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Schools Superintendent In Westchester Abruptly Resigns

Less than a year into her tenure as New Rochelle Public School District Superintendent Laura Feijóo has stepped down and will not return from her medical leave.

Dr. Laura Feijoo

Dr. Laura Feijoo

Photo Credit: Donna Christopher

The New Rochelle Board of Education announced this week that it has accepted Feijóo’s resignation, effective as of Tuesday, Oct. 6 following an announcement that she would miss the beginning of the school year to undergo surgery.

“The Board of Education wishes to thank Dr. Feijóo for her dedication to the district during a challenging school year and her commitment to the students, staff, and community during her tenure with the district,” the Board announced. "Because this is a confidential personnel matter, the Board of Education, the district, and Dr. Feijóo will have no further comments regarding this matter.”

According to the Board, Feijóo will be replaced by Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Alex Marrero, who had replaced her during what had initially been a temporary medical leave, for at least the remainder of the academic year.

Additionally, Peter Scordo will serve as the acting Deputy Superintendent under Marrero for the remainder of the school year as the district continues contending with the COVID-19 crisis.

The Board of Education said that they will begin the search process for a permanent superintendent that will take over as of July 1 next year.

“We are optimistic in what our future holds for us and have full confidence in the educators we have selected to lead the district,” the Board said in a statement. “Our district offers an exciting opportunity to work in a wonderful school community that values excellence and equity, has high expectations for all students, and embraces our rich diversity.”

Additionally, Feijóo caught flak from the community for firing popular New Rochelle High School football coach Lou DiRienzo, who was ousted in the middle of the team’s playoff run.

Feijóo, a former top Department of Education official in New York City was a controversial choice by the Board after she was involved in a multi-million dollar lawsuit against New York City’s Department of Education Chancellor Richard Carranza.

Feijóo and two other DOE executives, Lois Herrera and Jaye Murray, alleged Carranza passed them over for jobs to allow less qualified people of color to take their place in an environment “hostile toward whites.”

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