Peekskill CSD Appoints Dr. David Mauricio as Next Superintendent

After an extensive search, the Peekskill Board of Education announced on Friday, April 6, that Dr. David Mauricio had been selected to serve as the district’s next Superintendent of Schools and Instructional Leader. Dr. Mauricio, who is currently serving as the Chief of Strategic Alignment and Innovation at Buffalo Schools, was officially appointed to the Peekskill position at a Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, April 10, 2018. He will replace Peekskill’s Interim Superintendent, Dr. Mary Keenan Foster and begin his three year contract effective July 1, 2018. Dr. Foster will return to her previous position as Peekskill’s Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education.

“I am very excited to join the Peekskill community,” Mauricio said. “During the interview process with the Board, staff and community leaders, it was clear that Peekskill is poised for greatness. I was extremely impressed with the community's diversity; the school board's commitment to the children, families and a focus on excellence; and the many wonderful things taking place in the district and the city.”

Prior to his appointment, Dr. Mauricio spent most of Tuesday touring Peekskill’s school buildings with District Consultant Dr. Lorenzo Licopoli. Dr. Mauricio was warmly greeted at each building with smiling faces. Some students even made signs welcoming him to the district.

“After visiting each of the schools today, I was extremely impressed by the brilliance and talent of our students, the dedication of our leadership, and our teachers and staff,” Dr. Mauricio said.

The district will host a welcoming reception in Dr. Mauricio’s honor on April 30 from 5-6:15 p.m. in the Peekskill Middle School Cafeteria. All members of the community are invited to attend. Additional details to follow.

More information on Dr. Mauricio is available in his complete biography below:

Dr. David Mauricio was born in New York City. He was raised by his mother and father, both of whom are Latinos. His father was born in the Dominican Republic to a large family. His mother was born in Puerto Rico. While his home was not financially wealthy, Mauricio’s life was rich in love, guidance, religion, a sense of family and a strong work ethic. His parents taught him to give to others and this virtue was evident in how the family lived. These realities and perspectives drove Dr. Mauricio to work hard in order to be successful in life. Many mentors and caring adults have assisted him throughout his entire life, leading him to become the person he is today.

Dr. Mauricio graduated from the New York City Public School system. He pursued his post-secondary education in Buffalo where he received the following degrees: BS in Ed., Special Education & Elementary Education from S.U.N.Y. College at Buffalo; MS in Ed., Bilingual Special Education from S.U.N.Y. College at Buffalo; Certificate of Advanced Study, School Administrator and Supervisor from S.U.N.Y. College at Buffalo; and Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University at Buffalo.

Dr. Mauricio began working in education in 1993 and has spent over 24 years serving Buffalo’s students in the following capacities: Special Education Teacher (Monolingual and Bilingual) at School #33; Educational Specialist, Committee on Special Education (CSE), Director and Supervisor of Special Education, Principal of Lorraine Elementary School, Principal of Bennett High School, Community Superintendent and most currently in his position as Chief of Strategic Alignment and Innovation.

Dr. Mauricio is also extremely committed to the betterment of the communities he works with, and has received numerous community awards and recognitions for his efforts and achievements including, but not limited to the following: the Outstanding Leadership Award for Men of Integrity from Utopia Euphoria, LLC, the Proud Latino Award from Hispanics United of Buffalo, the Career and Technical Educator’s Guild Award and the U.S. Army Reserve HHD 2nd Brigade, 98th Division Solider of the Year Award.

Additionally, Dr. Mauricio sits on a number of boards and committees, including Junior Achievement of Western New York, Parent Network of Western New York and the Westside Latino Taskforce. He is also the President, Executive Board Member and Regional Delegate of the New York State Association of Bilingual Education, and a founding member of the New York State Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents.

Today, Dr. Mauricio is able to give back to his mother by helping to care for her in the golden years of life. He is husband to Kimberly and a father to a son and daughter.

PHOTOS:

Dr. David Mauricio expresses his joy and excitement about joining Peekskill City Schools as the district’s next Superintendent.

Peekskill staff and community members applaud the appointment of Dr. David Mauricio at Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting.

Students and staff at Hillcrest Elementary welcome Dr. Mauricio with handmade signs.