Syracuse City School District Announces Leadership Transition

The Syracuse City School District Board of Education President Tamica Barnett announced today that Superintendent Anthony Q. Davis Sr. will retire effective October 31, 2025. The Board of Education overwhelmingly selected the current Deputy Superintendent, Pamela Odom, to serve as the next Superintendent at its August 27, 2025 meeting.

In a message to staff, Davis wrote, “Serving the Syracuse City School District has been the honor of a lifetime. As a graduate of this very district, I took on this role with both pride and purpose. Over the last several years, we’ve weathered challenges, celebrated milestones, and most importantly, remained focused on the needs of our students and families. I’m confident the district is poised for continued growth, and I look forward to cheering it on from the sidelines.”

Davis, who has led the district since 2022, is credited with advancing student achievement, school safety, strengthening community partnerships and opening New York State’s first Regional STEAM High School.

“Superintendent Davis has been a transformational leader during a time of great change in public education,” said Board President Barnett. “His passion for equity, his calm leadership, and his deep roots in this community have left a lasting mark. We thank him for his service and vision.”

Incoming Superintendent Pamela Odom, a Nottingham graduate, veteran educator and leader in the SCSD, shared her appreciation and excitement for the future.

“I am incredibly honored and humbled to serve as the next Superintendent of the Syracuse City School District,” said Odom. “I want to thank the Board of Education for entrusting me with this opportunity and Superintendent Davis for his mentorship and unwavering dedication to our students. He has laid a strong foundation, and I am committed to continuing the work we’ve started; championing equity, empowering educators, and ensuring every child has the support they need to thrive.”

Odom will assume the role following Davis’s departure this fall.