ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Carmine Peluso has been named the acting superintendent of the Rochester City School District, Board President Cynthia Elliott announced Wednesday.

Last month, Elliott released a letter to staff saying a separation process between the Board of Education and Lesli Myers-Small, who has been superintendent for a little more than two years, was underway.

Myers-Small is on leave while negotiations are being finalized, Elliott said Wednesday. She took over the role just a couple of months into the pandemic.

Peluso is currently the deputy superintendent of operations and administration and begins his 25th year in education, Elliott said.

“During this time, he has worked with stakeholders to problem solve and implement creative actions to support students, families, and staff,” Elliott said in a statement. “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.”

Elliott announced that the school board will begin discussions on the superintendent search process during a public work session on Thursday, Sept. 1.

“The Board of Education made a good decision in appointing Dr. Carmen Peluso to serve as interim superintendent," Rochester Teachers Association President Adam Urbanski said in a statement. "We look forward to working with him to resolve the stalled negotiations, stabilize the District, and increase the chances for a smooth reopening of schools."

Myers-Small is the third superintendent to exit the school district in less than five years.