New Leadership Appointments at RCSD

Rochester City School District announced the following leadership appointments to the superintendent's executive cabinet:

• Demario Strickland as the Deputy Superintendent of Teaching and Learning

• Stephen LaMorte as Chief Academic Officer

• Dr. Deasure Matthew as Acting Chief of Schools

Strickland joined the District in August 2021 as the Chief of Innovation and School Reform, supporting schools in Receivership. Prior to that, he served as a turnaround Principal in the Buffalo Public Schools, where he demonstrated turnaround leadership and effective collaboration with the New York State Education Department. Demario has been an assistant principal, dean of students, and math and science teacher, and was the union president for the Elementary Principals Association in Buffalo. He also serves as an adjunct professor in Medaille College’s education department. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in science and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from Canisius College. In addition, he earned two master’s degrees from Fordham University, one in Curriculum and Instruction and another in Educational Administration and Supervision. He is currently a doctoral candidate in Education Leadership at D’Youville College.

LaMorte began his career in the District 23 years ago and most recently served as the Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives, where he provided direct assistance and project management leadership in Teaching and Learning. Previously, he was the Director of Grant Development and has served in various roles, including a social studies teacher at Monroe and Franklin, lead teacher, instructional coach, Director of Assessment and Testing, and Executive Director of Social Studies. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the SUNY College at Geneseo, a Master’s Degree in Communication from the SUNY College at Brockport, and a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Educational Leadership from the SUNY College at Brockport.

Dr. Matthew returns to the District after retiring as the Principal of Joseph C. Wilson Foundation Academy. During her tenure in the RCSD, she also served as a Chief of Schools, Academy Director, and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Coordinator. A career educator in the RCSD, Deasure spent her entire social studies teaching career at Frederick Douglass Junior High School before advancing to leadership. In this new role, she will work collaboratively with principals and other District leaders to support one of our school networks while a search is being conducted. Deasure earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Rochester, a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Education Administration from SUNY Brockport, and a Doctor of Education Degree from St. John Fisher University.

Dr. Kathy Black, Deputy Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, and Shanie Keelean, Chief Academic Officer, are leaving the District to pursue other opportunities.