Dr. Carlos M. Cotto, Jr. was selected to serve as Schenectady City School District Superintendent of Schools beginning May 1, 2024. The board of education approved his appointment at a meeting on March 6, 2024. [Announcement]
Cotto has been serving as Assistant Superintendent of Innovation, Equity, and Engagement for Schenectady Schools since 2021. Since coming to Schenectady, he has garnered resources and successfully led the implementation of many programs designed to ensure opportunity, access, and support for students, families, and the Schenectady community.
Cotto came to Schenectady from the Rochester City School District where he was the principal of Enrico Fermi School No. 17. Prior to this role, he served as executive director of health, physical education, and athletics since 2008. He oversaw all aspects of interscholastic sports, physical education, and health programs for the Rochester City School District, which consists of 52 schools and approximately 30,000 students. Under his leadership, interscholastic programming increased by 25% and Rochester sports produced more than 50 sectional champions. Cotto has been instrumental in creating partnerships with the city of Rochester and youth community organizations, to increase access and opportunities for youth across the Rochester area.
Cotto is a member of the Latino Educational Task Force of La Cumbre, a member of the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS), a national organization that advocates for Latinos and Latino educators, regional director and secretary for the New York State Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents, member of a community Latino Leaders. Roundtable, an active member of Rochester’s My Brother’s Keeper initiative and a member of the New York State Athletic Association and New York State Championship Advisory Committee.
As assistant superintendent of innovation, equity, and engagement, Cotto serves as a key member of the superintendent’s cabinet. He is responsible for implementation of key district-wide priorities and initiatives and serves as a change agent. Among his responsibilities, Cotto administers the district’s athletic programs, oversees the adult and continuing education programs and works with community groups and organizations. He is also responsible for establishing and leading the implementation of parent centers and a community schools’ strategy, promoting the district’s equity, diversity and inclusion goals, addressing culture and climate matters, working to recruit and create a pipeline of diverse applications, and leading various initiatives including My Brother’s Keeper.
Cotto earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Springfield College, Master of Science in Educational Administration from St. John Fisher College, and a Doctoral Degree in Executive Leadership at St. Fisher College.
