(March 6, 2025) This evening, the Rochester Board of Education selected Dr. Eric Jay Rosser as Superintendent, effective July 1. Dr. Rosser, a distinguished educational leader with more than 24 years of experience in school turnaround, educational leadership, and operational management, will bring his expertise and vision to lead the District forward.
Dr. Rosser has dedicated his career to designing and implementing transformative strategies that drive student success, improve instructional outcomes, and support educators. His leadership spans multiple school districts, including Poughkeepsie, Buffalo, Atlanta, and Washington, D.C., where he has successfully led reform efforts and developed strategic initiatives that have resulted in measurable improvements in student achievement and district performance.
Most recently, Dr. Rosser served as the Superintendent of the Poughkeepsie City School District, where he worked to implement a comprehensive five-year strategic plan. Prior to his tenure in Poughkeepsie, Dr. Rosser was the Associate Superintendent of Buffalo Public Schools, where he co-developed the district’s Student Success Plan, leading to improved graduation rates, higher proficiency in English Language Arts and Math, and enhanced accountability measures. His leadership experience also includes roles in Washington, D.C., where he oversaw the implementation of the K–12 State Accountability System, and in Atlanta Public Schools, where he led reform efforts to improve outcomes for over 13,000 students in the district’s lowest-performing schools.
“I am truly honored to serve as Superintendent of the Rochester City School District,” said Dr. Rosser. “Joining this incredible community is both humbling and exciting, and I look forward to collaborating with educators, staff, parents, students, and community members to expand opportunities for all students. I firmly believe that a strong partnership between school, home, and the community is essential to ensuring that every Rochester child has access to high-quality education experiences. I am committed to working alongside the entire community to turn this vision into a reality for every student in the Rochester City School District."
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Rosser to the Rochester City School District,” said Board President Camille Simmons. “His extensive experience, commitment to equity, and proven track record of improving student outcomes make him the right leader to guide our District toward a brighter future. We look forward to working together to activate the dreams and unlock the potential of every student.”
The Board of Education would also like to extend its 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.
Dr. Rosser’s leadership aligns with the District’s ongoing commitment to excellence, equity, and student success. The Board of Education invites students, families, educators, and community members to join in welcoming him to Rochester and supporting his vision for the District.
