SCHENECTADY — Schenectady City School District Superintendent Anibal Soler Jr. has accepted a five-year contract to take over the superintendent post at Yonkers Public Schools, leaving Schenectady searching for his replacement two-and-a-half years after Soler arrived in the district.
Soler’s departure has left the Schenectady community in search of a new leader to continue the work that has been done to improve the district’s educational system. Mayor Gary McCarthy expressed his gratitude for Soler’s contributions and wished him well in his new role in Yonkers.
Soler will begin his new job on May 1, with the official signing a contract with the Yonkers district that will last through June 2028.
“It’s a loss for Schenectady and a boon for one of our sister communities,” Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy said on Wednesday.
Soler’s hire in Schenectady concluded a 14-month search to replace departing Superintendent Laurence Spring in July 2021, with McCarthy saying that he hopes the district can find Soler’s replacement in a timely manner.
“It’s an important position, and maybe they’ll be able to draw on some of the work that’s already been done to put it together to get a candidate in here,” McCarthy said.
The Schenectady Board of Education was set to meet at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday evening, with an executive session following the meeting to discuss the options for replacing Soler.
Board of Education President Bernice Rivera did not respond to requests for comment on Wednesday regarding Soler’s departure.
News of Soler’s departure comes eight months after Schenectady voters approved a $300 million capital project in May that will fund the renovation of district buildings through 2030.
The district showed modest gains in 2023 state tests scores for reading and math and the district reported in December that in the first quarter of the 2023-24 school year that the majority of students in grades 6-8 tested three or more grade levels below in math and reading standardized tests.
In 2021-22, zero eighth grade math students passed the state’s math test, with 11% passing the exam in 2022-23 state testing.
Soler’s $224,005 salary ranked the superintendent as the highest paid public employee in the city in 2023.
The Yonkers Board of Education voted 8-0 to approve Soler’s hire during a special meeting on Tuesday night, with Soler introduced to the Yonkers community in a press conference immediately following the board meeting.
The Yonkers district began its search in July to replace former Superintendent Edwin Quezada.
“It is a great honor and a privilege to be appointed as the Superintendent of Yonkers Public Schools,” Soler said on Tuesday. “I am deeply grateful to Mayor [Mike] Spano, the entire Board of Trustees, and the Yonkers community for their unanimous vote of confidence in my leadership. This appointment is a testament to the strength and collaboration of our trustees, reflecting our shared commitment to excellence in education. I am immensely excited about the future of Yonkers Public Schools. My primary focus will be on continuing to elevate our district, assuring that every student is provided with an exceptional education that equips them for success. Together, we will build on our strengths, embrace innovative approaches, and ensure that our district becomes a beacon of educational excellence.”
Soler served as the Superintendent of Batavia City Schools and an Assistant Superintendent at Buffalo Public Schools prior to his arrival in Schenectady.
“Our exhaustive national search has culminated in selecting a leader whose unparalleled experience in transforming urban school districts is a perfect match for our needs,” Yonkers School Board President Rev. Steve Lopez said after Soler’s appointment. “Mr. Soler’s exemplary track record in boosting student achievement and his deep commitment to community engagement embody the ideal qualities we sought for this pivotal role. His innovative leadership and visionary approaches are poised to make a profound impact on our students and the Yonkers community as a whole. We are united in our excitement and look forward to the positive changes his tenure will bring.”
No surprise here, Schenectady School District needs fresh leadership to address its persistent challenges. #TimeForChange
Agree: It’s essential for the Schenectady School District to find a highly qualified and committed new superintendent who can bring fresh ideas and effective strategies to tackle the challenges faced by the district.
Agree: It’s crucial for the Schenectady School District to find a qualified and dedicated superintendent who can bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to address the district’s challenges.