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60 Years of Success: The Urban-Suburban Program

black and gold banner with the words "60 years of success."

The West Irondequoit Central School District recognized over six decades ago that racial imbalance was depriving its students of essential learning experiences. This was one of the realizations that just two years later would lead to the first interdistrict transfer and the creation of the Urban-Suburban Program. We'll be honoring pivotal moments like this during next year's 60th anniversary celebration.

The Beginning of a Movement 

In response to a series of racial disturbances, New York State Commissioner of Education James Allen sent a directive to every school district in the state in June 1963. His message posed two critical questions: 

  1. What is the status of racial imbalance in your school? 
  2. What are you going to do about it? 

While most school districts responded that there was “no racial imbalance,” West Irondequoit looked in the mirror. The district had limited cultural diversity and also recognized the importance of providing opportunities for students to interact with peers from different backgrounds.  

Collaborative Efforts and Growth 

In the months that followed, the Rochester City School District (RCSD), along with East Irondequoit, Brighton, and Penfield, began implementing school, summer school, and “live-in” exchanges. These early efforts laid the foundation for what would become a significant and long-lasting collaboration. 

In 1965, a resolution was adopted, officially establishing the first Urban-Suburban partnership. Today, the program has expanded to include 15 area school districts. 

Celebrating 60 Years 

As we approach the 60th anniversary of the Urban-Suburban Program, we are planning a special celebration in spring 2025. This event will honor the visionaries who saw the need for change, the people who have nurtured the program, and the students who have benefited from its existence. More details about this celebration will be revealed in the coming months. 

Interested in more Urban-Suburban Program history? Read the detailed timeline created for our 50th anniversary celebration.