Yonkers schools open year with interim superintendent: 'Go out and follow your dream'

Staff reports
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Yonkers Public Schools, the state's fourth largest school system, opened its new school year on Thursday with an interim superintendent at the helm.

Luis Rodriguez, previously the school district's assistant superintendent for special education and pupil support services, became the interim chief Aug. 1, after longtime Superintendent Edwin Quezada left the district.

Principal Edward DeChent directs students on the first day of school at Roosevelt High School Ð Early College Studies Sept. 7, 2023.
Principal Edward DeChent directs students on the first day of school at Roosevelt High School Ð Early College Studies Sept. 7, 2023.

Rodriguez told a group of mostly immigrant students at Roosevelt High School – Early College Studies, representing more than 20 countries, that they are a microcosm of their new city and country.

"Not only are we excited that you're here, but we are blessed by your presence," he told students in the school's 'Global Academy,' which serves recent immigrants. "I urge you to take advantage of all of the things that will be available to you in terms of supports, in terms of counseling, in terms of guidance from your teachers and your colleagues as well. We want you to be active partners with us in creating the kind of lives, academic and social, for yourselves that you feel you need in order to realize your potential."

Search for new Yonkers superintendent underway

The board of education has started a search for a new superintendent, hiring a search firm, Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates, to lead the process. In-person and virtual forums have been scheduled this month for community members to share their priorities and thoughts regarding the hiring of a new superintendent.

Interim Superintendent of Schools Luis Rodriguez, left, welcomes students to the new year at Roosevelt High School - Early College Studies Sept. 7 , 2023 in Yonkers. Councilman Anthony Merante, center, and Board of Education President Rev. Steve Lopez look on.
Interim Superintendent of Schools Luis Rodriguez, left, welcomes students to the new year at Roosevelt High School - Early College Studies Sept. 7 , 2023 in Yonkers. Councilman Anthony Merante, center, and Board of Education President Rev. Steve Lopez look on.

Quezada, who rose up through the Yonkers schools after his hiring as a human relations facilitator in 1998, became permanent superintendent in March 2016. He is now executive director of the Philadelphia Academy of School Leaders.

Rodriguez had been an assistant superintendent in Yonkers for nine years. He was previously New York City Department of Education's director of special education instruction/school achievement coach for the Children First Network – 411. His contract as interim superintendent runs through July 31, 2024.

Mary Ryan, a classroom aide, helps students find their classrooms on the first day of school at Roosevelt High School Ð Early College Studies Sept. 7, 2023.
Mary Ryan, a classroom aide, helps students find their classrooms on the first day of school at Roosevelt High School Ð Early College Studies Sept. 7, 2023.

Rodriguez told a class of seniors to follow their dreams, "no matter how audacious" they may be.

"We need you, your city needs you, your country needs you, to provide the leadership that will continue to keep America the great nation that it is," he said. "So go out and follow your dream. It begins here. It begins today."

The Yonkers Public Schools have about 24,000 students.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Yonkers NY schools open new year with interim superintendent