A Conversation with Mr. Aníbal Soler, Jr., Superintendent, Yonkers Public Schools, NY

About Superintendent Aníbal Soler, Jr.

Anibal Soler, Jr. is a seasoned education leader with over 20 years of experience, currently serving as superintendent of Yonkers Public Schools since May 1, 2024. He has a strong track record in urban districts, having previously led Schenectady and Batavia City School Districts. In Schenectady, he implemented a transformative community schools initiative, enhancing student access to health and social services. In Batavia, he secured the district’s first My Brother’s Keeper grant and introduced a pioneering policy on Equity, Inclusivity, and Diversity in Education.

As associate superintendent in Buffalo, he spearheaded the Strong Community Schools strategy, revitalizing 21 schools and improving outcomes for 11,000 students. His leadership also ensured successful budget management and critical labor agreements while maintaining educational quality without tax increases.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Soler led a strategic reopening plan, prioritizing in-person instruction for vulnerable students, without layoffs. He holds degrees from Daemen College, Nazareth College, and St. John Fisher College and is pursuing a doctorate at Manhattanville College.

Married with four children, Mr. Soler is dedicated to fostering academic excellence and community collaboration in Yonkers. His unanimous appointment reflects confidence in his ability to elevate the district’s educational landscape.

Podcast Summary

In this episode of Leaders Learning from Leaders, host Steve Barkley speaks with Anibal Soler, the superintendent of Yonkers Public Schools. Superintendent Soler shares insights into his leadership journey, the unique challenges and opportunities in urban school systems, and the role of community engagement in education.

Superintendent Soler, who began as an art teacher, describes how his artistic background has influenced his leadership approach, enabling him to visualize strategic goals and communicate them effectively. He highlights his experience in various leadership roles, including his time in Buffalo, Batavia, and Schenectady, emphasizing the importance of learning from talented colleagues and adapting best practices to different contexts.

One of the key themes discussed is the concept of Yonkers Magic, a phrase coined to encapsulate the resilience and success of the Yonkers school community. Despite challenges such as poverty and language barriers, the district boasts a high graduation rate and strong community engagement. Superintendent Soler attributes this success to collaborative efforts, a clear vision, and a culture of continuous improvement.

The conversation also touches on the importance of mentorship and professional networks in developing future education leaders, particularly in urban settings. Superintendent Soler stresses the need for equitable access to leadership opportunities and the value of representation in decision-making roles. He encourages school leaders to embrace failure as a learning tool, remain adaptable, and leverage networks for support and inspiration.

Superintendent Soler concludes with a call for ongoing professional learning and risk-taking in leadership, advocating for transparency and storytelling to build trust and engagement within the school community.

Main Topics Covered

1. Yonkers Public Schools Overview
   • Yonkers is the third-largest school district in New York, serving 24,000 students, with a predominantly Latino and African-American population.
   • The district faces urban education challenges but maintains high graduation rates.
2. The Role of an Artistic Background in Leadership
   • Soler’s experience as an art teacher has shaped his ability to visualize strategic goals and communicate effectively.
   • He emphasizes creativity, problem-solving, and seeing multiple perspectives as essential leadership skills.
3. Lessons from Previous Leadership Roles
   • Soler discusses his tenure in Buffalo, Batavia, and Schenectady, highlighting the importance of learning from talented peers and adapting strategies to different district sizes and needs.
   • He emphasizes best practices like high-quality instruction, community engagement, and restorative practices.
4. The Concept of Yonkers Magic
   • A community-driven approach to overcoming challenges and achieving success.
   • The importance of rallying behind a shared vision and collective effort.
5. Building Leadership and Mentorship Networks
   • Soler underscores the need for mentorship, equitable access to leadership roles, and professional collaboration.
   • He advocates for identifying and supporting talent beyond traditional networks.
6. Vision, Strategic Planning, and Storytelling
   • The importance of setting a clear strategic vision and involving the community in its development.
   • Using storytelling and documentation to highlight successes and inspire engagement.
7. Risk-Taking and Continuous Learning
   • Soler encourages leaders to embrace failure as part of growth.
   • The necessity of professional learning, networking, and adapting to change.

Conclusion:
Soler’s insights reinforce the importance of community, adaptability, and continuous learning in educational leadership, demonstrating that true success is a collective effort driven by vision and commitment.