Mauricio, who is currently serving as the chief of Strategic Alignment and Innovation at Buffalo Schools, was officially appointed on Tuesday, April 10. He will replace Peekskill’s Interim Superintendent, Dr. Mary Keenan Foster and begin his three year contract effective July 1.
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, Mauricio spent most of Tuesday touring Peekskill’s school buildings with District Consultant Dr. Lorenzo Licopoli. 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,” Mauricio said.
The district will host a welcoming reception in Dr. Mauricio’s honor on April 30 from 5 to 6:15 p.m. in the Peekskill Middle School cafeteria. All members of the community are invited to attend.
Mauricio was born in New York City. His father was born in the Dominican Republic. 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.
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 & ElementaryEducation 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.
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