ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Outgoing Rochester City School District Superintendent Dr. Lesli Myers-Small posted a letter on Twitter Wednesday morning saying that serving as the superintendent has been an “opportunity of a lifetime”.

The Rochester School Board has worked on a separation agreement with Myers-Small since July and Dr. Carmine Peluso has taken the place as the superintendent since August 24.

Myers-Small served half of her four-year contract and it isn’t clear why she left.

In the letter posted Friday morning on her Twitter, Myers-Small said that Peluso was a “sound decision and I am thankful he is willing to assist in this capacity to ensure consistency during this transition period.”

Myers-Small mentioned the challenges that both the pandemic and gun violence posed to education. She said gun violence has impacted students, families, and staff within the school district.

“Through the significant losses and tragedies in our communities, our educators have been the heart and soul, the everyday heroes,” Myers-Small said.