Dr. Jaime R. Aquino became Superintendent of San Antonio ISD in May 2022. Within his first year, he began to change the culture of the district to be more inclusive, fully embracing the community. Dr. Aquino worked collaboratively with the Board of Trustees and his executive team to develop a declaration statement, which is one of the first in the nation to include a word in Spanish – familia. 

Dr. Aquino earned his bachelor’s degree at the Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo. Upon completing his degree, Dr. Aquino was recruited by the New York City Board of Education as a bilingual teacher. His contributions to the teaching profession were acknowledged in 1990 when he was selected as New York State Bilingual Teacher of the Year. Dr. Aquino decided to further his professional training by pursuing his graduate study in education. He received both his Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from Fordham University. His master’s degree is in bilingual education and his doctoral degree is in curriculum and teaching.

Dr. Aquino has also held top leadership positions in several districts. He served as deputy superintendent of instruction for Los Angeles Unified School District, deputy superintendent in Hartford, chief academic officer in Denver, and an Instructional Superintendent in New York City. 

Throughout his career, Dr. Aquino has made positive differences, especially by encouraging, supporting, and helping students, parents, teachers, and administrators achieve their potential. However, he says, he feels that his accomplishments fair no comparison to the blessings and knowledge he has received from his best professors: the children he has had the privilege to serve.