ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The first day of school for city school students also marked the first day of reconfiguration, in full effect. Five new schools opened as part of it, including stand-alone middle schools for the first time.

“It’s a nice building. It’s a nice school,” said Tamela Wells, picking up her grandkid at the new Dr. Freddie Thomas Middle School. 

Parents were feeling optimistic and eager to see the inside of the building on Thursday. 

Janette Strozier said she noticed the security right off the bat.

“They have it on lock, they have it on lock,” said. “I wanted to go in and look at the school, I wanted to meet the teacher or principal or somebody, but they were like no, stop right here.”

Parents had an opportunity to tour the school at a two-day celebration ahead of the first day, said district spokesman Brendan O’Riordan.

“It’s big, it’s nice and clean, it’s roomy, but I want to physically walk in and see it myself,” said Strozier of the location on Scio Street.

Back in the spring, News10NBC reported there would be nearly 30 layoffs as a result. But on Thursday, the district said it was able to bring those teachers back. Throughout the process, the district hired 350 new staff members.

“Some teachers here I personally know, and they are great with the kids,” said Strozier. “So today turned out pretty good, no fights, no nothing, and it was awesome. So, I’m looking forward to a great year.”

The New York State Education Commissioner Dr. Betty Rosa was in town Thursday to check out how the Rochester City School District’s reconfiguration is going.

“They’re doing it with us. We are third partners with them and they embrace that. So I’m extremely proud of the work that they’re doing, and I think they’re very thoughtful about it, and there’s not a day that we don’t have a conversation,” Dr. Rosa said.

The district has closed 11 schools and is establishing four new middle schools and one high school. The reconfiguration has been in the works for two years now, so there was a lot of anticipation for this day.

Parents say they’re feeling good and eager to see the inside of the building.

There’s still a need for substitute teachers, who will be offered anywhere between $150 to $255 a day. To apply, click here.

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