Demario Strickland to serve as RCSD interim superintendent

Current Deputy Superintendent Demario Strickland will serve as the Rochester City School District's next interim superintendent, the school board announced Thursday.

Strickland has been with the district since 2021 and before that spent nine years as an administrator in Buffalo Public Schools. He has been deputy superintendent since March 2023. He also served as dean of students in New York City.

The 39-year-old will become the youngest person to lead RCSD in at least a century when he formally assumes the role July 1.

Rochester interim: Who is the next RSD superintendent?

Strickland replaces his boss, Carmine Peluso, who is leaving at the end of the school year to become superintendent in Churchville-Chili.

“My steadfast commitment is to teaching and learning," Strickland said in a press release. "I will uphold a collective promise to empower students, families, and staff with the tools and opportunities needed to succeed through the initiatives started under Dr. Peluso’s leadership."

What is the Carmine Peluso departure plan for district?

The school board wanted to select an interim superintendent who could work alongside Peluso for a transition period. Strickland's selection runs contrary to a pledge from Board President Cynthia Elliott, though, that the interim appointment would not be a current district employee.

"Throughout his tenure, (Strickland) has gained the respect of his colleagues, understands the work deeply, and remains unwaveringly focused on improving student outcomes," Elliott said in a letter to staff and families. "His focus on teaching and learning reflects his belief that a teacher’s heart is essential for effective leadership."

The board has not given a firm timeline for when it wants to hire its next permanent superintendent. Elliott also said the interim superintendent would be eligible to apply for the permanent position.

— Justin Murphy is a veteran reporter at the Democrat and Chronicle and author of "Your Children Are Very Greatly in Danger: School Segregation in Rochester, New York." Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/CitizenMurphy or contact him at jmurphy7@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Demario Strickland to serve as RCSD interim superintendent