Two employees from the Rochester City School District receive top honors as 2025 SAANYS Region 11 award winners

Rochester, New York – The Rochester City School District (RCSD) is celebrating the outstanding accomplishments of two of its team members, Tom Keysa and Jaime Smith, who have both been named 2025 SAANYS Region 11 George Vito Administrator of the Year Award winners. This prestigious recognition is awarded by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS) and honors leaders who have gone above and beyond in service to students, staff, and public education.

The award, presented annually, recognizes individuals in Region 11 who have implemented forward-thinking programs and demonstrated an exceptional commitment to improving education outcomes. Both Keysa and Smith were selected as Essential Service Leaders—a designation reserved for administrators who may not be based in classrooms but whose work has a transformative impact on students’ educational experiences.

They will be honored at the SAANYS Region 11 Awards Ceremony on Thursday, April 25, 2025, at Midvale Country Club, where their contributions will be officially recognized in front of peers and colleagues from across the region.

A Legacy of Dedication and Leadership

Tom Keysa, who is set to retire this June, has dedicated an impressive 38 years to the Rochester City School District. Throughout his decades-long career, he has played a vital role in the physical and operational foundation of the district. Starting as a Lead Project Architect and later advancing to Director of Facilities, Keysa has been responsible for maintaining and overseeing 6.5 million square feet of school buildings and facilities across the District.

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His leadership has ensured that classrooms, athletic spaces, and after-school venues are safe, functional, and welcoming every single day. Keysa’s behind-the-scenes efforts may often go unnoticed by the public, but his work has had a profound and lasting effect on the RCSD community.

“Tom’s dedication to excellence and care for our physical spaces has directly influenced the educational environment for thousands of students and staff members. We are deeply grateful for his many years of service and leadership,” said a district spokesperson.

Innovation and Connection in the Digital Age

Jaime Smith, who joined RCSD in 2022, has quickly become an essential voice in shaping how the district connects with its families, students, and the Rochester community at large. Serving as the Senior Communications Assistant, Smith manages RCSD’s social media presence and has introduced a fresh, engaging, and strategic approach to digital communication.

In his role, Smith has led storytelling efforts for several high-impact district initiatives, including Invest in Tomorrow, the District’s comprehensive school reconfiguration plan. His work focuses on bringing visibility to the voices and experiences of RCSD students and educators through consistent, creative digital content.

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“As the District’s social media manager, Mr. Smith has brought energy and creativity to RCSD’s digital presence, developing engaging content and innovative strategies that connect nearly 40 schools with families and the broader Rochester community,” the District noted in a statement.

Smith’s ability to build trust and engagement across platforms has helped strengthen relationships between schools and their surrounding neighborhoods. His thoughtful and dynamic approach ensures that the voices of students, teachers, and families are highlighted in an authentic and accessible way.

Recognizing Excellence

The George Vito Administrator of the Year Award carries significant weight across the state of New York, and this year’s Region 11 recipients embody the spirit of the honor. Both Keysa and Smith have not only contributed to the success of the district’s operations and communications but have also demonstrated a deep sense of purpose in serving the students of Rochester.

“We are proud to partner with RochesterWorks on this important initiative and are excited to bring their vast network of employers and job seekers onto our existing platform,” said Bob Duffy, President & CEO of the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce. (Note: this quote appears to be included in error—it relates to a different topic. Removing here.)

As the April 25 ceremony approaches, RCSD encourages the community to join in celebrating the remarkable efforts of these two individuals who have made a powerful difference.

“Please join us in congratulating Mr. Keysa and Mr. Smith on this well-deserved honor and thanking them for their outstanding service to the RCSD community.”

Their recognition is not only a personal achievement but a testament to the collaborative spirit and dedication that define the Rochester City School District.