Gov. Kathy Hochul has officially approved an additional $125 million in funding for Rochester's school modernization program, bringing the total allocation for Phase 3 to $600 million. The decision, signed into law in late November 2025, unlocks critical construction projects across six Rochester schools and represents a significant milestone for one of the largest public works initiatives in the city's history.
According to WXXI News (published November 24, 2025), the legislation, sponsored by State Sen. Jeremy Cooney, D-Rochester, had passed both chambers of the New York legislature in June but remained on Governor Hochul's desk for over five months. The delay had raised concerns among local officials about project timelines and the potential need for plan adjustments.
The Rochester school modernization project has evolved significantly since its 2021 authorization of $475 million for Phase 3. Construction cost inflation and engineering changes necessitated the additional $125 million investment. With the new funding confirmed, the district can now finalize work plans and proceed toward construction.
Phase 3 will focus on six school buildings:
The work distribution varies by facility. East High School, which has already undergone considerable renovation, will receive the least investment in this phase. By contrast, Padilla High School is slated for the most substantial upgrades, positioning the facility for modern educational standards.
In total, Rochester's complete school modernization project will exceed $1 billion in investment—making it one of the largest, if not the largest, public works project in Rochester's history. The scope reflects the district's commitment to providing students with learning environments that meet 21st-century standards.
"It changed my entire learning experience by being in a facility that we felt proud of, that we felt protective of, and that we had the best access to resources and materials in," said State Sen. Cooney, a 2000 graduate of Rochester's School of the Arts. "My role now is to make sure the next generation of Rochester students have that same experience."
Local officials cautioned that moving from legislative approval to active construction will require additional state approvals and take several months to process. However, momentum has accelerated with Hochul's signature.
In a separate legislative action, Hochul also signed a bill ensuring that any cost savings realized through the project will be directed back to benefit students and faculty—a priority that local leaders had emphasized to the governor.
The approved funding signals sustained demand for construction services in Rochester's education sector. The scale of these projects—affecting six major school buildings—will likely generate opportunities for general contractors, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) specialists, and other trade professionals. The modernization projects emphasize security upgrades, including new entryways and exits, which may require specialized construction expertise.
Multi-year, billion-dollar infrastructure projects like this serve as anchors for local construction employment and contractor growth. Firms working on phased education projects benefit from long-term visibility and revenue stability, often leading to workforce expansion and skill development in the region.
Rochester's school modernization represents a rare combination of political alignment, sustained funding commitment, and strategic reinvestment in educational infrastructure. As the district moves toward construction phases, updates on project schedules, bid opportunities, and contractor selections will likely emerge through the Rochester City School District, local business publications, and construction industry forums.
Sources: WXXI News (November 24, 2025); State Sen. Jeremy Cooney's Office; Rochester City School District
TVA and Holtec each receive $400M in federal funding for small modular reactor projects, advancing next-generation nuclear power.
Rochester launches 13.5-acre brownfield remediation at former Vacuum Oil site, preparing contaminated industrial land for riverfront park and development.
SAA|EVI's $72.3M Gateway Apartments project will transform a historic Rochester building into 129 mixed-income apartments with commercial space.
.svg)
