The “Distinguished Educator” named by the state to help turn around the Rochester school system attended his first school board meeting Thursday night. He was welcomed by some, but also faced activists who object to his being here.
Dr. Jamie Aquino’s directive from the State Education Department is to come up with a plan in 45 days to reverse Rochester’s problem with persistent low test scores and graduation rates. Aquino has worked in districts including Los Angeles, Denver and Hartford. His 45 days began Monday.
Aquino said he doesn’t know if he’s “distinguished” and doesn’t like that term. He calls himself “just a teacher” who’s here to help facilitate a conversation on making each school a place of academic excellence.
Education activist Howard Eagle called the “Distinguished Educator” a waste of money that should be used elsewhere while many students don’t even have books.