Pittsford Schools Superintendent Michael Pero Announces Retirement Date
Shana Cutaia Named New Superintendent

With over 30 years of service with the Pittsford Central School District (PCSD), Superintendent Michael Pero has announced his retirement. His last official day as Superintendent will be December 1, 2025. He has agreed to stay on through January as a Deputy Superintendent to assist with the transition and oversee the Business Office while the Assistant Superintendent of Business is on medical leave.

Pero began his career with PCSD in 1994 as a health educator at Pittsford Middle School. He later became assistant principal, then served as principal of Barker Road Middle School, assistant superintendent for human resources, and was appointed superintendent in 2013.

“Mr. Pero is a compassionate leader who has steadfastly championed our District’s mission, vision, and values throughout his tenure,” said Robin Scott, President of the Pittsford Board of Education. “We thank him for his skilled leadership and unwavering dedication to the students and staff of Pittsford Schools. The entire Board of Education wishes him good health and happiness in his well-deserved retirement.”

The Board of Education has named Shana Cutaia as the next Superintendent of PCSD. She will officially assume the role on December 1, 2025, allowing for a brief transition period with Superintendent Pero.

Cutaia began her career with the District in 2003 as a social studies teacher at Barker Road Middle School. She later became assistant principal at Brighton’s Twelve Corners Middle School before returning to Pittsford in 2014 as principal of Barker Road Middle School, a position she held until 2021. Under her leadership, the school was named a National School to Watch and the top middle school in Monroe County by the “Rochester Business Journal” during that time.

In 2021, Cutaia was appointed Director of Student Services, overseeing areas including health and safety, counseling, nursing services, and social-emotional support programs.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and Secondary Education from Nazareth University and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from St. John Fisher University. She also earned certifications in School District Administration from SUNY Brockport and Human Resources Management from Cornell University. Most recently, she participated in the Future Superintendent’s Academy (2023–2024) and Harvard University's “Civic Leadership in the Superintendency” program (2024).

Cutaia resides in Pittsford with her husband, Kevin, and their two daughters.

“I wholeheartedly support the Board’s appointment of Ms. Cutaia as Superintendent,” said Michael Pero. “She is a caring and focused leader who will guide PCSD confidently into the future with her institutional knowledge, talent, and expertise. I feel very confident leaving the District in her capable hands.”

“Superintendent Pero’s early retirement notice gave the Board the opportunity to conduct a thorough and deliberate hiring process,” added Robin Scott. “After exploring various options and consulting with search experts last summer and this spring, the Board interviewed and unanimously agreed to hire Ms. Cutaia. It was her exemplary body of work over time within PCSD that led the Board to this decision.

“The Board is confident that Ms. Cutaia is someone we know and trust to lead the District, uphold its values, and continue putting students first,” said Scott.

Succession planning and administrative hiring have been central to the strategic vision of PCSD. Over the past 18 months, the District has made significant strides in strengthening its leadership team, appointing new Assistant Superintendents for Instruction and Business, as well as new directors of Finance, Athletics, and Food Services. In addition, four new principals have joined Pittsford schools, bringing fresh perspectives and deep commitment to student success.

PCSD takes great pride in its ability to attract exceptional leaders from outside the organization while also fostering internal talent. By promoting capable and dedicated staff from within, the District not only builds leadership capacity but also preserves and leverages valuable institutional knowledge. This balanced approach supports continuity, innovation, and long-term success for our students and school community.