E3 Rochester Announces New Name and New Leadership

Sebrone Johnson

E3 Rochester announced today they have changed their name to EDceptional and have appointed Rev. Sebrone Johnson, Chief Executive Officer.

The organization, which has been in operation since 2012, operates as a support system for charter schools. They noted in a press release that the name change more accurately reflects their focused mission to specifically support charter schools in Rochester to help them achieve educational excellence.

The name change comes as EDceptional moves offices to 16 Main St, Rochester.

Johnson assumes the CEO position, taking over from Bryan Hickman, a businessman, entrepreneur and EDceptional’s co-founder. Hickman will continue in a leadership role as executive vice president for the organization.

“We’re committed to making a real and sustainable change in Rochester’s education system,” Johnson said.

Johnson, a Rochester native and senior pastor at the Greater Harvest Church on Driving Park, Rochester, brings experience from the public and private sector and has championed efforts for better educational standards, restorative practices, and social and emotional learning strategies for communities.

He is a graduate of Union College and St. John Fisher College and holds a master’s of divinity from Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School. He was hired by EDceptional in late 2022 as vice president of operations after serving as senior vice president of operations for the Urban League of Rochester.

“Charter schools offer families a choice in their public education and provide a path for students to achieve their goals in a free and public setting. By supporting Rochester’s 27 charter school locations, we’ll provide resources that ensure high quality performance in supportive environments. It’s a game-changer for our city” he said.

Over the past 18 months, Hickman, along with Jim Brush, board chair, have worked with staff and board members to refocus the organization from recruiting charter schools to offering critical support to existing Rochester locations.

“More than 8,000 students—or about 26% of Rochester’s K-12 students—are enrolled in a charter school,” said Brush. “Data shows that when more students enroll in public charter schools, all students benefit. EDceptional is working with schools and partners to improve educational quality for all children.”

“EDceptional will continue to spearhead existing collaboration efforts among Rochester charter schools, including the application portal GoodSchoolsRoc.org, which makes it possible for parents and caregivers to apply to all local charter schools with a single online application,” their press release noted.

For more information, visit EDceptional.org.