Our Board of Education appointed three administrators at Thursday night’s board meeting, including two who will replace staff members who are retiring. The new administrators are:

• Claire Hamilton, Assistant Principal, Dake Jr. HS
• Tyler Johnson, Executive Director of Operations, District-wide
• Kyra Stephenson, Director of Helmer Nature Center

All three are scheduled to start on July 1. Please join us in welcoming them! Read more about each below.

Claire Hamilton, Assistant Principal, Dake Jr. HS
An Irondequoit native with a diverse teaching background over a 24-year career, Ms. Hamilton joined our district in 2017. At Dake, she replaces Dr. Joyce Akwaa. Ms. Hamilton taught at Iroquois and Rogers middle schools and this year served as the Lead Teacher for Briarwood and Colebrook schools.

“I am excited Claire is joining our team,” said Dake Principal, Mr. Tim Baker. “She brings a deep commitment to culturally relevant, transdisciplinary practices and has a proven track record as a school leader. I had the pleasure of meeting her this year while working on our Code of Conduct committee, and just her thoughtfulness during these discussions told me what kind of leader she is. Her dedication, grit and skillset will serve our Dakers and her colleagues well.”

A 1998 Eastridge graduate, she earned a degree in International Relations and Art History from Stonehill College in Easton, Mass., and owns master’s degrees from the University of Georgia in Social Studies and the University of Rochester in Childhood Education. She also earned her certificate for Educational Leadership from SUNY Fredonia.

Her career began in 2002 outside Atlanta, teaching refugee and immigrant children. She then taught third grade in Switzerland and Brazil for five years before coming home and joining our district, where she also has served for three years as a Humanities Teacher on Special Assignment.

Ms. Hamilton and her husband, Tim, live in East Irondequoit with their daughter, who is in second grade. The family also includes a rescue pup. “I love West Irondequoit for the diversity of its community, commitment to constant improvement, wide array of opportunities for kids and the chance it has always afforded me to try new things,” Ms. Hamilton said. “I can’t wait to get started at Dake!”

Tyler Johnson, Executive Director of Operations
Mr. Johnson joins us after more than six years serving in facilities leadership roles at two local school districts. He succeeds Mr. John Conti, who is retiring after 30 years in our district.

Most recently, Mr. Johnson has been the Director of Facilities for the Palmyra-Macedon CSD since 2022, overseeing seven buildings and more than 100 acres of property. Prior to that, he served as Director of Maintenance and Facilities for Allendale-Columbia School in Rochester. Mr. Johnson also worked for nearly eight years as a Maintenance Mechanic I with the East Irondequoit CSD and served as a Property Manager for the Girl Scouts of WNY.

“Tyler Johnson brings a rare combination of experience, heart, and action to the role of Executive Director of Operations,” said Superintendent, Aaron Johnson. “Known for his creativity, problem-solving, and boots-on-the-ground approach, he is exceptionally well-positioned to lead with both purpose and impact.”

A 2003 Penfield HS graduate, Mr. Johnson began his career as a firefighter, advancing to 3rd Captain with the Penfield Fire Company. He earned an Associate Degree in Applied Science in Fire Protection Technology from Monroe Community College, a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management from Roberts Wesleyan University and completed HVAC training and EPA certification at Monroe BOCES I. He resides in Webster with his partner, Erica, and their four children, ages 11 to 17.

Kyra Stephenson, Director of Helmer Nature Center
An Irondequoit resident since 2010, brings with her a deep passion for nature-based learning, educational equity, and community connection. She replaces Karen Mazzola, who has served that role for 17 years.

“A respected, nature-based local educator who has built a rigorous and inspiring program, Mrs. Stevenson brings a deep understanding of the Irondequoit community she calls home,” Superintendent Johnson said. “Her leadership reflects both expertise and authenticity, making her a natural fit to guide and grow this important work.”

Mrs. Stephenson grew up outside of Philadelphia and earned her undergraduate degree from George Mason University in Integrative Studies, with a focus on conservation and education. Her journey to the Rochester area began with her involvement in the Trumpeter Swan Migration Project, an experience that helped shape her commitment to environmental education. She later attended the University of Rochester, where she earned a Master’s degree in Science Education.

Mrs. Stephenson is a NYS Master Teacher Emeritus and has spent many years working in education and nature-based learning, dedicating her career to helping young people build meaningful connections with the natural world. Her career began as a science teacher at a charter school in Rochester. After six years there, Mrs. Stephenson taught biology, earth science and middle school science in the Greece CSD for nine years. She left that position in 2022 to become a Nature-Based Learning Coach for the Rochester City School District. She is excited that her professional life is intersecting with her personal life (two of her children are Irondequoit High School graduates).

“Helmer Nature Center has been a special place for our family since we moved to Irondequoit in 2011, which makes this opportunity especially meaningful to me,” she said. “I am passionate about equity and access for all children to build meaningful relationships with the natural world. I believe deeply that growth is rooted in connection with nature, community, and a sense of belonging.”

Her family includes husband, Scott Stephenson and their three children: Garrett (IHS Class of 2020), Emmalynn (IHS Class of 2025), and Brendan (Hilton HS Class of 2023). The family also includes two rescue dogs, two tortoises and a corn snake named, Wiggles.