Jenny Blase-Schmidt appointed acting principal of Henry Hudson School No. 28 as district announces new leadership

Rochester, New York – The Rochester City School District has announced a new leadership appointment at Henry Hudson School No. 28, marking an important moment for the school community as it prepares for the next chapter of its educational journey. Superintendent Eric Jay Rosser has named Jenny Blase-Schmidt as Acting Principal of the school, with the appointment officially taking effect on March 30, 2026.

The announcement reflects the district’s confidence in Blase-Schmidt’s long-standing commitment to education and her ability to lead with both experience and vision. With more than twenty years working in schools and educational leadership roles, she brings a depth of knowledge and dedication that district leaders believe will benefit students, teachers, and families alike.

Blase-Schmidt is no stranger to School No. 28. She currently serves as assistant principal at the school, a role that has allowed her to work closely with both staff and students while helping shape the academic direction of the building. Her familiarity with the school community is expected to provide stability and continuity as she steps into the acting principal position.

Before joining the leadership team at School No. 28, Blase-Schmidt worked as a Professional Learning Specialist within the Rochester City School District. In that role, she collaborated with educators across the district, supporting professional development initiatives and helping teachers refine their classroom practices. Her work focused heavily on literacy instruction, coaching educators, and designing meaningful learning opportunities that help teachers strengthen their skills.

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Those who have worked with her describe Blase-Schmidt as a transformational leader who places equity at the center of her work. Over the years, she has focused on creating school environments where collaboration among educators is encouraged and where data is used thoughtfully to guide decisions about teaching and learning.

Her leadership style has often emphasized building strong instructional systems and supporting teachers so they can help students reach their full potential. A key part of her work has been advancing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, commonly known as MTSS, which helps schools identify student needs and provide targeted support when necessary.

Blase-Schmidt has also been deeply involved in strengthening professional learning among educators. By helping teachers analyze student performance data and adapt instruction, she has worked to improve outcomes while ensuring that all students receive high-quality learning experiences.

Her academic background further reflects a strong focus on literacy and educational leadership. Blase-Schmidt holds New York State certifications in School Building Leadership, Elementary Education from Pre-K through sixth grade, and Reading from kindergarten through twelfth grade.

In addition, she earned a Certificate of Advanced Study in School District and Building Leadership from SUNY Brockport. She also holds a Master of Science degree in Reading Education from Nazareth University.

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These credentials, combined with her years of hands-on experience, have prepared her to guide schools through both daily challenges and long-term goals.

District leaders say the appointment represents an opportunity to continue building on the progress already taking place at School No. 28. With Blase-Schmidt stepping into the role, the school community can expect a continued emphasis on collaboration, strong instruction, and student-centered decision-making.

As the transition begins later this spring, staff members, students, and families are encouraged to welcome her into the position and support the work ahead. The district has expressed confidence that her leadership will help strengthen the learning environment and ensure that every student at Henry Hudson School No. 28 has the opportunity to succeed.