Superintendent Dr. Eric Jay Rosser Announces Leadership Appointments
Superintendent Dr. Eric Jay Rosser is pleased to announce several leadership appointments that support the District’s continued commitment to strengthening schools, supporting educators, and creating opportunities for every student to succeed. Collectively, these leaders bring decades of experience, a deep understanding of public education, and a shared commitment to student achievement and organizational excellence.
Dr. Terri Orden Named Chief of Innovation and School Reform
Dr. Terri Orden brings nearly two decades of experience in education, including more than 18 years of leadership in the Rochester City School District. She most recently served as Executive Director of Accountability and Program Efficiencies, where she led the District’s accountability systems, assessment administration, state and federal reporting, enrollment projections, staffing analysis, data governance, and strategic planning in collaboration with executive leadership. She has also served as the District’s Records Management Officer and Data Privacy Officer while supporting Districtwide initiatives focused on innovation, organizational effectiveness, and school improvement.
Earlier in her career, Dr. Orden served as Executive Director of Accountability and Student Registration, Executive Director of Program Efficiencies, Director of School and Program Efficiencies, and Director of Student Support Services. She began her career as a school counselor, registrar, and testing liaison, building a strong foundation in student services, school operations, accountability, and educational leadership.
Dr. Orden holds a Doctor of Education in K-12 Educational Leadership from the University of Rochester. She earned a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from St. John Fisher University, as well as a Master of Science and Certificate of Advanced Study in School Counseling from Roberts Wesleyan University. She received dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Psychology from the State University of New York at Buffalo.
As Chief of Innovation and School Reform, Dr. Orden will continue to oversee the Office of Accountability and Program Efficiencies while assuming leadership of the Office of Student Registration, the Office of Innovation, and the Department of Attendance. Program Evaluation has also transitioned into the Office of Accountability, strengthening the alignment of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement across the District.
Pina Buonomo Named Acting Executive Director of College, Career, and Civic Readiness
Ms. Buonomo brings nearly 30 years of experience in education, including her most recent role as Assistant Principal and Coordinator of Instruction at Edison Career and Technology High School and James Monroe High School. She is a collaborative, student-centered leader with expertise in career and technical education, instructional leadership, community partnerships, college and career readiness, and family engagement.
Throughout her career, Ms. Buonomo has demonstrated a strong commitment to preparing students for success in college, careers, and civic life through innovative programming, educator development, and collaboration with business and community partners. Her work has focused on expanding work-based learning opportunities, strengthening instructional quality, developing career pathways, supporting student achievement, and creating meaningful connections between classroom learning and future aspirations.
Ms. Buonomo holds permanent New York State certifications as a School Administrator/Supervisor, School District Administrator, and Mathematics teacher. She earned a Master of Science in Secondary Mathematics Education and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with a minor in Psychology from SUNY Brockport.
Rodney Moore Named Principal of Loretta Johnson Middle School
Mr. Moore brings more than 20 years of experience in educational leadership, including his most recent role as Principal of Northwest Junior High School and prior service as Principal of Lincoln Park School No. 44 and Nathaniel Rochester Community School. Earlier in his career, he served as a middle school principal and founding principal in Virginia, where he led school improvement efforts, opened a new middle school, and mentored aspiring school leaders.
A collaborative, student-centered leader, Mr. Moore has demonstrated a strong commitment to strengthening instructional practices, developing educator capacity, and fostering positive school cultures that support student success. His work has focused on advancing academic achievement, expanding equitable opportunities for students, and building strong partnerships with families and the community.
Mr. Moore holds a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration from the University of Akron and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Elizabeth City State University. He also holds a K-12 Administrative Endorsement from the University of Virginia and a New York State School Building Leader certificate.
Katelyn Cegla Named Principal of Austin Steward Elementary School No. 46
Ms. Cegla brings more than a decade of experience in education, including leadership in elementary and special education, as well as instructional leadership. She most recently served as Assistant Principal at Austin Steward Elementary School No. 46, where she led school improvement efforts focused on instructional excellence, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, data-informed decision making, teacher development, restorative practices, and family engagement. Previously, Ms. Cegla served as Teacher Coordinator of Special Education at Northeast College Preparatory High School and Wilson Commencement Academy and began her career as a special education teacher at Monroe 1 BOCES.
Throughout her career, Ms. Cegla has demonstrated a commitment to creating inclusive learning environments that foster academic growth and student success. Her leadership has centered on strengthening instructional practices, supporting diverse learners, building teacher capacity, and using data to improve student outcomes and school performance.
Ms. Cegla holds a Master of Science in Educational Leadership and a Master of Science in Childhood and Special Education from St. John Fisher University. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University at Albany and holds New York State professional certifications as a School Building Leader, School District Leader, Childhood Education teacher, and Students with Disabilities teacher.
Jenny Blase-Schmidt Named Principal of Henry Hudson School No. 28
Ms. Blase-Schmidt brings more than two decades of experience in education, including her service as Acting Principal and Assistant Principal at Henry Hudson School No. 28 and prior experience as a Professional Learning Specialist for the District. She is a collaborative, student-centered leader with expertise in literacy, instructional coaching, professional learning, and school improvement.
Throughout her career, Ms. Blase-Schmidt has demonstrated a strong commitment to strengthening instructional practices, supporting educator growth, and fostering collaborative learning environments where all students can succeed. Her work has focused on building leadership capacity, advancing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, using data to inform instruction, and ensuring high-quality teaching and learning across the school community.
Ms. Blase-Schmidt holds New York State certifications in School Building Leadership, Elementary Education (PreK–6), and Reading (K–12), along with a Certificate of Advanced Study in School District and Building Leadership from SUNY Brockport and a Master’s degree in Reading Education from Nazareth College.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Orden, Ms. Buonomo, Mr. Moore, Ms. Cegla, and Ms. Blase-Schmidt on their appointments.