Dr. Carlos M. Cotto, Jr. is named Superintendent of Schenectady Schools

The Schenectady City School District Board of Education announced at a press conference on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, that Dr. Carlos M. Cotto, Jr. has been selected to serve as the Schenectady City School District Superintendent of Schools effective May 1, 2024. The board of education approved his appointment at the meeting Wednesday evening.

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. Prior to coming to Schenectady, Cotto served as executive director of health, physical education, and athletics in Rochester City School District since 2008.

“I am deeply honored, blessed and excited to accept the position of superintendent,” said Cotto. “Thank you to the Board of Education for their thoughtful consideration and for entrusting me with this important leadership role. Cotto recognized and thanked faculty and staff, parents, guardians, and families and students. He said “students are the heart of everything we do. Your dreams, aspirations, and your potential are what drive us forward each and every day. I am committed to creating learning experiences that are engaging, challenging and meaningful and to providing you with opportunities and support you need to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.” Cotto added, “I am confident that together, we will achieve great things for our students, and community.”

“The Board of Education believes Dr. Cotto is the ideal Superintendent to continue leading Schenectady in a positive and impactful direction,” said Bernice Rivera, President of the Schenectady City School District Board of Education. “With over 25 years of educational experience and with 23 years at one of New York State’s largest, complex, and diverse city school districts (Rochester), Dr. Cotto has experienced and understands the realities and the incredible assets of diverse small urban districts like Schenectady.”

Rivera added that over the last three years Cotto has been a strong and dedicated leader to the Schenectady community and families. “Dr. Cotto exemplifies the qualities our community members shared they want and need from the next superintendent,” said Rivera, noting “commitment, dedication, passion for our young people, the belief that Schenectady is amazing with so many possibilities, has high expectations for our young people, understands the importance of school culture and climate and so much more.”

“The board is thrilled for this new journey to collaborate and partner with our new superintendent, Dr. Carlos M. Cotto, Jr.” said Rivera.

Photo: From Superintendent Announcement Press Conference

Under Cotto’s leadership, Schenectady successfully relaunched and expanded the “My Brother’s Keeper” (MBK) initiative, which addresses persistent opportunity gaps faced by boys and young men of color. In November 2022, the district’s application to join the New York State MBK Community was approved.

In December 2022, Cotto launched a “Community Schools” initiative, which includes 150 community partners, providing an array of resources and services for students and families. He continues to successfully build partnerships with community agencies, colleges, healthcare service providers, faith-based institutions, and businesses. Cotto also led the transition from the weekend backpack food program to in-school food pantries across the district serving all families with increased access to food. Under his leadership, the district launched the “Farm to School” program which includes a coalition of community members and serves district families.

Cotto facilitated the adoption of the “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” (DEI) policy and continues to lead the DEI assessment and continued work across the district. He is also leading the implementation of the district wide “Wellness policy.” He co-facilitates “SchenEquity,” a large community collaboration supporting DEI efforts across Schenectady city and county. Cotto led the development of summer, weekend, and recess STEAM camps for students as well as the expansion of the district’s Summer Enrichment Program, which provides academic and enrichment programming to more than 1,800 students at eleven schools. Schenectady athletic opportunities for students also expanded under Cotto’s leadership with the addition of modified boys’ and girls’ teams and the new eSport Center at Schenectady High School.

Cotto also spearheaded efforts to prioritize and increase access to district facilities for Schenectady students, families, and community organizations. Organizations that widely support Schenectady students now have free access and usage of district facilities.

Programs such as “Future Athletes” elementary track meet, “Grow Our Own” lifeguard certification program, and “Learn to Swim” community and physical education programs were launched under Cotto’s leadership. Schenectady also held the “2nd Annual Special Olympics” event for elementary and secondary students at Union College.

Cotto played a role in developing partnerships and providing student access to many youth leadership, advocacy, and empowerment clubs including “Elevating Student Voice,” “NAACP Youth Advisory,” “Teachers of Tomorrow College, Career, Entrepreneurship, Skills Trade and Workforce Development Club,” “Teachers of Color” partnership with Empire College, “Teach Brother Teach,” “Schenectady Promise” with SUNY Schenectady and Ellis Healthcare, youth employment partnerships with Schenectady Connects, and college and career coaches at the high school level.

Cotto currently oversees the student registration process and was instrumental in the development and the launch of the new Family and Community Engagement Center (FACE) at Liberty St. Under his leadership, parent liaison positions have been increased to full-time positions, and” Parent University” has been established.

Cotto led the expansion of adult and continuing education in Schenectady. The “Schenectady Workforce Development Taskforce” was established, and GED graduation is now aligned to expanded experiences, opportunities, and resources. Programs are expanded across the city utilizing community schools and community sites.

Cotto made it his mission to immerse himself in the school community and build connections and relationships with faculty and staff, students, families, residents and the many organizations and agencies that serve Schenectady. He sits on more than 30 committees across the district, city, and state. He continues to garner many resources and community support.

Cotto came to Schenectady with a strong resume and success building programs, partnerships, and community collaboration. In addition to expanding the athletic program in Rochester schools, Cotto was instrumental in creating partnerships with the City of Rochester and youth community organization which led to increased access and opportunities for youth across the Rochester area.

He is a member of the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS), regional director for the New York State Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents, an active member of My Brother’s Keeper initiative and a member of the New York State Athletic Association and New York State Championship Advisory and DEI Committee. Cotto is a recent graduate of the AASA Aspiring Superintendents Academy for Latino and Latina Leaders and is currently in the Deeper Learning Equity Fellowship.

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.

Cotto is married, has three children and one grandson.

Cotto played a role in developing partnerships and providing student access to many youth leadership, advocacy, and empowerment clubs including “Elevating Student Voice,” “NAACP Youth Advisory,” “Teachers of Tomorrow College, Career, Entrepreneurship, Skills Trade and Workforce Development Club,” “Teachers of Color” partnership with Empire College, “Teach Brother Teach,” “Schenectady Promise” with SUNY Schenectady and Ellis Healthcare, youth employment partnerships with Schenectady Connects, and college and career coaches at the high school level. Cotto currently oversees the student registration process and was instrumental in the development and the launch of the new Family and Community Engagement Center (FACE) at Liberty St. Under his leadership, parent liaison positions have been increased to full-time positions, and” Parent University” has been established. Cotto led the expansion of adult and continuing education in Schenectady. The “Schenectady Workforce Development Taskforce” was established, and GED graduation is now aligned to expanded experiences, opportunities, and resources. Programs are expanded across the city utilizing community schools and community sites. Cotto made it his mission to immerse himself in the school community and build connections and relationships with faculty and staff, students, families, residents and the many organizations and agencies that serve Schenectady. He sits on more than 30 committees across the district, city, and state. He continues to garner many resources and community support. Cotto came to Schenectady with a strong resume and success building programs, partnerships, and community collaboration. In addition to expanding the athletic program in Rochester schools, Cotto was instrumental in creating partnerships with the City of Rochester and youth community organization which led to increased access and opportunities for youth across the Rochester area. He is a member of the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS), regional director for the New York State Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents, an active member of My Brother’s Keeper initiative and a member of the New York State Athletic Association and New York State Championship Advisory and DEI Committee. Cotto is a recent graduate of the AASA Aspiring Superintendents Academy for Latino and Latina Leaders and is currently in the Deeper Learning Equity Fellowship. 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. Cotto is married, has three children and one grandson.

Photos from the Superintendent Announcement Press Conference th Empire College, “Teach Brother Teach,” “Schenectady Promise” with SUNY Schenectady and Ellis Healthcare, youth employment partnerships with Schenectady Connects, and college and career coaches at the high school level. Cotto currently oversees the student registration process and was instrumental in the development and the launch of the new Family and Community Engagement Center (FACE) at Liberty St. Under his leadership, parent liaison positions have been increased to full-time positions, and” Parent University” has been established. Cotto led the expansion of adult and continuing education in Schenectady. The “Schenectady Workforce Development Taskforce” was established, and GED graduation is now aligned to expanded experiences, opportunities, and resources. Programs are expanded across the city utilizing community schools and community sites. Cotto made it his mission to immerse himself in the school community and build connections and relationships with faculty and staff, students, families, residents and the many organizations and agencies that serve Schenectady. He sits on more than 30 committees across the district, city, and state. He continues to garner many resources and community support. Cotto came to Schenectady with a strong resume and success building programs, partnerships, and community collaboration. In addition to expanding the athletic program in Rochester schools, Cotto was instrumental in creating partnerships with the City of Rochester and youth community organization which led to increased access and opportunities for youth across the Rochester area. He is a member of the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS), regional director for the New York State Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents, an active member of My Brother’s Keeper initiative and a member of the New York State Athletic Association and New York State Championship Advisory and DEI Committee. Cotto is a recent graduate of the AASA Aspiring Superintendents Academy for Latino and Latina Leaders and is currently in the Deeper Learning Equity Fellowship. 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. Cotto is married, has three children and one grandson.

Photo from the Superintendent Announcement Press Conference