SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio ISD's new superintendent takes over officially Tuesday.
Monday, the SAISD board of trustees confirmed Dr. Jaime Aquino as the district's new leader. He was named the lone finalist last month and Tuesday marks the end of the state-mandated 21-day waiting period.
Dr. Aquino started his career has a bilingual teacher in New York more than 30 years ago.
He was selected as New York State Bilingual Teacher of the Year in 1990, and has served in leadership roles in schools in Los Angeles, Denver, and Connecticut working with diverse student populations.
“In my short time in San Antonio so far, I have felt at home,” Aquino said back in April when he was named the lone finalist. “I personally toured your high schools, visited with neighbors and students, and was struck at their optimism for the future. I feel that same optimism about the future of SAISD. My path is similar to the families of SAISD, and I am ready to get to work in making a difference in the lives of all students, families, and staff in San Antonio.”
“He was born and raised in the Dominican Republic and is deeply committed to ensuring that all children have access to an excellent education," said board president Christina Martinez in April. "Having begun his career as a bilingual teacher over 30 years ago in Queens, New York, he has deep experience as a leader in diverse, urban school districts and a record of achieving academic success with children just like ours.”
Dr. Aquino sent a letter to parents Monday night after the board meeting with his first steps he plans take in the new role.
The letter read in part:
"My first goal is to start a listening tour throughout SAISD and the San Antonio community to hear from as many of you as I possibly can. I recognize that the pandemic has wreaked havoc on the public education system and the physical and mental health of our staff and families. But now is our opportunity to change education based on the lessons we’ve learned during the past two years. This is the moment that we’re all called to gather our strength and step up."