ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- New interim superintendent Linda Cimusz comes to the Rochester City School District with a long resume, including 22 years spent in the Syracuse city schools, as well as time in Buffalo. She once served as deputy education commissioner in the state of Texas.
Earlier this month, the school board appointed Daniel Lowengard as the district's interim superintendent. Cimusz, who'd worked with Lowengard in the Syracuse schools, was his number two, but days into the job Lowengard suffered a stroke, and resigned.
Cimusz, who toured School No. 23 on Friday. is in charge until the board appoints a permanent superintendent.
"I'm not the type of person who can easily just walk away," Cimusz said.
Or walk away from a challenge. Attendance, performance, and low graduation rates must be addressed.
"Thankfully I know schools and I know education. I've always been focused on the teaching and learning side. That's my passion."
Cimusz sees herself as a fresh set of eyes for the district. She supports teachers, and also supports high standards for them, and for students.
"I'm going to use resources in a broad sense. Bringing the right people to the right places to do the right things with students in mind."
Cimusz's path to school administration began as a kindergarten teacher, which helps her see the district from all angles.
"I don't know that I could do the job and feel comfortable about it if I hadn't had that background."
Over the next six months, Cimusz expects much of her focus to be on budgets, and recievership schools, and setting the table for the troubled district's next leader.
"A new person coming in will look at it with fresh eyes again, can't help that, but I'll do the best I can to make things as well in-place as possible."