Dear Brighton Families,

I am writing to inform you that Mrs. Evans will be leaving her position as principal at French Road Elementary School to become the Chief of Staff for the Rochester City School District. She will rejoin RCSD on March 6. Although we’re sad to lose Mrs. Evans, we couldn’t be more proud of her. This presents her with a very unique opportunity to have a profound impact on the system where she was a student and most recently, a highly successful principal. We could not be more grateful for the impact that Mrs. Evans has had since joining the District last summer. Although short in time, her tenure will have a long impact and for that we are indebted. Mrs. Evans’ letter to the FRES community is included below.

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Allision Rioux will be rejoining FRES as the interim principal until a new principal is selected. Dr. Rioux served as the FRES principal from 2017 to 2021. A search process will begin immediately. We anticipate the new principal’s start date will be no later than July 1, 2023. We are grateful to Dr. Rioux for her willingness to return to FRES.

Transitions in leadership are never easy or simple. Please be assured that the leadership team of Dr. Rioux and Ms. Flores will do an excellent job in supporting the students, families, and staff at FRES. They will be provided with all of the support and resources they need from our team throughout the District. Most importantly, FRES students will continue to be in their care and the care of a very special staff who will stop at nothing to make sure that every day is great for our students.

Thank you for your patience and support. As always, please feel free to contact me if you have questions, comments or concerns.

Kevin McGowan, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

Dear FRES Staff and Families,

With a heavy heart, I write to inform you that my last day at FRES will be March 5, 2023. I can assure you that this was not something I planned for or expected to happen so soon. When hired last July, my goal was to become an integral part of growing our community in vibrant and inclusive ways. However, life can be unpredictable, and I have been called to provide leadership in a new capacity. I am honored to share that I have been appointed Chief of Staff for the Rochester City School District.

Although, my time was short at FRES, together we were on a journey to ensure that every member of the community felt connected and to ensure all voices are always heard. My hope is that my practice of caring for every child, every family, and every staff member was felt. This isn’t goodbye, because I will continue to be an active member in the Brighton community, as my two children are students here.

I cannot say thank you enough for all the love and support that I have received. I could not have asked for a more supportive leadership team under the direction of Dr. McGowan. Thank you to the entire FRES community — teachers, staff, students, and families for trusting me as a leader.

With deep gratitude and appreciation,

LaShara Evans