To the Editor:
I read with interest how some may believe the Syracuse City School Board should have launched a national search for a new superintendent (“Syracuse school board should have conducted rigorous search for new leader,” Sept. 20, 2025). But to me, that would have been a costly distraction from what truly matters. A search like that comes with consultant fees, travel costs and months of time and energy that could be better spent supporting the students and families.
We already have a leader who has proven her commitment to this district. Pam Odom not only graduated from Nottingham, but she has also dedicated her entire career to the Syracuse City School District. That matters. She knows our schools, our challenges, our strengths, and most importantly, our children. This isn’t just a job for her, it’s personal. Her heart is here.
Choosing an internal candidate brings stability and continuity. It means no learning curve, no delays and no risk of someone using Syracuse as a stepping stone. Our families need someone who is invested for the long haul, not until a “better” offer comes along.
At the end of the day, families want results, not pageantry. By promoting from within, the board honors proven dedication, conserves precious resources, and keeps the focus where it belongs: on educating our children. As a mother with two students in the district, I believe that sometimes the strongest choice isn’t the one we search the farthest to find, it’s the one who’s been standing with us all along.
Aricka Jones
Syracuse