RCSD announces Interim Superintendent

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — The first day for Rochester schools will also come with a new face in charge. The Rochester school district announced Dr. Carmine Peluso will take over as interim superintendent effective immediately.

Back in July, Dr. Myers-Small announced she was on her way out.

In an email to staff, the Rochester School Board said it was working on a separation agreement with small.

It wasn’t clear why. Small had served half of her four-year contract. The district has had eight superintendents including interim ones in the last 12 years.

Going In-Depth on Dr. Peluso

Peluso has spent almost 30 years in education. He’s served many roles, including chief of schools within RCSD, he was principal of East Rochester Junior-Senior High School, and an assistant principal in Pittsford.

News10NBC interviewed Peluso earlier this year about students and cellphones. RCSD introduced a new pouch for students to keep their phones on them throughout the day.

“We’ve already seen a drastic reduction in terms of how students are attentive in class less situations involving social media throughout the day,” said Peluso.

A portion of Wednesday night’s statement from the school district says, “as we prepare to welcome students for the first day of school on September 7, our focus remains steadfast on providing high-quality learning experiences in a safe and nurturing environment.”

The school board says it will start the search process for a new super during a public work session on Sept. 1.

RCSD Board President Cynthia Elliott released the following statement:

“Effective immediately, Dr. Carmine Peluso will be serving as acting Superintendent of the Rochester City School District. Dr. Peluso is currently the Deputy Superintendent of Operations and Administration and is entering his 25th year in education. During this time, he has worked with stakeholders to problem solve and implement creative actions to support students, families, and staff. A longtime educator in the RCSD, Dr. Peluso has also served as a Chief of Schools, Principal, and Teacher. He knows our students, families, staff, city, and community well.

At this time, Dr. Lesli Myers-Small is on leave while negotiations are being finalized. The Board will begin discussions on the Superintendent search process during a public work session next Thursday, September 1.

As we prepare to welcome students for the first day of school on September 7, our focus remains steadfast on providing high-quality learning experiences in a safe and nurturing environment.”