YONKERS, NY — October 21, 2026 — Student leaders from across Yonkers Public Schools convened at Historic Philipse Manor Hall to hear from the Superintendent of Schools and share their thoughts and concerns about the district. This was the first gathering of the school year for the Superintendent’s Student Leadership Council.
“You are student ambassadors,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Anibal Soler, Jr. “Take what you learn here back to your schools and share it with your friends.”
Dr. Soler explained the sweeping changes coming to education as New York State redefines what a diploma signifies and how students demonstrate readiness for college, careers, civic life and the world beyond high school. The Superintendent outlined six core attributes that every student should develop as they progress toward graduation: academically prepared, creative innovator, critical thinker, effective communicator, global citizen, reflective and future focused.
Starting next year, New York State will no longer require Regents exams for graduation. The measures of student competency will change as transcripts and report cards evolve beyond grades and test scores. The Superintendent told the students that new standards are coming.
“This is just the beginning of the journey,” he explained. “These important discussions are happening now. We’ll be sharing more information throughout the year and we want to hear from you too.”
Lincoln High School sophomore Gabriella Huiaiko favors the shift away from the Regents requirement.
“Everyone has different talents,” she said. “Not everyone excels in traditional academics. Not everyone is a good test taker. I know students who are unmotivated. Perhaps a new approach will engage them and help them succeed.”
Yulanny Hernandez is a junior studying film production at Robert Halmi Sr. Academy of Film and Television. She believes she benefits from taking Advanced Placement courses while simultaneously following a nontraditional course of study.
“At Halmi I am learning about cameras, lighting and sound,” she said. “I have the chance to get real industry experience through our partnership with Great Point Studios. I hope other students at other schools get similar opportunities. I think in the future, Yonkers students could benefit from more internships.”
The Superintendent and students enjoyed an informative discussion in the upper room of Philipse Manor Hall, a chamber that was once home to the Yonkers City Council. The Superintendent pointed out that by participating in the Leadership Council, the students were already honing their global citizenship skills and developing their core attributes.