In a statement, RCSD reaffirmed its commitment to its Teach Rochester initiative, which encourages people from the Rochester community to pursue employment opportunities within the district. “Recruiting from our community does not mean lowering standards,” the district said. However, the unusually pointed statement suggests RCSD was responding to questions or criticism surrounding its community recruitment strategy. The district emphasized that recruiting new employees does not diminish its responsibility to retain and support its existing workforce. “Supporting and retaining our current employees while recruiting additional talent are not competing priorities,” RCSD said.