Terry Dade, Rochester's new superintendent of schools, took office two-and-a-half weeks ago during a tumultuous time in the district.
State education officials and some local leaders, including Mayor Lovely Warren, are calling for a state takeover of the school board. On Monday, State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia stunned the Board of Regents by submitting her resignation. And although graduation rates are showing incremental improvement, Rochester city schools are still plagued by chronic absenteeism, a host of concerns about special education services, and a community that is wary that another in a growing line of district leaders can make a difference.
CITY Newspaper education reporter Tim Macaluso recently sat down for a wide-ranging interview with Dade, which he outlines in this report.
Macaluso talked to WXXI News about that conversation. Click on the LISTEN link below to hear more.