Syracuse Mayor Sharon F. Owens announced the appointment of a replacement to the City of Syracuse Board of Education following the recent vacancy. In accordance with Education Law Section 2553(6), Mayor Owens has selected Desire K. Ndagijimana to serve in this interim capacity.”
We are grateful for Mr. Ndagijimana’s willingness to step in and support the district during this transition,” said Mayor Owens. “His appointment will help ensure stability and continuity as the Board continues its important work on behalf of our community. Mr. Ndagijimana’s personal experience growing up in a refugee camp, combined with his professional background supporting community members with disabilities and mental health needs, brings meaningful representation to students and families in our district whose lives have followed similar paths.”
“I am deeply honored by Mayor Sharon Owens’ trust in appointing me to serve on the Syracuse City School District Board of Education. I have always believed that education is the great equalizer, and I look forward to working with my fellow commissioners, educators, teachers, parents, guardians, and community partners to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed,” said Desire K. Ndagijimana. “My journey reflects the transformative power of education and the opportunity this community provides. I accept this appointment with humility and gratitude, and it is a mission I am proud to advance in service of the students, families, and community of Syracuse. This community invested in me and gave me a place to call home, and now it is my time to give back.”
This appointment ensures that the Board can continue its work without interruption and remain fully representative as it carries out its responsibilities on behalf of our students, families, and community. The appointee will serve until a permanent member is selected during the next election cycle.
Desire K. Nadgijimana Biography
Desire Ndagijimana was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In 1996, when he was three years old, his family fled civil war and sought refuge in neighboring Uganda. They spent 20 years living in Nakivale Refugee Settlement in western Uganda before being resettled in the United States.
Desire came to Syracuse through the U.S. refugee resettlement program with the support of InterFaith Works. Today, he is a resident of the Hawley–Green neighborhood and is committed to serving the Syracuse community.
He is a graduate of Onondaga Community College and works as a Community Support Specialist supporting individuals with mental health challenges and disabilities.
Desire also serves as a board member and Secretary of the Citizen Review Board (CRB) for the City of Syracuse, where he works to promote transparency, accountability, and community trust.
In addition, he is a member of the Onondaga County Democratic Committee representing the 13th Ward.
His journey—from growing up in a refugee camp to serving his community in Syracuse—reflects his deep belief in the power of education, opportunity, and public service