Superintendent Dr. Eric Jay Rosser announces new senior leadership team to guide district toward innovation and academic excellence

Rochester, New York – In a move aimed at strengthening the district’s leadership capacity and deepening its commitment to student success, Superintendent Dr. Eric Jay Rosser has announced a series of key leadership appointments that will take effect in the coming weeks. The appointments bring together a team of seasoned educators and administrators with extensive backgrounds in instructional leadership, school reform, and systemic improvement.

The new appointees include Dr. Casandra Wright as Deputy Superintendent, Jamie Wilson as Chief of Staff, Jennifer Cody as Chief Academic Officer, and Marlene Blocker as Chief of Innovation and School Reform. Each member of this leadership group comes with decades of proven experience in guiding schools through complex challenges, improving student outcomes, and fostering equity-driven change.

“These appointments represent a powerful step forward for our district,” Dr. Rosser said. “Each of these leaders brings deep expertise, a strong commitment to equity, and the proven ability to make lasting, positive change for students and families.”

Dr. Casandra Wright — Deputy Superintendent

Bringing more than twenty years of expertise in urban education, school leadership, and systemic reform, Dr. Casandra Wright will assume her role as Deputy Superintendent on August 11, 2025. Widely respected for her visionary approach and her dedication to inclusive and equitable education, Dr. Wright has consistently demonstrated her ability to lead improvement efforts in some of the most challenging educational environments.

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Dr. Wright’s most recent position was at the University at Buffalo, where she served as the LIFTS Coordinator and Clinical Associate Professor. In that role, she was responsible for leading programs that prepare future school and district leaders. She also managed principal and superintendent certification processes, ensuring that emerging leaders met the highest professional standards.

In addition, Dr. Wright worked closely with schools across New York State through the NYSED Receivership and Support Models, providing specialized coaching and mentorship. This included hands-on assistance to schools in the Rochester City School District, where her guidance was instrumental in implementing sustainable school improvement strategies.

Her leadership career also includes high-level roles within Buffalo Public Schools, such as Lead Associate Superintendent of School Leadership. In that position, she supervised principals across 60 schools and coordinated district-wide equity-focused initiatives. As Principal of B.U.I.L.D. Academy, she guided the school to achieve a “Good Standing” designation and oversaw a $13 million capital renovation, all while driving improvements in student attendance and school climate.

Dr. Wright holds a Doctorate in Education, Leadership, and Policy, a Specialist Certificate in Educational Administration, a Master’s Degree in Literacy Education, and a Dual Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary and Special Education — all earned from SUNY Buffalo.

Jamie Wilson — Chief of Staff

Jamie Wilson, who will officially begin her duties as Chief of Staff on August 18, 2025, is a seasoned educational leader with a career spanning more than 17 years. She brings an exceptional track record of driving systemic change in both urban and suburban districts.

Her most recent leadership position was as Interim Superintendent of Montgomery Public Schools in Alabama, where she oversaw 51 schools, managed a staff of more than 3,500, and served a student population exceeding 26,000. During her tenure, she expanded STEM and career technical education programs, launched district-wide financial literacy instruction, and strengthened partnerships with local industries and community organizations.

Prior to serving as Interim Superintendent, Ms. Wilson was Chief of Staff for Montgomery Public Schools. In that role, she advised the Superintendent, managed the Department of Leadership, and developed strategies to improve recruitment, professional learning, and leadership development across the district.

Her career began in Ohio, where she held leadership positions in Reynoldsburg City Schools, including Director of Human Resources and Principal of Hannah Ashton Middle School. Throughout her career, she has focused on building strong, inclusive hiring practices, improving onboarding systems, and ensuring that educators’ voices are central to decision-making.

Ms. Wilson holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Northern Illinois University and a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from Governors State University. She is currently completing her Doctor of Education in Educational Administration at The Ohio State University.

Jennifer Cody — Chief Academic Officer

With more than two decades in urban public education, Jennifer Cody began her tenure as Chief Academic Officer on August 1, 2025. Known for her skill in curriculum development, instructional leadership, and equity-based school improvement, Ms. Cody has built her career on the belief that high expectations and collaborative planning can transform student learning.

For the past five years, she served as Chief Academic Officer for the East EPO Lower and Upper Schools in partnership with the University of Rochester. There, she guided the strategic direction for curriculum and instruction, oversaw accountability systems, and developed professional learning structures to support educators at every level.

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Before stepping into district-wide leadership, Ms. Cody held multiple roles at East High School, including Vice Principal of Data and Accountability, Program Administrator, and Assistant Principal. She began her career as a Special Education Teacher at Dr. Freddie Thomas High School, where she developed a passion for designing instruction that meets diverse student needs.

Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Special Education from SUNY Geneseo and a Master of Science in Educational Administration from St. John Fisher University. She also holds certification as a School District Leader from the University of Rochester’s Warner School of Education.

Marlene Blocker — Chief of Innovation and School Reform

Marlene Blocker, who also began her role on August 1, 2025, is recognized as a transformational leader with decades of experience in innovation, leadership development, and school turnaround efforts. She has spent much of her career guiding schools toward improved academic performance while fostering environments built on trust, collaboration, and student-centered learning.

Most recently, Ms. Blocker served as Superintendent of the East Educational Partnership Organization, where she oversaw significant gains in graduation rates, student achievement, and school culture. Her leadership approach combined rigorous academic expectations with relational learning and deep community engagement.

Her prior experience includes serving as East Upper School Principal, where she was central to a comprehensive school reform effort, as well as founding Principal of Rochester Early College International High School, which emphasized early access to college courses and a supportive, high-expectations culture.

Earlier in her career, Ms. Blocker was Principal of Francis Parker School No. 23, Assistant Principal of School No. 16, and Lead Teacher at School No. 30. Beyond her school-based roles, she has served as a leadership coach, adjunct professor, and national delegate focused on cross-cultural educational exchange.

Ms. Blocker earned her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, her Master of Science in Elementary Education from SUNY Brockport, and her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from St. John Fisher University.

Building a Cohesive Vision

Dr. Rosser emphasized that these appointments are not just about filling positions but about building a unified leadership team capable of implementing long-term strategies for student success.

“These individuals bring a wealth of experience, but just as importantly, they bring a shared vision of equity, innovation, and academic excellence,” he said. “Their leadership will be critical in shaping the future of our schools.”

The combined backgrounds of Dr. Wright, Ms. Wilson, Ms. Cody, and Ms. Blocker span every level of public education — from classroom teaching to university administration — and represent a diverse set of perspectives that the district hopes will translate into innovative solutions for its most pressing challenges.

In the months ahead, the new leadership team will work closely with school principals, teachers, staff, and community members to align priorities, set measurable goals, and ensure that every student has access to high-quality educational opportunities. Their immediate focus will include strengthening academic programs, improving student engagement, and fostering stronger partnerships between schools and families.