Orlando Benzan joins Pittsford Schools as the new Coordinator of Equity & Inclusivity, commencing his role on September 18, 2023.

“With 25 years in the field of education as a teacher, coach, administrator, and most recently an assistant principal and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator for Brockport Central School District, Mr. Benzan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role with Pittsford Schools. His demonstrated commitment to culturally responsive education, inclusivity and continuous improvement make him a welcome addition to our Pittsford Schools community,” said Superintendent Pero.

Mr. Benzan has served as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator at Brockport Central School District since 2021, as well as High School Assistant Principal, and Social Studies teacher. He previously worked at Holley Central School District as a Global History and Geography/Participation in Government Teacher, a US History and Government and Spanish teacher at Gates-Chili Central School District, and Spanish teacher at Hancock Central School District.

As Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator for Brockport CSD, he drafted a three-year strategic plan aimed at fostering equity and inclusion across the district. His accomplishments encompassed policy revision, forging stronger ties with the community, and orchestrating opportunities for faculty and staff to engage in professional development among other responsibilities.

He has also coached girls volleyball, boys and girls soccer, was advisor to student council and the Gay Straight Alliance, served as president for the Brockport Teachers Association, and worked with migrant families as ESOL Team Teacher with Brockport Migrant Education, and as Family Assistant Community Affairs Coordinator/Education Coordinator with Red Creek A.B.C.D.

Benzan earned a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from State University of New York at Oswego, a Master of Arts degree in Liberal Studies from State University of New York at Brockport, and completed post-graduate studies for School Building Leader and School District Leader at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.
 

Theresa McDonald has been hired as Committee on Special Education (CSE) Coordinator with a start date of September 18, 2023.

McDonald comes to Pittsford Schools from Geneseo Central School District having served as Special Education Coordinator since 2019 in addition to nine years as an Elementary School Psychologist. She also previously worked at Wayland-Cohocton Central School District as CSE/CPSE Chairperson and High School Psychologist, as well as Preschool Evaluation Team Psychologist and Intern School Psychologist at Genesee Valley BOCES.

“We are happy to welcome Ms. McDonald to Pittsford Schools. She brings an impressive amount of experience in special education coordination which will greatly benefit our students,” said Superintendent Michael Pero.

McDonald earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Coastal Carolina University, a master of education degree in Educational Psychology, and advanced graduate degree in School Psychology (Ed.S) from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, and an advanced graduate certificate in Educational Leadership from Stony Brook University.