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ROC the Future has selected East Educational Partnership Organization (EPO) Superintendent Shaun Nelms as chairman of its convener board.
Nelms replaces ESL Vice President and Director of Community Impact Ajamu Kitwana, whose term ended in June. East EPO joined ROC the Future’s convener board as a member in 2016.
“Shaun’s background and leadership makes him the ideal leader for ROC the Future at this time, as we work to improve educational outcomes for Rochester’s students, from cradle to career,” said Jackie Campbell, ROC the Future alliance director. “His leadership of the East EPO, as well as within the Center for Urban Education Success (CUES) at the University of Rochester brings a unique mix of demonstrated success at the K-12 level, alongside critical research of and thinking on what works best to support student achievement.”
Nelms serves as superintendent of East Upper and Lower Schools, formerly East High School, a position that was created through a partnership between the state Education Department, Rochester City School District and UR. As the EPO for East, Nelms is creating a school reform model that can be replicated in urban settings throughout the country.
In 2018, Nelms was named the first William and Sheila Konar Director for CUES at UR’s Warner School of Education. In that role, Nelms leads the center’s efforts to support the success of urban schools locally and nationally through a combination of research, relationship building and a commitment to pursue and share best practices.
“We’ve been very fortunate to have outstanding leadership for ROC the Future since its inception, and Dr. Nelms will continue this legacy for the betterment of all of Rochester’s children,” Campbell said.
ROC the Future is an alliance of Rochester area institutions and community partners that promotes alignment and focuses community resources to improve the academic achievement of Rochester’s kids.
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