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RCSD Administrator Honored Regionally as Administrator of the Year at the High School Level

(April 22, 2024) The Rochester City School District is proud to announce the George Vito Administrator of the Year High School Level award for Region 11, presented on behalf of the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS). SAANYS has selected Jason Muhammad, the Principal of James Monroe Upper School, as its award recipient. Dr. L. Sha Fanion, a Leadership Coach with The New Teacher Project, nominated Mr. Muhammad.

An employee in the District since 1994, Mr. Muhammad has been recognized for his unwavering dedication, transformative leadership, and commitment to student success. Regarding athletic accolades, he is responsible for implementing the SMART Athletes program at Monroe, which provides student-athletes a jump-start to their NCAA eligibility upon graduation. After 30 years without a football program, Mr. Muhammad helped start the school’s football team in 2014, growing it from modified to JV to Varsity. This past season, Monroe’s varsity football team won sectionals, a far west regional championship, and advanced to a state semi-final game. Also, during Mr. Muhammad’s time at Monroe, the school established one of the first girls’ flag football teams in New York State.

Additionally, Mr. Muhammad is responsible for establishing the Monroe Shine Bright Program, which recognizes students and staff for their positive contributions to the school environment. He has led Monroe to meet NYS receivership targets, and the school is once again on track to make demonstrable improvements this year, with an increase in ELA and math proficiency.

“Jason’s professional demeanor, humility, and high-spirited energy underscore his commitment to providing quality educational experiences,” said Fanion. “His dedication to continuous learning, reflected in ongoing efforts to enhance personal leadership development, positions him as a noteworthy role model.”

Mr. Muhammad began his career in the District in 1994 as an English teacher at John Marshall High School. He was an assistant principal at Marshall in 2002, an assistant principal at Monroe in 2012, and became principal in 2020.

Mr. Muhammad was recognized at a regional SAANYS awards celebration on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at Midvale Country Club in Penfield.

The Rochester City School District does not discriminate on the basis of an individual's actual or perceived race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, age, marital status, partnership status, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, sexual orientation, gender (sex), military status, veteran status, domestic violence victim status or political affiliation, and additionally does not discriminate against students on the basis of weight, gender identity, gender expression, and religious practices or any other basis prohibited by New York State and/or federal non-discrimination laws in employment or its programs and activities. The District provides equal access to community and youth organizations. NYS CR Part #154 requires the District to provide communications to ELL families in the home language that they best understand. In order to request interpretation or translation services, employees may visit www.rcsdk12.org/translationservices. For emergencies or immediate communication needs, please use the Language Line at 1-866-874-3972. School secretaries in each school or program can provide the access code for this service.