The Rochester Board of Education has named Demario Strickland as the interim superintendent of the Rochester City School District, effective July 1. 

This comes as current Superintendent Carmine Peluso is set to leave at the end of June. He announced earlier this year that he would step down from the role to become the new superintendent of the Churchville-Chili Central School District.

“My steadfast commitment is to teaching and learning. Educational excellence serves as a beacon of hope for every learner within our community,” Strickland said in a statement. “I will uphold a collective promise to empower students, families, and staff with the tools and opportunities needed to succeed through the initiatives started under Dr. Peluso’s leadership.”

According to the district, Strickland has been serving as deputy superintendent of teaching and learning since March 2023. He previously acted as a principal and assistant principal in the Buffalo City School District and dean of students in the New York City Department of Education.

“We are thrilled to have Mr. Strickland as our District’s Interim Superintendent," Board President Cynthia Elliott said in a statement. "With his extensive background and proven leadership, we are confident he will guide us through this transitional period with grace and effectiveness, ensuring continued success for our students and community.”