Dear RCSD Students, Families, and Staff,

On behalf of the Board of Education, it is with great enthusiasm that we welcome Dr. Eric Jay Rosser as the new Superintendent of the Rochester City School District, effective July 1. Dr. Rosser is a dynamic and accomplished educational leader with more than 24 years of experience in school turnaround, educational leadership, and operational management. His lifelong mission is to create high-quality educational opportunities for all students, and we are confident that his expertise and vision will greatly benefit our District.

Dr. Rosser has Western New York roots and has built a distinguished career by designing and implementing transformative strategies that drive student success, improve instructional outcomes, and support educators. A true systems thinker, he has led reform efforts in multiple school districts, including Poughkeepsie, Buffalo, Atlanta, and Washington, D.C. His ability to engage stakeholders, develop strategic plans, and foster a culture of excellence makes him the right leader for RCSD at this pivotal time.

Most recently, Dr. Rosser served as the Superintendent of the Poughkeepsie City School District, where he partnered with the board of education and community members to implement a comprehensive five-year strategic plan that elevated district performance. Prior to his tenure in Poughkeepsie, Dr. Rosser played a critical role in Buffalo Public Schools as Associate Superintendent, where he co-developed their Student Success Plan. This initiative led to improved graduation rates, higher proficiency in English Language Arts and Math, and enhanced accountability measures. His leadership in Buffalo laid the groundwork for his impactful work in Washington, D.C., where he guided the implementation of the K–12 State Accountability System and strengthened school-family partnerships to ensure a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. Dr. Rosser also brings extensive experience from Atlanta Public Schools, where he served in multiple leadership roles, including Interim Deputy Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. As we move forward with our District’s commitment to excellence, equity, and student success, we are excited for the leadership that Dr. Rosser will provide.

On behalf of the Board of Education, we extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Demario Strickland for his dedicated service as Interim Superintendent. His leadership and commitment have been invaluable in guiding the District through this transitional period. Dr. Strickland will work alongside Dr. Rosser to ensure a smooth transition in leadership and continued progress for the District.

We look forward to providing opportunities for our community to engage with Dr. Rosser as he transitions into the District. Dr. Rosser’s leadership aligns with the District’s ongoing commitment to excellence, equity, and student success. We look forward to providing opportunities for our community to engage with Dr. Rosser as he transitions into the District. We invite our students, families, educators, and community members to join us in welcoming him to Rochester and working together to activate the dreams and unlock the potential of every student.

Sincerely,

Camille Simmons
Board of Education President

In March 2025, the Rochester Board of Education selected Dr. Eric Jay Rosser as Superintendent, effective July 1. Dr. Eric Jay Rosser is an accomplished educational leader with over 24 years of experience in school turnaround, educational leadership, and operational management, driven by a lifelong mission to create high-quality educational opportunities for all students. Renowned for his ability to design and implement transformative strategies, he has a proven track record of coaching educational leaders, improving instructional outcomes, and driving student success through innovative support initiatives. As a systems thinker, Dr. Rosser has led reform efforts in several districts, including the Poughkeepsie City School District (NY), Buffalo Public Schools (NY), Atlanta Public Schools (GA), and the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (DC).

Prior to his appointment, Dr. Rosser was superintendent of the Poughkeepsie City School District, where he developed a comprehensive five-year strategic plan with a focus on district performance. Dr. Rosser served as Associate Superintendent in the Buffalo Public Schools, where he co-developed the district’s Student Success Plan, a strategic framework to improve student achievement. This plan resulted in higher graduation rates, improved accountability standings, and notable gains in English Language Arts and Math proficiency for grades 3–8. The success of the plan has left a lasting impact on the district’s trajectory.

Dr. Rosser’s success in Buffalo positioned him for leadership roles in Washington, D.C., where he served as Deputy Assistant Superintendent for elementary and secondary education at the Office of the State Superintendent of Education. There, he oversaw the implementation of the K–12 State Accountability System and provided school turnaround supports. He also led efforts to establish an accountability framework for early learning facilities and strengthened school-family partnerships to ensure that all stakeholders were involved in student success.

In Atlanta Public Schools, Dr. Rosser held various leadership roles, including Program Administrator, Assistant Superintendent, and Interim Deputy Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. He oversaw the district’s signature reform initiative, which aimed to improve the academic outcomes of over 13,000 K–12 students in the district’s lowest-performing schools. His work encompassed school accreditation efforts and strategies to foster meaningful relationships with families and the community.

Dr. Rosser holds a Bachelor’s degree in American Studies, three Master’s degrees in American Studies, School Counseling, and Educational Leadership, as well as an advanced certificate in School District Administration, and a doctorate in Sociology of Education, from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Additionally, he has completed the prestigious AASA/Howard University Urban Superintendents Academy and the Council of the Great City Schools’ Michael Casserly Urban Executive Leadership Institute for Superintendents. A first-generation college attender, Dr. Rosser attributes his success to a deep commitment to ensuring all students — especially first-generation college attendees—receive a high-quality education.

Known for his unrelenting advocacy for children and families, Dr. Rosser is widely respected for his integrity, collaborative leadership, and ability to foster productive school, home, and community partnerships. His unwavering belief in the potential of every student, combined with his ability to implement transformative strategies, has solidified his reputation as a true advocate for children. Through his leadership, Dr. Rosser continues to fulfill his mission of creating high-quality educational opportunities and empowering our community’s future citizens and leaders — our children.