Superintendent Dr. Eric Jay Rosser announces the appointment of Robert S. McDow as Chief Financial Officer and Alicia Fonseca as Executive Director of Bilingual Education and World Languages

Rochester, New York – The Rochester City School District will welcome two new senior leaders this fall, as Superintendent Dr. Eric Jay Rosser confirmed the appointments of Robert S. McDow as Chief Financial Officer and Alicia Fonseca as Executive Director of Bilingual Education and World Languages (BEWL). Both will officially step into their new positions on September 3, 2025.

The announcement marks a significant moment for the District as it looks ahead to the upcoming academic year with a renewed focus on financial stability, academic innovation, and equity for all students.

A Seasoned Financial Leader

Robert S. McDow will assume responsibility for overseeing the District’s financial operations, bringing with him more than 25 years of expertise in governmental accounting, finance, and school business administration. His resume includes leadership roles in some of the largest public education systems in Western New York.

McDow has managed annual budgets surpassing half a billion dollars and has played an instrumental role in negotiating labor agreements and leading large-scale capital projects valued at more than $1 billion. His tenure in Buffalo Public Schools is especially notable, where he guided the financial planning and implementation of a decade-long, $1 billion reconstruction initiative that reshaped the district’s infrastructure.

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In addition to his K–12 experience, McDow has held senior positions in higher education, serving as vice president for business and finance, as well as both interim and permanent chief financial officer in several school systems. His work has been credited with driving cost savings, refining investment strategies, and laying the foundation for sustainable fiscal health.

McDow’s academic background reflects his dedication to financial leadership in education. He holds Master’s Degrees in Educational Administration and Supervision, Professional Accounting, and Finance from Canisius College, along with a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from St. Bonaventure University. He is also permanently certified by New York State as both a School District Administrator and School Business Administrator.

A Local Graduate with a Global Vision

While McDow will be tasked with safeguarding the District’s financial future, Alicia Fonseca will lead efforts to strengthen bilingual and world language education across Rochester schools. For Fonseca, this role carries personal significance.

A graduate of the Rochester City School District herself and once an English Language Learner, Fonseca understands firsthand the challenges and opportunities that come with navigating multiple languages in an academic setting. Her lived experience fuels her commitment to creating inclusive, high-quality educational pathways for multilingual students.

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Fonseca has more than 20 years of experience in bilingual and multilingual education. Currently an Assistant Principal in the District, she has been responsible for overseeing curriculum and instruction, dual-language programs, Regents-level courses, and common assessments. She has also coordinated schoolwide improvement efforts, supported teachers through professional development, and built partnerships with families and community organizations.

Her leadership has been defined by a clear commitment to equity and by efforts to align classroom practices with the District’s broader Comprehensive and School Improvement Plans.

Academically, Fonseca’s record is equally strong. She holds a Master of Science in Education from the University of Rochester, a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Spanish Language and Culture through New York University and the University of Rochester, and advanced certificates from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She is currently a doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership and Innovation at Purdue University. Fonseca is also certified as a New York State School Building Leader and School District Leader.

Looking Toward the Future

With McDow and Fonseca joining the leadership team, Superintendent Rosser expressed confidence in the District’s ability to move forward with both financial responsibility and an unwavering focus on student achievement.

“Superintendent Dr. Eric Jay Rosser is pleased to announce the appointments of Robert S. McDow as Chief Financial Officer and Alicia Fonseca as the Executive Director of Bilingual Education and World Languages (BEWL). They officially begin their duties on September 3, 2025.”

The appointments highlight the District’s emphasis on pairing experienced leadership with a clear vision for the future—ensuring that resources are managed responsibly while academic programs reflect the diverse needs of Rochester students.

For McDow, the task will be to continue building a financially sound district that supports innovation without sacrificing stability. For Fonseca, the focus will be on expanding opportunities for bilingual and multilingual students, drawing on her personal journey as a graduate who once sat in the very classrooms she now serves.

As the new school year approaches, the Rochester City School District begins this next chapter with leaders who bring both proven expertise and deep personal commitment to their roles—signaling a strong start for students, staff, and the community alike.