Carmine Peluso will still be a superintendent in July, just at a different school district. The Churchville-Chili Central School District Tuesday said Peluso will succeed Lori Orologio after her retirement from the district in June.
Peluso’s departure from the Rochester City School District marks the loss of yet another superintendent.
“I am excited to become a part of the Churchville-Chili Central School District,” said Peluso. “I look forward to meeting the students, staff, and families in our schools and community. I am committed to working with the administrative team and Superintendent Orologio to ensure a seamless transition.”
Peluso was RCSD superintendent for a year and a half, originally taking over in an interim role after former superintendent Lesli Myers-Small was forced out by the Board of Education in the summer of 2022.
At the time, RSCD board president Cynthia Elliott said they selected Peluso because he brought community roots and stability to the position. Peluso has worked in Monroe County education systems for more than 20 years across Pittsford, East Rochester, and Churchville-Chili.
“On behalf of the Board of Education, we are excited to announce the appointment of Dr. Peluso,” said Churchville-Chili school board president Kathleen Dillon. “He brings a wide variety of experiences and a skill set that will take our district to the next level!”
While Churchville-Chili is excited, RSCD is likely less enthused. No official statement from RCSD has been released so far.
The news comes just as the school budget is to be presented with comments from the state monitor. Similarly, the fate of the educational partnership with East Upper and Lower schools was also set to be determined this week.
Peluso was also at the forefront of the complex and lengthy reconfiguration process that will see multiple school closures and openings next year as well as a new teacher recruitment effort.
Peluso’s short tenure follows an unfortunate trend. Myers-Small was forced out due to negative evaluations after two years; Terry Dade left for a position downstate after a year; Bolgen Vargas retired after about three years due to clashes with RCSD board leadership; and Jean-Claude Brizard received a vote of no confidence from Rochester teachers before leaving for a Chicago school district.
Rochester Mayor Malik Evans expressed his disappointment at Peluso’s exit.
“I have appreciated Dr. Peluso’s commitment to and leadership of our schools, as well as the strong relationship he and I have built. Together, we had begun to make important progress for the benefit of city students, and I am very sad to see him go,” Evans said. “It is imperative that the Rochester City School District obtain and maintain strong leadership for the young people of our city. A successful educational system is critical to the success of Rochester, and the City stands ready to support the District as it embarks on this important transition.”
Jacob Schermerhorn is a Rochester Beacon contributing writer and data journalist. The Beacon welcomes comments and letters from readers who adhere to our comment policy including use of their full, real name. Submissions to the Letters page should be sent to Letters@RochesterBeacon.com.
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