Pittsford Central School District has seen multiple retirements over the past few years causing a flourish of open administrative positions, particularly at the elementary level. To put this in perspective, Pittsford Schools’ most senior elementary principal has two years PCSD experience, two principals have less than one year experience in this role with PCSD, and the District will begin the search process for new principals at Mendon Center Elementary School and Allen Creek Elementary School, respectively. This is a total average experience of .8 years for elementary principals in the District. For this reason, we have developed a succession plan around key positions. Our retiring administrators will take a wealth of experience and expertise with them, so we want to create a solid transition that will put their replacements on good footing from the start.

Assistant Superintendent for Instruction (ASI) Melanie Ward will retire from her position as of June 30, 2024. Heather Clayton, current principal at Mendon Center Elementary, is replacing her. Ward will return to serve the District temporarily as Deputy Superintendent through November 2024. The focus of her responsibilities will be to assist with the transition of the new ASI and support the five recently hired elementary principals. With the June 30 retirement of Teacher Center Director Julie Barker, Ward will also oversee all summer professional development, the staff mentoring program for new staff, and staff orientations. Post November 2024, the Deputy Superintendent position will be abolished.

Michael Biondi, Allen Creek Elementary School Principal, will assist with the transition of a new principal at Allen Creek Elementary School and work on special projects, with a final retirement date of October 2024.

I am grateful that we will benefit during this transition period from the skills and talents of these leaders for mentorship, consultation and special projects and thank them for their willingness to stay for a few additional months.

In the original published Succession Plans article, we incorrectly identified that the Teacher Center Director position would be abolished after November 2024. We would like to clarify that it is the temporary Deputy Superintendent position that will be eliminated. We apologize for the confusion.