Superintendent Pamela J. Odom

Pamela J. Odom serves as Superintendent of the Syracuse City School District, bringing a lifetime of dedication to the city and its students. A proud Nottingham High School alumna, Ms. Odom’s journey has come full circle, returning to the same district that shaped her own educational foundation.

Over her 30-plus years within the Syracuse City School District she has a sustained commitment to fostering student growth and promoting academic excellence.  Her tenure with the district offers years of progressive supervisory expertise that includes innovative approaches for increasing student academic achievement, a proven record of diligently pursuing creative avenues to raise student educational attainment, and a sustained commitment toward improving overall school performance.  

Ms. Odom has held multiple leadership roles within the district, including Deputy Superintendent and Executive Director of Secondary Schools. Her leadership has consistently centered on equity, student empowerment, and academic achievement. Ms. Odom has been a driving force behind initiatives that expand access to advanced coursework, strengthen social-emotional support, and deepen community-school partnerships across Syracuse.

Appointed Superintendent in 2025, Ms. Odom steps into this role with deep gratitude and a clear vision, to ensure that every student, in every neighborhood, can succeed. She believes in leading collaboratively by engaging educators, families, and community partners as essential voices in shaping the district’s future.

Ms. Odom holds a permanent certification as a School District Administrator, as well as a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Educational Administration from Syracuse University; a Master of Science degree in Reading Education from SUNY Oswego; and a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from St. John’s University.

In addition to her professional career, Ms. Odom serves on the Onondaga County Health Advisory Board, Hillside Advisory Council, Blueprint 15 Board, and the Crouse Hospital Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Advisory Board.