22-Year Veteran of the Yonkers Police Department Felix Rios Sworn in Today

L-R: Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano swears in new Yonkers Board of Education Trustee Felix Rios

(Photo Credit: Maurice Mercado/City of Yonkers)

YONKERS, NY – May 7, 2024 – Mayor Mike Spano today swore in retired Yonkers Police Officer Felix Rios to the Yonkers Board of Education. As trustee of the Yonkers Board of Education, Rios 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 Felix to the Board of Education as he brings unique perspectives as a parent, an alumnus and dedicated public servant. Felix is a decorated law enforcement officer who is passionate about education in Yonkers, and his experiences will be valuable assets to our District and our students,” said Mayor Spano. 

Working in law enforcement for over 20 years, Rios served as a patrol officer and member of the Yonkers Police Department’s Anti-Crime and Traffic Units. During his tenure with Yonkers Police, Rios was the recipient of five law enforcement commendations, six certificates of excellent police work, eight unit citations, the Yonkers PBA Harold Woods Award and numerous letters of appreciation. Rios recently served as a board member of the Yonkers Parking Authority. Raised in Yonkers, Rios is a Yonkers Public Schools alumna and parent of two current Yonkers Public Schools students. 

“I am very proud to be appointed by Mayor Mike Spano. I look forward to working with the Yonkers Board of Education in continuing the quality education that is available to our Yonkers community,” commented Felix Rios.

Board of Education Vice President Dr. Rosalba Corrado Del Vecchio noted, “I am delighted to have Felix Rios join us on the Yonkers Board of Education. His extensive background in public safety and his deep roots in our community are invaluable assets that will greatly enhance our board’s capabilities. Felix’s commitment to the well-being and education of our students is clear, and I am excited to collaborate with him to continue advancing the high standards of education that our district is known for."

Superintendent of Yonkers Public Schools Aníbal Soler, Jr., commented, “I am incredibly excited to welcome Felix Rios to the Yonkers Board of Education. Mayor Spano’s appointment is a testament to the Mayor’s commitment to our schools and the broader community. Mr. Rios brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective that will greatly benefit our district. His dedication to Yonkers and our children’s future aligns perfectly with our goals, and I look forward to the innovative and insightful contributions he will bring.”

Rios will serve the remainder of a five-year expired term through 2028, held by Rev. Steve Lopez, former Yonkers Board of Education President. 

Mayor Spano added, “I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Rev. Lopez for his dedicated years of service to the Board of Education who served our City and our students with loyalty, professionalism and distinction.”