Nicolle L. Haynes

Nicolle L. Haynes returned to Rochester as the Executive Director of Equity, Inclusion and Curriculum Program Audit, after serving as a Principal and Director of School Culture and Climate in the Syracuse City School District (SCSD). With over 30 years of experience as an educator, she started her career in the RCSD as a mathematics teacher and served in a variety of Director & Executive Director positions in Teaching and Learning, Bilingual/ESL Accountability, Parent Engagement, and Early Childhood programs.

Ms. Haynes served as a Math and Technology Chairperson in the New Rochelle City School District and as an Assistant Principal and Math Coach in the Harlem Children’s Zone, where she gained rich experiences in leadership, curriculum development, and coaching teachers.

In her role as SCSD’s Director of School Culture and Climate, she provided guidance and support to leaders in building processes and procedures to develop vibrant and supportive school cultures. In addition, review of the discipline data in the Director position led to her collaboratively designing a K-8 alternative/progressive learning environment and becoming founding Principal. As principal she worked closely with students, families, and staff to ensure trauma-informed support, social emotional skill development, and tiered supports. This led to increased attendance, increased academic productivity, and decreased disciplinary infractions.

Ms. Haynes earned a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics and a master’s degree in secondary mathematics education from the University of Rochester, a master’s degree in strategic leadership from Roberts Wesleyan College, a master’s degree in educational administration from St. John Fisher College, and she completed her studies toward a doctorate degree (ABD, May 2025) in executive leadership from Manhattanville College. Ms. Haynes is the proud parent of three RCSD School of the Arts graduates.