YONKERS, NY – May 22, 2025 – Mayor Mike Spano today swore in former Yonkers City Councilmember and community leader Lorraine Lopez to the Yonkers Board of Education. As trustee of the Yonkers Board of Education, Lopez is part of a nine-member Board, which is the official policy making body of the School District.

“As we continue to provide our students with the best education possible, I am proud to appoint Lorraine to the Board of Education as she brings a dynamic and diversified connection to the Yonkers community,” said Mayor Spano. As a former Councilmember and active community member, her experience and leadership will be valuable assets to our District and our students.”

Elected the first female Hispanic Councilmember in 1999, Lopez has served as a longtime Yonkers community advocate. For nearly ten years, Lopez served as the Special Assistant to the Mayor with Constituent Services, where she assisted constituents with various education, housing, quality of life and social services assistance. Lopez has volunteered with numerous Yonkers non-profits, benefitting Yonkers students, families and minorities, including the YMCA, Yonkers Alliance of Latino & Immigrant Services, D.A.R.E. Inc., and the Habitat for Humanities Family Selection Committee. Currently, Lopez is a board member for the Hudson Valley Legal Services Executive Committee and for the Justice Center for the Hudson Valley.

"I am deeply honored that Mayor Mike Spano has appointed me to serve as a Yonkers Board of Education Trustee,” said Lorraine Lopez. “I commit to amplifying diverse student voices, fostering educational environments for both students and staff, and ensuring every child has equitable opportunities to thrive. Our students’ successes are for the betterment of our community's future."

Board of Education President Dr. Rosalba Corrado Del Vecchio noted, “On behalf of the Board of Education, I warmly welcome Lorraine Lopez to our governance team. Her extensive background in public service and community advocacy will strengthen our shared mission of delivering the highest quality education for every child in Yonkers. We look forward to the insight and leadership she will bring to our work.”

Superintendent of Yonkers Public Schools Aníbal Soler, Jr., commented, “Lorraine Lopez brings a wealth of public service experience and an unwavering commitment to our Yonkers community. As a former City Councilmember, longtime advocate, and grandparent of a Yonkers Public Schools student, she offers a unique and deeply personal perspective. Her voice will be invaluable as we work together to implement our District’s strategic plan, which is grounded in empowerment, advancement, and excellence.”

Lorraine Lopez replaces Trustee Kevin Cacace, fulfilling the remainder of his term expiring in May 2029.

Mayor Spano added, “I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Kevin Cacace for his dedicated years of service.