The City School District of New Rochelle has issued the following statement following the resignation of Dr. Laura Feijóo as Superintendent.
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Alex Marrero, who has led the City School District of New Rochelle’s reopening in a time of worldwide crisis, was appointed this week to serve as Interim Superintendent of Schools while the Board of Education searches for an administrator to fill the top educator position on a permanent basis. The action came Tuesday, after the Board accepted the resignation of the prior Superintendent, Dr. Laura Feijóo.
Dr. Marrero, a schools administrator with a distinguished record, came to the District on Jan. 21, 2020, serving as Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. He was appointed Acting Superintendent beginning Sept. 3 when Dr. Feijóo took medical leave.
Peter Scordo, who joined the District last year as the Human Resources Executive Assistant to the Superintendent, will continue to serve as Acting Deputy Superintendent for the remainder of the year. He was appointed to the deputy role when Dr. Feijóo took her leave, in order to assist the Board and Dr. Marrero in ensuring the stability of the District’s educational program.
“We have already seen what Dr. Marrero can accomplish as the head of the District,” said Board President Rachel Relkin. “He has managed the start of this unprecedented school year with a steady hand and a laser focus. We know that the District is in capable hands while we begin our search for the next Superintendent.”
In addition to leading the District’s reopening and reentry plans, Dr. Marrero has been visiting neighborhoods throughout New Rochelle to become better acquainted with the community.
“I’m humbled to continue in this vital role in such a wonderful district,” Dr. Marrero said. “This is why New Rochelle is such a special place – because someone with my upbringing and the obstacles I faced in childhood can, with good mentorship and guidance, be offered the opportunity to influence the lives of children from all walks of life.”
A Bronx native, Dr. Marrero pulled himself up from a childhood of poverty and challenge with a strong work ethic and love of learning instilled in him by his mother, who passed away shortly after he graduated high shool.
“Growing up in the heart of the Bronx, I learned firsthand the importance of having quality guidance and leadership,” he has said.
“With so many obstacles and hurdles that I was faced with, I was expected to become a statistic like many before me. That was not the case for me.”
Dr. Marrero earned a bachelor’s degree from Fordham University and a Master’s degree plus several diplomas from Manhattan College. He earned his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Sage College and holds a certificate in advanced educational leadership from Harvard University.
Before coming to New Rochelle, Dr. Marrero distinguished himself in several administrative roles.
From March 2018 until his arrival in New Rochelle, he served as Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education in the East Ramapo Central School District. His leadership helped improve graduation rates and targeted indicators under federal Every Student Succeeds Act accountability measures.
Previously, as a Principal and Assistant Principal in the Bronx, he was instrumental in increasing his school’s graduation rate 35 percentage points. Another challenging Bronx school, with Dr. Marrero as Principal, saw its proficiency rate leap 20 percentage points. The improvement elevated that school into “Good Standing” under the federal No Child Left Behind accountability measures.
Dr. Marrero’s awards include, most recently, 2018 Latino Educator of the Year from the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents.
“Public education is my passion,” he has said. “I have dedicated my entire career to ensuring that every child is given a world-class opportunity to succeed in college and a career of their choice.”
Peter Scordo
Mr. Scordo has also led a distinguished career in education, one that spans more than 40 years. His journey in education began in 1978 when he became Director of Exceptional Children for the Pearl River School District. Over the decades, he served as Superintendent of several districts. Most recently, his top posts included serving as Superintendent of the Elwood Union Free School District from 2009 to 2016, and Interim Superintendent of the Eastport South Manor School District for the following year. Since then, he served as a human resources consultant for the Port Jervis School District and the Irvington Union Free School District before coming to New Rochelle.