Dr. Carlos M. Cotto, Jr. has been serving as the Assistant Superintendent of Innovation, Equity and Engagement in the Schenectady City School District (Pre-K through 12) since September 2021.    Since then, he has garnered resources, community support and led the implementation and launch of many programs designed to ensure opportunity, access, and support for students.   

Under Cotto’s leadership, the My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) grant, one that addresses persistent opportunity gaps faced by boys and young men of color, was relaunched and expanded.  n November 2022, the district’s application to be a member of the New York State MBK Community was approved. Dr. Cotto also led the expansion of the district’s Summer Enrichment Program, providing academic and enrichment programming to more than 1500 students at eleven schools.  He also led the development and implementation of student eSports and has been instrumental in successfully expanding youth and interscholastic opportunities for students of all grade levels.  

In December 2022, Cotto launched a Community Schools initiative, which includes nearly 100 community partners, providing an array of resources and services for students and families.   He continues to successfully build partnerships with community agencies, colleges, healthcare service providers, faith-based institutions and businesses. Dr. Cotto also facilitated the adoption of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policy and the Wellness policy. He is currently leading the implementation of both. Dr. Cotto came to Schenectady from the Rochester City School District where he served as principal of Enrico Fermi School No. 17.   Prior to this role, he served as executive director of health, physical education, and athletics since 2008.  

Under his leadership, interscholastic programming increased by 25% and Rochester sports produced more than 50 sectional champions.  Cotto was instrumental in creating partnerships with the city of Rochester and youth community organizations, increasing access and opportunities for youth across the Rochester area. He is a member of the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS), regional director for the New York State Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents. Roundtable, an active member of My Brother’s Keeper initiative and a member of the New York State Athletic Association and New York State Championship Advisory Committee. 

Dr. Cotto earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Springfield College, Master of Science in Educational Administration from St. John Fisher College, and a Doctoral Degree in Executive Leadership at St. Fisher College. Dr. Cotto is married and has three children and one grandson.