RCSD Announces Leadership Appointment and School Support Changes
(August 4, 2021) The Rochester City School District is pleased to announce the appointment of Demario Strickland as the Chief of Innovation and School Reform, effective August 30, 2021.
Mr. Strickland joins the RCSD after serving as a turnaround principal in the Buffalo Public Schools. Prior to that, he served as an assistant principal, Dean of Students, and a math and science teacher in New York City. Currently, he serves as an Adjunct Professor in Medaille College’s Department of Education. Mr. Strickland comes to the District having demonstrated turnaround leadership and effective collaboration with the New York State Education Department. Mr. Strickland earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in science and has an adolescent extension in Biology. Mr. Strickland also has a master’s degree in School District Leadership from Canisius College. In addition, he earned two master’s degrees from Fordham University; one in Curriculum and Instruction and another in Administration and Supervision. Currently, he is a doctoral candidate in Education Leadership at D’Youville College.
The Chief of Innovation and School Reform position was created to support and ensure the District achieves turnaround with schools in Receivership. This position represents one of the key levers for turning around low-performing schools and supporting Principals to close achievement gaps and ensure equity. Mr. Strickland will focus his efforts to support secondary schools in Receivership while Rhonda Morien will serve as the Chief of Innovation and School Reform focused on elementary schools in Receivership. As Chiefs of Schools, Dr. Shirley Green and Dr. Carmine Peluso will focus their care, support, and supervision on our remaining schools.