Superintendent announces resignation of director of equity; district says commitment will continue

Superintendent Jeremy Smalene told the Greece Board of Education that Dr. Cedric Simmons, the district’s director of equity, has resigned and accepted a position at Nazareth College. "Our director of equity, doctor Cedric Simmons has resigned," Smalene said, and he thanked Simmons "for his work since coming to Greece and the impact here that he has had on our students, our staff, and our community." Smalene added that the board and cabinet wished Simmons well in his new role.

Smalene and multiple board members said the district’s equity commitment will continue despite the vacancy. "Equity is not the responsibility of 1 individual or 1 office. It's the shared work of every member of our district," Smalene said. Board member Butler echoed that sentiment and said maintaining focus on equity was central to his decision to serve on the board.

Why it matters: The director of equity is an administrative role focused on programs and policies designed to advance equitable student access and outcomes. A leadership vacancy can affect ongoing equity initiatives and may require interim assignments or recruitment steps to maintain services.

Details and context: Smalene described the district’s ongoing work—school improvement plans, department goals, and summer leadership development—that he said would continue under district leadership. The transcript records appreciation for Simmons’s service and an explicit statement that the district’s efforts "to ensure that every student has access to the opportunities, resources, and support they need to thrive will continue with the same focus and urgency." No timeline for hiring a replacement or interim assignment was provided during the meeting.

Ending: The board reaffirmed its commitment to equity work in the absence of a director; the transcript does not record a formal vote or hiring action related to the resignation during this meeting.