Dr. Donna DeSiato, a respected leader in the field of public education, proudly serves as superintendent of the East Syracuse Minoa Central School District since 2005. She has previously served as the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instructional Services, Director of Elementary Education, principal, vice principal, instructional specialist and teacher in the Syracuse City School District. Dr. DeSiato’s professional experiences include building, district and state level leadership in building collaborative partnerships, strategic planning and leading systemic transformation in learning. ESM is recognized for developing a broad array of career pathways including innovative STEM learning models in partnership with business and higher education with Siemens, King & King Architects, SUNY ESF, LeMoyne College, Syracuse University and Onondaga Community College, along with the study of the development of pharmaceutical drugs through RχeSearch: An Educational Journey supported by Bristol Myers Squibb. In 2018-19 ESM launched the first Aviation Career Pathway High School Courses in New York State and the ESM Spartan Academy as one of 19 Early College High Schools in New York State. In 2013 the District was awarded the “Be the Change for Kids Innovation Award” by the Nanoscale College of Science and Engineering and New York State School Board Association and in 2015 ESM was recognized nationally at the White House as one of the first STEM Learning Ecosystems. Dr. DeSiato is a Trustee at Onondaga Community College, President of the Syracuse University Study Council and serves on the Executive Committee of the New York State Council of School Superintendents and the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority. Dr. DeSiato was awarded the 2015 Margaret Ashida STEM Leadership Award by the New York State STEM Education Collaborative, the STEM Woman of the Year Award by the CNY STEM Hub in 2016 and the STEM Outreach Individual of the Year 2020 Award by Technology Alliance of Central New York (TACNY). Most recently Dr. DeSiato was named the 2021-2022 New York State Superintendent of the Year by the New York State Council of School Superintendents. She is highly regarded in education and in the business community for her leadership in innovative learning models and preparing graduates for our global society.
