Rochester City SD Administrator Honored for Leadership in Education

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Ricky Frazier

ALBANY, NY (03/26/2020) (readMedia)-- Ricky Frazier, volunteer coordinator for the Rochester City School District, has been selected as the 2020 recipient of the Leadership and Support Award by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS). The SAANYS Leadership and Support Award was established to recognize the outstanding leadership efforts of those members whose responsibilities require leadership through support services to educators and students across and between buildings and districts.

Since joining the Rochester City SD in 2014, Frazier has been instrumental in the recruitment of more than 500 volunteers serving in various capacities throughout the district. A few of the projects he has implemented include a program where students of color from the University of Rochester serve as mentors to young males of color; recruiting an organization to bring therapy dogs into the schools for reading supports as well as social, emotional needs; working with Kodak for a donation of school supplies; and working with individual community members to donate gloves and hats. For the past several years, he has also served on the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) College Tour Committee, which distributed more than 3.5 million dollars in scholarships. Frazier organized a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Art) Day for students in which more than 30 companies and organizations participated. Commented Director of Strategic Community Partnerships Nydia Padilla-Rodriguez, "Due to his exceptional work with volunteers in the community, he was honored by an alum who donated funds to purchase books for high school students. His commitment to students, parents, and community go beyond the call of duty, ensuring that educational programs and community resources are made available to our district and student population. His exemplary leadership skills are admirable."

Frazier is also responsible for working with alumni groups visiting the district and is in the process of relaunching the RCSD alumni website that will highlight ways in which alumni can support the district. Frazier often suggests a community service project in conjunction with an alumni reunion event. In particular, the class of 1968 reunion had participants working on a service project planting blubs on campus. Commented participant Susan Blake Gabay, "Mr. Frazier was informative, friendly, and truly appeared to enjoy spending his Saturday morning with us. That morning, he even uncovered a plaque in front of the tree in the center of the courtyard that had one of our classmates honored for his ultimate sacrifice in the Vietnam War, among several on the plaque. One of our local classmates is thus planning to plant some more bulbs in front of the plaque. The amount of good will fostered in the community throughout the excellent work performance of Mr. Frazier cannot be measured."

Commented Early Childhood School of Rochester No. 57 Principal Eva J. Thomas, "Frazier continues to put the needs of others in the forefront. Not only is he an advocate for our students, but he never hesitates to offer his assistance to anyone in need. This has caused many school communities in our district to thrive and persevere because of his commitment to meeting the needs of children and families in the Rochester community."

Frazier received his associate degree in liberal studies from Monroe Community College and his bachelor of science in organizational management from Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, NY.

Frazier will be honored for his accomplishments at an awards ceremony at a later date.

SAANYS represents nearly 8,000 school administrators, supervisors, and coordinators. As a professional association, SAANYS is committed to providing direction, service, and support to the membership in their efforts to improve the quality of education and leadership in New York State schools. SAANYS is affiliated with the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

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