Yonkers schools superintendent previews 2025-26 school year
One of his top priorities for the year is implementing the district's new strategic plan called Yonkers 2030.
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The superintendent of a large school district in Westchester is sharing what's in store for students this upcoming academic year.
Yonkers Public Schools Superintendent Aníbal Soler Jr. is getting ready to welcome 24,000 students back to the classroom next week.
"Definitely excited and biggest advice is just being present, being on time and that's gonna, basically, clear the roadblock of a lot of challenges," Soler Jr. says.
One of his top priorities for the year is implementing the district's new strategic plan called Yonkers 2030.
"It focuses on three pillars—empowerment, advancement and engagement with our community and our stakeholders. And Yonkers 2030, we have specific goals, and one is to maintain and improve our graduation rate," Soler Jr. says.
Superintendent Soler says he also wants to streamline communication with a new app.
"You can see the feed, teachers, assignments, grades - all found in the parent portal," Soler Jr. says.
Another big topic for this upcoming school year is the cellphone ban.
"All of our kids will get a pouch, they'll be able to put their phone in the pouch, you know, prior to coming for the school day and they'll be able to secure the pouch. At the end of the day, they'll be able to literally hit on this magnet and open it," Soler Jr. says.
Soler Jr. says every student will get one pouch for free with an iPad or Chromebook.
"So, they can access learning, teachers can continue to incorporate technology to their instruction," Soler Jr. says.
The superintendent will host a virtual town hall meeting on Wednesday at 6 p.m. to discuss these new technology policies.
