Robert Halmi Sr. Academy of Film and Television
 
With a diverse background in education, administration, and entertainment, Yonkers Public Schools 2023 Administrator of the Year Mark Ametrano brings a unique perspective to his new role as Principal of the Robert Halmi Sr. Academy of Film and Television. Mr. Ametrano began his career as a 6th grade teacher and later transitioned to middle school science. He served as a high school assistant principal before becoming the principal of the Enrico Fermi School in 2015. Under his leadership, the school was removed from the Schools in Need of Improvement list. Mr. Ametrano also owned and operated a successful Mobile Disc Jockey Business for over 20 years. His multifaceted background makes him well-suited to lead the Robert Halmi Sr. Academy.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor School

Elda Perez-Mejia is currently the principal of the Eugenio Maria de Hostos Micro Society and has been an educator in the Yonkers Public Schools since 1993.

Throughout her career, Ms. Perez-Mejia has taken on numerous roles, including Title VII facilitator, Reading First Bilingual Literacy Coach, and Assistant Director of the YPS Bilingual Department. She has significantly improved student performance and maintained the school’s Good Standing status for 12 years.

Ms. Perez-Mejia holds a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Pace University, a Master’s in Bilingual Education from Long Island University, and a Master’s in School and District Supervision from Fordham University. Her commitment to education and community support earned her the Yonkers Public Schools Administrator of the Year award in 2013-2014.

Enrico Fermi School
 
Melissa Rodriguez has a distinguished 16-year career in education with the Yonkers Public Schools. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Childhood Education from The City College of New York, a Master of Science in Childhood Literacy Instruction from Lehman College, and a Master of Science in Education Leadership and Administration from the College of Saint Rose.

Mrs. Rodriguez began her career as an Elementary Bilingual Teacher at Las Hermanas Mirabal School, later excelling at the Enrico Fermi School as a Bilingual Instructional Coach and Assistant Principal. In 2022, she became the principal of School 9, where she created a welcoming learning community.

Her dedication to bilingual education and multilingual learners has been exemplary.    

Rosemarie Ann Siragusa School
 
After beginning her career with the Peace Corps in the Dominican Republic, Melanie Vancol served as an English as a New Language (ENL) teacher in the South Bronx. She then transitioned into administration, serving as an Assistant Principal at Yonkers Middle High School for a decade. Most recently, she led the dual-language program at Thomas Cornell Academy, significantly reducing the chronic absenteeism rate. Ms. Vancol brings a wealth of expertise in curriculum and instruction and is dedicated to creating nurturing school communities.

Eugenio Maria de Hostos Micro Society
 
Kimberly O’Connell pursued a career in education after receiving a bachelor's in psychology. She worked as a substitute teacher and then as a Teaching Assistant before earning a master’s in Childhood Education and Students with Disabilities. After working for the Department of Education, she returned to Yonkers as an Instructional Numeracy and Literacy Coach, and later as a teacher.

Mrs. O’Connell earned a Master's in Leadership through the YULA program and has served as an Assistant Principal in various schools.