Meet Rochester Community Schools' New Superintendent

ROCHESTER, MI — Rochester Community Schools has a new superintendent.

The Rochester Community School District's Board of Education voted Monday night in favor of the contract for Nicholas Russo. Russo's term as superintendent will begin on Monday, July 1, 2024.

"As an experienced teacher, principal and executive administrator, Mr. Russo has a demonstrated track record of excellence. Through a steadfast commitment to serving all RCS students, a passionate approach to building relationships, an intentional focus on business operations, and an emphasis on our strategic plan, we are confident that Mr. Russo can lead our district to new heights," Board President Michelle Bueltel said.

Russo brings over 26 years of educational leadership experience to Rochester Community Schools. He previously worked as the assistant superintendent of human resources at Walled Lake Consolidated Schools, principal of Conant Elementary in the Bloomfield Hills School District, and principal of Beacon Tree and Jack Harvey Elementary in the Utica Community School District.

Russo said that his leadership approach "prioritizes collaboration, inclusivity and responsiveness to the needs of students and the community," and that he is committed to "fostering environments where both students and staff can thrive, advocating strongly for inclusion and equal access for all."

Russo earned an educational specialist degree in executive leadership from the University of Michigan, a master’s degree in educational leadership from Wayne State University and a bachelor’s degree in education from Michigan State University. He is a graduate of the Michigan Leadership Institute’s SUPES Academy and holds a Michigan Central Office certificate, among others.

"I am deeply honored and excited to lead a teaching and learning community that values tradition, student achievement and excellence. Working alongside dedicated Rochester Community School District teachers, administrators, staff, parents, caregivers and community partners is an incredible opportunity," Russo said. "Together, we can build strong relationships that lay the foundation for student success."

Rochester Community School District officials began searching for a new superintendent in November 2023, shortly after former Superintendent Robert Shaner resigned from his post in August 2023.

Shaner's resignation came roughly 16 months after parents asked him to step down following a lawsuit with a Rochester parent. The district paid Elena Dinverno nearly $190,000 to settle the lawsuit she filed against the district, claiming school officials got her fired from her job for criticizing the district's COVID-19 policies.

John Silveri, a resident of the Rochester area for 15 years, was appointed interim superintendent in August 2023 just after Shaner's resignation. He will remain interim superintendent through the rest of the current school year.