On Tuesday, July 22, 2025, the City of Rochester Board of Ethics held a public hearing regarding the ethics investigation into School Board Members Sandra Keans and Karen Stokes.

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 within 45 days.

On Tuesday, July 1, 2025, the Board of Ethics accepted Kroeckel’s report. Click here and here to read the respective reports.

During the public hearing, Kroeckel explained that the complaint against Stokes, filed by fellow Board Member Steven Cusumano, alleged violations of City Code Sections A.3., A.7., and B.1.b.

Regarding Stokes, Kroeckel presented his findings and ultimately recommended censure. Stokes was not present to respond. John Larochelle moved to accept the recommendation, which was seconded by Harrington and unanimously approved by the board. The recommendation will now proceed to the full School Board for further action.

The complaint against Keans, also filed by Cusumano, alleged a violation of Section A.10.

Fitzpatrick announced that Sandra Keans was ill and unable to attend the hearing. He moved, under unanimous consent, to schedule an adjourned meeting for Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. to continue the public hearing, allowing Kroeckel to proceed and Keans an opportunity to respond in person.

Click here to watch the public hearing.