Mrs. Cindy Lopez
Cindy V. Lopez, Superintendent is the Superintendent at the Charter School of Educational Excellence in Yonkers, NY, the fourth largest city in New York State. Cindy was born in Yonkers, New York, the second child of immigrants from Latin America. She lived in Brazil for 17 years, and while there attended the Federal University of Minas Gerais. Mrs. Lopez joined CSEE in August 2007 as a 4th grade teacher, and then became the Assistant Principal in 2011. Her primary focus has always been to help all students achieve their educational goals, and to help teachers become better equipped to meet the many demands related to student achievement.
Mrs. Lopez has worked hard at implementing the school’s curriculum, organizing school events and fundraisers, and ensuring that all students, staff, and families have what they need to be part of a safe and committed working community. Mrs. Lopez understands the value of community involvement in a child’s education, and actively seeks to increase the relationship between school, home, and local organizations. Having two children of her own, Mrs. Lopez has a great deal of respect for parents and students, with the understanding that we can only achieve a child’s success in education if the school and home work together.
Prior to becoming a teacher, Mrs. Lopez worked as a healthcare administrator for 15 years. During that time, she used many effective strategies to run a successful program that led to the overall growth of the organization. Mrs. Lopez received her Master of Science Degree in School Building Leadership and School District Leadership from Mercy College. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Childhood Education, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Science. She has received many academic awards, and is a McNair Scholar with a published paper.
Cindy Lopez is a respected and beloved educator who has received many awards in the community in which she serves. In 2012, the Yonkers Mexican American Chamber of Commerce named her Educator of the Year. In 2015, Mrs. Lopez received the Entre Nosotras Award for her commitment to improving the lives of children through education. Additionally, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) recognized Mrs. Lopez’s talents and commitments, and awarded her an award as a visionary of hope for the students she serves.
Under Mrs. Lopez’s leadership, CSEE has been designated a Reward School for three consecutive years by the New York State Education Department. In 2015, the school was also named a Hall of Fame Recipient by the Yonkers Family YMCA.
Cindy Lopez currently resides in Yonkers with her husband, Paul Lopez, and their daughter, Kristina, who is currently working for the 4th Precinct of the Yonkers Police Department. Their son, Paul Lopez Jr., a United States Marine Corp veteran, continued in his mother’s footsteps, and is currently a Social Studies teacher at CSEE.
