At the July 19, 2023 Board of Education Stated Meeting, the Trustees unanimously appointed Dr. Luis Rodriguez Interim Superintendent of Schools effective August 1, 2023 and ending July 31, 2024. The Trustees have a contract with Hazard Young Attea & Associates (HYA) for professional services to expand the scope and community input in the search for a new superintendent of schools.
Board of Education President Rev. Steve Lopez on behalf of the Trustees congratulated Dr. Rodriguez on his new role noting, “We look forward to a successful collaboration as we continue to strive for the best for the Yonkers Public Schools community.” Dr. Rodriguez is currently Yonkers Public Schools Assistant Superintendent for Special Education and Pupil Support Services, the position he has held during his 9-year tenure with the school district.
Dr. Rodriguez, working collaboratively with Central Office and school personnel, embraces a vision to enrich the academic and social development of Yonkers students wherein all children succeed. Under his leadership, systems were initiated across Special Education and Pupil Support Services departments to improve efficiency, communications and to address regulatory citations.
Prior to joining Yonkers Public Schools, Dr. Rodriguez was New York City Department of Education Director of Special Education Instruction/School Achievement Coach for the Children First Network – 411 and a Special Education teacher. For 20 years, Dr. Rodriguez was Assistant Professor, Community & Prevention Medicine at New York Medical College in Valhalla, New York. In addition, he was an adjunct faculty member at Fordham University and Southern Connecticut State University.
Dr. Rodriguez holds a Juris Doctor, a Master of Science in Urban Leadership & Education and a Master of Public Health. He replaces Superintendent Dr. Edwin Quezada, who announced his retirement in Aprl after 25 years of service in the Yonkers Public Schools. Quezada’s retirement was effective July 3.
Mayor Mike Spano said, “Last night, the Yonkers Board of Education appointed Dr. Luis Rodriguez, Assistant Superintendent of Special Education and Pupil Support Services for our Yonkers Public Schools, as interim superintendent. The Navy veteran has been with our district for 9 years and I know he will continue to move our district forward as we search for a permanent replacement for Dr. Edwin Quezada, who retired after 25 years with the district. I look forward to successful collaborations and continued educational empowerment of our Yonkers Public Schools students.”