochul has signed off on $125 million in additional state funding for Rochester's school modernization initiative, bringing the total allocation for the third phase to $600 million. The decision, announced November 24, 2025, removes a critical funding hurdle and allows school district officials to proceed with one of the region's largest public works projects in modern history.
The legislation, which passed both houses of the New York State Legislature in June 2025, had been awaiting Governor Hochul's signature since mid-November. Local officials expressed concern about timing constraints—the governor was required to sign by December 31, 2025, according to reporting from WXXI News. Without the approval, Rochester City Schools would have faced significant delays and necessary adjustments to project planning.
The additional $125 million supplements the initial $475 million authorized in 2021. Construction cost inflation and project scope refinements necessitated the increase. With this funding approval, essential modifications can now be implemented to the project work plan, allowing construction to move forward expeditiously.
Phase III of Rochester's comprehensive school modernization program focuses on five facilities:
East High School will require the least investment in this phase due to prior modernization work completed in earlier project phases. Padilla High School will receive the most extensive upgrades, reflecting the greatest facility needs and scope of work.
In total, Rochester's school modernization initiative will exceed $1 billion in construction investment. This represents one of the largest—if not the single largest—public works project in Rochester's modern history. The multi-phase approach allows the district to manage implementation while maintaining school operations throughout construction.
State Senator Jeremy Cooney, D-Rochester, who sponsored the legislation, emphasized the importance of this investment. Cooney is a 2000 graduate of Rochester City Schools and a product of the School of the Arts, which transitioned to its current Prince Street building during his tenure. "It changed my entire learning experience by being in a facility that we felt proud of, that we felt protective of, and that we were able to have the best access to resources and materials in," Cooney said. "That changed my educational experience for the better, and so my role now, many years later, is to make sure the next generation of Rochester students have that same experience."
Beyond the funding approval, Governor Hochul also signed into law companion legislation designed to ensure accountability and maximize value. The new law mandates that any cost savings realized during the project will be directed back to benefit students and faculty, according to an announcement from Cooney's office. This provision represents a significant commitment to educational outcomes and was identified as a top priority by state legislators working with the governor.
This $1 billion investment will create substantial opportunities for regional construction firms, contractors, trades workers, and suppliers. The multi-year project will require experienced professionals across all construction disciplines including general contractors, electricians, plumbers, HVAC specialists, project managers, and support trades. Schools will require climate control upgrades, electrical system modernization, water system improvements, and structural enhancements.
Additional state approvals will be required as the project progresses. Working through the regulatory and planning process to begin active construction will take several months, according to school district officials. This timeline provides construction firms time to prepare proposals, secure bonding, and assemble qualified teams.
Projects of this magnitude drive regional economic activity beyond direct construction employment. Materials suppliers, logistics providers, equipment rental companies, and related service providers will benefit from the sustained construction activity. The project establishes Rochester as a priority for state infrastructure investment and signals confidence in the region's economic future.
Interested contractors should monitor announcements from Rochester City Schools District regarding contractor bidding opportunities. School district officials will release project specifications, bid schedules, and procurement procedures in coming months. The district has indicated that the implementation timeline will span multiple years, allowing for phased construction that minimizes disruption to school operations.
Source: WXXI News, "Hochul OKs $125 million more for Rochester schools project," November 24, 2025; New York State Senator Jeremy Cooney's office
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