A new era is set to begin for the Schenectady City School District, which didn't have to go far to find its new superintendent.

District leaders on Tuesday named Carlos Cotto to succeed Anibal Soler, and the school board voted unanimously to approve his appointment. Cotto has been with the district since 2021 as its assistant superintendent for innovation, equity and engagement and serves in the superintendent’s cabinet.

He administers the district’s athletic programs, oversees the adult and continuing education programs and works with community groups and organizations, among other duties, according to a district statement.

Prior to his work in Schenectady, he was a principal and the executive director of health, physical education and athletics in the Rochester City School District.

He received degrees from Springfield College and St. John Fisher College.

Soler said at the board of education meeting Wednesday night that he will coach and mentor Cotto in his time before he leaves Schenectady.

Soler was named the superintendent of the Yonkers Central School District earlier this year. He begins that job on May 1.