ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester City School District Board of Education Thursday announced that Demario Strickland will serve as interim superintendent, as the district continues its search for a school chief.

Strickland begins serving in the position July 1, the day after Superintendent Carmine Peluso’s last day on the job. Peluso will be starting his new role as superintendent of the Churchville-Chili school district on July 1.

Board President Cynthia Elliott says the decision to select Strickland was made last last week. She said both internal and external candidates were considered.

“We wanted to make the process process fair with an external candidate, but life happened and that didn’t work out. So we decided we needed to look internally as well because the time was getting short and Dr. Peluso was going to be leaving us,” Elliott said.

Of Strickland, she said, “Throughout his tenure, he has gained the respect of his colleagues, understands the work deeply, and remains unwaveringly focused on improving student outcomes.”

She said she expects Strickland, who has been the deputy superintendent of teaching and learning, to serve as interim superintendent for at least a year while a permanent replacement is sought.

“For the continuity and the stability of this district, for the kids, I want to be that person.” Strickland said.

The board announced the appointment in a special meeting that started at 6 p.m.

Strickland, 39, said he was honored to be chosen. “I was sitting in my office one day and Dr. Peluso knocked on my door and asked if I would join his senior team, and I definitely said I would,” he said.

He said he isn’t going to shy away from addressing the concerns of parents and challenges within the district.

“We must stay focused on the reconfiguration. That process is massive. But the great thing is that we have worked very hard to make sure we have a plan that is least disruptive as possible for the district,” Strickland said.

Of parents in the district, he said, “I just hear their yearn for wanting their kids to be successful, and I am with them.”

Strickland was a principal and assistant principal in the Buffalo City School District before joining the Rochester district as deputy superintendent of teaching and learning last year. He also has been dean of students in the New York City Department of Education and is a doctoral candidate in education leadership at D’Youville University as well as an adjunct professor at Niagara University.

In a prepared release, the board stated, in part, “Throughout his tenure, he has gained the respect of his colleagues, understands the work deeply, and remains unwaveringly focused on improving student outcomes. His focus on teaching and learning reflects his belief that a teacher’s heart is essential for effective leadership.”

Elliott says Strickland will work with Peluso over the next month until Peluso formally leaves the district on June 30.

Broadcast immediately before the meeting at 6 p.m.: