Monday, June 24, 2024
Dear Rome Community,
It is challenging to put into words how humbled and honored I am to join this district and serve the Rome community as the next superintendent of schools. My first official day on the job is Monday, July 1. Excitedly, I spent several days in the district last month, meeting with individuals and preparing for the new school year. Since being appointed in May, I have felt and appreciated the warm embrace of a community that is ready to take its schools to the next level. Thanks to each of you who have engaged with me in person, on the phone, or via email in recent weeks. It is clear to me that Rome is now my home. I’ll be there soon, and I can’t wait!
While making the decision to pursue this leadership position, I was drawn to Rome by the mission statement. It declares: “The Rome City School District is a diverse and innovative educational community that believes through both words and actions that all students can learn and be successful. We provide continuous academic and social growth from PreK to graduation to ensure that students are life-long learners, productive citizens, and members of the global economy.”
These words spoke to me because my dream was to serve in a district that is student-centered and collectively committed to creating multiple pathways and opportunities for all. My personal educational journey began with a strong foundation instilled by my mother in Haiti. The sacrifices she made to support my education were substantial, and they ignited my passion for learning. That is what still drives me today.
For more than two decades, I’ve been dedicated to public education, viewing it not as a career but as a calling. My leadership style is characterized by compassion, strategic decision-making, and a relentless commitment to dismantling barriers hindering student potential. The experience I’ve had while serving the Rush-Henrietta Central School District has strengthened my leadership, collaboration, and strategic decision-making skills. I’ve had the opportunity to be at the table working on every project and major decision impacting the organization for 14 years.
Now, I look forward to serving Rome. As I pack my bags, I promise to bring my resolve with me. There is a strong foundation and a sense of pride here in Rome. I have met so many employees at every level of the organization who are dedicated to their work and joyfully serve our students daily. I look forward to working with each of you to build upon this sense of belonging and pride that you feel. One of our goals is to ensure that everyone genuinely feels that Rome is home.
I am grateful for the knowledge and support I’ve received from our district leaders, employees, and members of the Board of Education. I gratefully acknowledge the leadership of Interim Superintendent Michael Hoose and thank him for assisting me with this transition. I look forward to his continued support and advice this summer as I officially step into this role.
My commitment to you as I begin my servant leadership in our district is to listen. At the same time, I pledge to learn from our students, employees, parents and guardians, business and community leaders, alumni, and others. I’ve had the opportunity to engage with some of our students enrolled in Madison-Oneida BOCES programs and in some of our school buildings. I like what I’ve seen!
I plan to spend much of the summer and early fall holding formal and informal meetings and listening sessions, hosting retreats with key stakeholders, and getting to know the families and the community at Rome as a professional and resident. To ensure that I make my approach during the first few months as transparent as possible, I have attached my 100-day plan for your perusal and information.
During the interview process, I heard from many of you regarding key priorities you wanted the superintendent to tackle from the start. One priority that was articulated by all stakeholder groups was the desire to have a clear direction for the district. The process of setting a clear direction will begin this summer with district leaders. Together, we will set priorities and goals with articulated outcomes for the 2024-2025 school year. Once this process is completed, the leadership team will be empowered to execute the goals during the year on behalf of our students. We will report to our constituents along the way about the progress our district is making.
Rome’s success will not be my success. It will be our success. Once my 100-day entry plan process is completed and I have gathered a better understanding of the district, it will be my goal to work with all of you to set a longer-term vision for the district beyond the next school year.
The work ahead of us will not be easy, but we are prepared. Our community is ready to pursue the new chapter that is ahead of us, and we are committed to providing the best for the children of Rome each and every day. This is their home. It is our home, too. Let’s thrive together!
We’re going to accomplish so much by working as a team. I truly can’t wait to get started!
In Service,
Nerlande Anselme
