Superintendent Announces Retirement After More Than Three Decades Serving School Communities
The Peekskill City School District announced that Superintendent of Schools Dr. David Mauricio has submitted his letter of retirement to the Peekskill Board of Education, concluding a distinguished 32-year career in education. His official last day with the District will be December 31, 2026.
“With great sadness, the Board of Education accepts Dr. Mauricio’s request to retire after more than three decades of service to students and families and eight years leading Peekskill Schools,” said Board of Education President Mrs. Jillian Villon. “While we deeply respect his decision, this is not a retirement we had hoped to see so soon. We are sincerely grateful that he has agreed to extend his retirement timeline and continue his service to our district by helping us to navigate a thoughtful leadership transition through December 2026, demonstrating once again his unwavering commitment to our students, staff and community.”
Since joining the Peekskill community in 2018, Dr. Mauricio has led the District through a period of growth, innovation and transformation focused on improving opportunities and outcomes for students.
Under his leadership and with the support of the Board of Education, the District advanced its strategic vision through the “Peekskill Promise”, which emphasizes strong academics, student wellness, family engagement and community partnerships as its foundation.
During Dr. Mauricio's tenure, the District strengthened academic programming, expanded early childhood education, increased access to STEAM learning, enhanced social-emotional supports, broadened arts and athletics programs and added enrichment opportunities for all students. Other initiatives launched under Dr. Mauricio’s guidance include expanded Dual-Language programs, full day Pre-K for all, monthly Saturday Academy events, and the My Brother’s Keeper/My Sister’s Keeper programs.
Significant capital improvements were also completed during his time as Superintendent, transforming facilities across the District. These projects included the development of a STEAM Innovation Center and classrooms, new learning and clinical spaces, an athletic complex at Torpy Field, theater upgrades, new cafeterias and kitchens, enhanced technology infrastructure, new outdoor learning areas, playgrounds, and the transformation of a former firehouse into a Family Resource Center. Additional capital projects currently underway will add modernized classrooms, a new high school entryway, wellness spaces, solar energy, and sustainable infrastructure improvements designed to benefit students and the broader community for years to come.
Reflecting on his retirement decision, the Superintendent expressed gratitude to the Board of Education, staff, families, elected officials and community partners for their collaboration and commitment to student success throughout his time in Peekskill.
“The Peekskill community is defined by its heart, pride and dedication to children,” he shared. “Serving as Superintendent has been one of the greatest honors of my career, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such dedicated educators, families and community partners. It has been a wonderful place to raise my family and serve the community. My wife and I will focus on caring for our parents in their golden years.”
The Superintendent will continue to serve in his role through the end of 2026 and will work closely with the Board of Education to support a smooth leadership transition. The Board is expected to begin the process of selecting the District’s next superintendent in the coming months.
After retirement, he plans to remain engaged in community service while dedicating time to his family.