State-appointed Distinguished Educator Dr. Jaime Aquino is wrapping up his time in Rochester following an investigation into the issues that are holding back the Rochester City School District.

His report found through interviews and assessment that the city school district puts more of an emphasis on policy and strategy, as it impacts administrators, teachers and parents, than it does children. The findings included recommendations for teaching and learning, calling the district's instructional program weak and disjointed.

The school board was ordered to respond to Aquino's review of the district after he said it needed an overhaul. However, New York State Education Commissioner Mary Ellen Elia slammed the turnaround plan, saying it "failed to include an overarching, coherent vision for district improvement and is unrealistic in terms of timeliness and capacity to implement meaningful actions effectively."

Aquino says he was hoping to leave the district quietly, but after being encouraged by the New York State Department of Education, he says he was glad to have the opportunity to thank the community.

"It’s bittersweet. I have mixed feelings now because there's a lot of work to be done on behalf of almost 25,000 kids, and I hope that the community does not forget that. I mean - I'm going to be okay, I'm going to continue to have a great life but will the system give these students an opportunity to enjoy an amazing life after they graduate, and they have to ask that questions every single day," Aquino said. 

Aquino’s one-year contract was slated to end in July. He says he's leaving early due to family obligations, but has other full-time opportunities on the table that he is hoping to actively pursue.