Leah Akinleye is Named Director of Innovation, Equity and Engagement
The Schenectady City School District is proud to announce the appointment of Leah Akinleye as the new Director of Innovation, Equity and Engagement. Her appointment was formally approved by the Board of Education on November 19, and she will officially transition into her new role on December 1, 2025.
Akinleye brings nearly two decades of dedicated experience in education, including 17 years of service within Schenectady, where she has been a consistent and strong advocate for student success, robust family engagement, and equitable access.
Akinleye has served as a pivotal leader in the district’s equity work since 2018, holding various administrative roles, including Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning, Assistant Director of Educational Equity and Instructional Support, Assistant Principal, and Engagement Dean.
During her tenure, she oversaw English as a New Language (ENL), World Language, Dual Language Bilingual Education and Culturally Responsive Education and has led districtwide initiatives such as the Seal of Biliteracy, the implementation of the first Dual Language Bilingual Education program in the Schenectady City School District and the expansion of the World Language Department. She also ensured state ENL compliance throughout the district for the past four years along with many other roles and responsibilities.
In her new role, Akinleye will focus on bolstering the district’s connections with the community. Her responsibilities will include supporting and strengthening community schools, parent liaisons, family engagement programming, key district partnerships, and youth activities. She will also play a key role in strengthening PTOs, afterschool programs, and advancing staff recruitment and retention efforts.
Akinleye will work closely with the Assistant Superintendent of Innovation, Equity and Engagement, to advance the district’s mission of providing an innovative and equitable educational experience for every student.
Akinleye earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from Manhattanville College and holds an Advanced Certificate in Building Level Educational Leadership (SBL) and School District Level Educational Leadership (SDL) from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.
The Schenectady City School District is excited to welcome Akinleye to this leadership role and looks forward to her continued dedication and commitment to the Schenectady community.
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