The City of Rochester recently launched ethics investigations into School Board Members Sandra Keans and Karen Stokes following separate complaints received on April 25, 2025.
The complaint against Stokes, filed by fellow Board Member Steven Cusumano, alleges violations of City Code Sections A.3., A.7., and B.1.b. The complaint against Keans, also filed by Cusumano, alleges a violation of City Code Section A.10.
In accordance with City Code §7-83.B., a Sufficiency Review Panel, including Mayor Paul Callaghan, Police Chief Gary Boudreau, and City Attorney Terence O’Rourke, evaluated the complaints and determined they met the criteria for a formal investigation.
The recommendation was forwarded to the Board of Ethics, which met on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, to initiate the investigation process.
The Board of Ethics, established by ordinance § 7-81, includes members appointed by the chairpersons of the City Council, School Board, and Police Commission. Members include Dan Fitzpatrick (City Council), Sarah Harrington (School Board), and John Larochelle (Police Commission).
City Manager Katie Ambrose nominated Assistant City Attorney Andrew Kroeckel to serve as the Ethics Investigation Officer (EIO). Former Rochester Police Chief and current Compliance Officer Paul Toussaint was also appointed to support the investigation.
After the Board of Ethics confirmed the appointments, Ambrose explained that the EIO will conduct the investigation and submit a report within 45 days.
No fewer than 21 days after the report is submitted, the Board will hold a public hearing. While the hearing is open to the public, no public comment will be accepted. During the hearing, the EIO will present its findings, and the individuals named in each complaint will have an opportunity to respond.
Finally, the Board of Ethics will deliberate and determine whether a violation of the City’s Code of Ethics has occurred. If a violation is found, the Board will issue a formal finding and may recommend additional actions, including possible sanctions.
Any findings and recommendations will be referred to the full School Board for further action.