Dear Colleagues,
After an intensive and competitive process, it gives me great pleasure to announce the three outstanding leaders we have selected as the Chiefs of School Support for the Division of School Leadership. As previously noted, these individuals will assist me in developing district instructional leadership that accelerate learning for all students. Please join me in welcoming and congratulating the following individuals: Danika Rux, Ed.D. will serve as Chief of School Support, Elementary and Middle Schools. With over 25 years of educational experience, Dr. Rux has a proven record of demonstrating success by modeling exemplary practices in various leadership positions. As Executive Superintendent, Dr. Rux cultivated relationships to create pathways for district leaders and developed action plans to strengthen curricular, instructional, and assessment practices throughout the borough of Manhattan. As the Community Superintendent of District 5, she mentored numerous aspiring school leaders and responded to specific needs of her community in the spirit of comprehensive school support. We look forward to Dr. Rux bringing her experienced leadership to this position. Dr. Rux will start in this new role on April 18, and she will continue to support the Manhattan Borough Office and superintendents until June 30. Lawrence Pendergast will serve as Chief of School Support, Elementary and Middle Schools. With over 30 years working in and with New York City schools, Lawrence has a demonstrated track record of improving student outcomes. He started his career as a middle school teacher, before serving as a high school teacher in the Bronx and a principal in Manhattan. As Executive Superintendent of Queens North, Lawrence was responsible for operational and instructional support for 163 schools serving grades Pre-K through 12, before taking on the role of Deputy Chief Academic Officer in the Division of Teaching and Learning. He brings a deep appreciation and understanding of our city and the commitments we have made to all of our students and families. We are grateful to leverage his educational expertise and wealth of knowledge about our schools as we strive to improve academic outcomes in our school communities. Lawrence will start in this new role on April 18. Dr. Rux and Mr. Pendergast will share responsibilities supporting our system of 32 community school districts. Elaine Lindsey, Ph.D. will serve as Chief of School Support, High Schools. Dr. Lindsey was educated in the NYC public school system and brings 34 years of educational leadership to this position, half of which was spent as a high school principal and high school superintendent. As the superintendent of Queens North High Schools, Dr. Lindsey has demonstrated an ability to increase performance across numerous areas, including graduation rates and access to AP courses. As a high school superintendent, Dr. Lindsey built strong relationships throughout her community and was recognized for her implementation of the My Brother’s/Sister’s Keeper program in which other districts modeled their own programs. We are eager to utilize the skills and knowledge Dr. Lindsey will bring to this role to strengthen the unique high school environments we offer our students. Elaine will start in this new role on April 25. Effective April 25, Lenneen Gibson will serve as Acting Superintendent of Queens North High Schools while we complete the citywide superintendent rehiring process. Ms. Gibson has served as the Deputy Superintendent of Queens North High Schools since August 2020. The Chiefs of School Support will be working in concert with:
- Jawana Johnson, Ph.D., our Chief of School Culture, Climate, and Well-Being, leading all initiatives related to student wellness and school climate, as well, as working on equity-focused programming in schools;
- Jose Ruiz, our Chief of School Finance and Human Resources, leading strategic financial and human resources support to schools and overseeing the teams managing all aspects of finance and human resources for our central division, BCO and superintendent teams;
- Sandra Lo, our Chief of Staff, providing high-level support to the Deputy Chancellor of School Leadership and coordinating various divisional strategic initiatives.
I am excited for the collaborative work these Chiefs will bring to their leadership roles.The combined years of educational experience and institutional knowledge that the above individuals bring to their roles will ensure our aligned actions to improve our system are effective as we move through this new phase of leadership and learning together.
With appreciation,
Desmond K. Blackburn, Ph.D.
Deputy Chancellor of School Leadership