ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- A Distinguished Educator has been hired to help improve the Rochester City School District, which has some of the lowest graduation rates in the state.

State Education Department Commissioner MaryEllen Elia announced the appointment of Dr. Jaime Aquino, who has worked in education for over 30 years.

Dr. Aquino is considered a consultant and will be responsible for reviewing the district's systems, structures and operations, as well as fostering improvement. His services will be paid for by the district.

“The Rochester City School District needs to address many deficiencies in instruction and student support that are barriers to student learning,” Commissioner Elia said. “Working with Superintendent Deane-Williams and the district, Dr. Aquino will assess the district’s fiscal, operational and instructional operations and develop strategies for improvement.”

According to a recent study, the district has the second lowest 4-year, 5-year, and 6-year graduation rates of any district in New York State that has more than 30 students in a cohort.

The State Education Department had previously hired Dr. Kenneth Eastwood for the same role, but rescinded the offer after being unable to come to an agreement on the terms of his contract.

“I welcome the participation of Dr. Aquino in addressing school achievement and the instructional and operational challenges facing the District. We need to accelerate progress and proceed with a sense of urgency to serve all Rochester students and their families," said Deane-Williams.