A profile of Rochester, New York, Public School District's educational reform efforts from 1987 to 1990 is offered in this case study. Following an overview of the city and its public schools, the impetus for educational reform is discussed, with attention given to the roles of the superintendent, teachers' union president, and school board. Precursors to reform are described next, specifically, the 1986 report "A Call to Action," by the Urban League of Rochester, and the 1987 collective bargaining agreement between teachers and the school district. The 1987 contract established higher teacher salaries and set forth outlines for reforms, such as the Career in Teaching Program and school-based planning. Subsequent sections describe initial reactions to reform and the role of the business community. The extensive negotiation process for the second contract from 1990 to 1992 is highlighted next, and the paper concludes with some observations about coping with the challenge of rising expectations and the changing shape of labor relations in Rochester. (92 endnotes) (LMI)