RCSD Revolving Door of Superintendents

In the whimsical world of the Rochester City School District, the quest for a stable superintendent has turned into an entertaining game of musical chairs. Since 1994, the district has showcased a colorful lineup of superintendents, each tenure more ephemeral than the last. This amusing tradition of turnover has become quite the spectacle, where leadership often feels more like a temporary engagement than a lasting commitment.

The journey began with Loretta Johnson, who made her presence felt from 1994 to 1995. One can only imagine the excitement of her brief tenure, setting the foundation for the leaders that would follow. Up next was Manny Rivera, who surprisingly held the role for a notable five years before making a return after a short break—clearly, the district felt his absence during that time.

After Rivera, Clifford Janey took charge, serving from 1995 to 2002—a duration that surely made him the envy of his successors. Janey’s time in the role must have been such a delightful experience that it paved the way for a series of interim leaders, including William Cala and Daniel Lowengard, who merely warmed the seat for the next rising star.

Then came Jean-Claude Brizard, who stepped in in 2008 but departed three years later. His exit paved the way for Bolgen Vargas, who had a slightly longer stint until December 2015, reflecting the district’s trend of attracting superintendents who seem to see their roles as short-term escapades rather than serious careers.

The revolving door continued with Linda Cimusz, who lasted only six months in the position. Following her brief tenure, Barbara Deane-Williams took over, but she too left in 2019, passing the baton to Terry Dade for yet another fleeting year.

Dr. Lesli Myers-Small was appointed in 2020, but her tenure was abruptly cut short in 2022 due to allegations of sexual misconduct.

Finally, Carmine Peluso took on the role of superintendent in 2022. Having spent many years in various capacities within the district before his appointment, Peluso seemed a promising choice. However, by 2024, he decided to seek new opportunities and resigned, moving on to become the superintendent of Churchville-Chili Central School District.

This delightful unpredictability raises a pressing question: How can a cohesive and effective educational system be built amidst such relentless leadership changes? The answer remains elusive, as the district appears to thrive on its revolving door of superintendents. While this tradition of brief tenures may add a bit of unpredictability to the educational environment, it undeniably undermines the stability and growth that students and educators rightfully deserve.

The saga of superintendents in the Rochester City School District stands as a poignant reminder of the art of transience. With each new name added to the list, the hope for consistency and effective leadership seems to drift further away. Perhaps one day, the district will discover a leader willing to stay long enough to make a substantial impact. Until that day arrives, the show goes on, and the next superintendent is surely on the horizon, ready to join the parade of those who have left their mark, no matter how fleeting it may have been.