Rochester schools were frozen out of federal after-school funding this year, and no one seems to no why. News 8 asked the new State Education Commissioner what happened.

Dr. David Steiner says he does not know.

He is just four weeks into the job, trying to get up to speed on school issues around the state and figure out how schools can improve. On Wednesday, he toured School of the Arts in Rochester.

"We're going to have to do more with less," Steiner said.

About a dozen after-school programs in Rochester have had to do with less. Some schools, like School 22, had to cancel their programs altogether. The city did not get any 21st century federal funds this year. The money supports after-school programs where kids can spend time on homework, play with friends and stay out of trouble.

The state is responsible for doling out the grants, but Steiner says he is not yet familiar with the process. He says he will investigate.

"I'm absolutely willing to look into the processes, and my staff is very conciensious in trying to ensure the ways in which funds are giving out," he said.

Currently, 60 percent of the 21st Century Funds go to New York City. Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse and Yonkers split 10 percent. The 30 percent remaining goes to the rest of the state, but again Rochester received nothing.

"We know we are the poorest district, city district in the State of New York we certainly should get our fair share in terms of after school," said Superintendent Jean-Claude Brizard.

Brizard says State Ed. has assured him Rochester won't miss out in the future.

Steiner says his office will be working hard to make good on those promises, even in tough times.