On Tuesday, August 12, 2025, the City of Rochester Board of Ethics continued a public hearing regarding an ethics investigation into School Board Member Sandra Keans.

Established by Ordinance § 7-81, the Board of Ethics is composed of members appointed by the chairpersons of the City Council, School Board, and Police Commission. The current members are Dan Fitzpatrick (City Council), Sarah Harrington (School Board), and John Larochelle (Police Commission).

To lead the investigation, City Manager Katie Ambrose appointed Assistant City Attorney Andrew Kroeckel as the Ethics Investigation Officer (EIO), directing him to conduct an investigation and submit a report, which the board accepted on Tuesday, July 1, 2025.

Click here to read the report.

During the public hearing, Kroeckel explained that the complaint against Keans, filed by fellow Board Member Steven Cusumano, alleged violations of City Code Section A.10. Kroeckel presented his findings and ultimately recommended removal.

Instead, the board voted to recommend that Keans be formally censured, required to attend training, and sign the City’s ethics policy. The recommendations will now proceed to the full School Board for further action.

Click here to watch the public hearing.