When Chris Lopez reflects on his first year as Assistant Superintendent for the School District of Lancaster, the words that come to mind are “focused” and “optimistic.” After nearly three decades of service in the district, his new role has allowed him to see the organization from a different perspective, one that connects the systems of leadership, instruction, and care that make SDoL a place where both students and staff can grow.
“I feel optimistic and focused,” Lopez said. “We have a strong strategic plan, but the work is about putting that plan into action. For my team, that means ensuring that the goals we set do more than live on paper. They need to make a real difference for students and teachers in classrooms. Our focus is on supporting leaders at every level so that those goals lead to lasting impact.”
Lopez oversees the District’s Department of Student Services and all schools in grades 9-12. His work includes supervision of non-teaching professionals such as school counselors, nurses, social workers, home school visitors, behavioral specialists, and other staff who form the foundation of student and family support. “We focus on meeting the needs of the whole child,” he explained. “Our students need more than academic success. They need to feel safe, welcomed, and cared for. The same is true for the adults who work here. When teachers and staff feel supported, they are able to give their best to our students.”
Lopez’s understanding of the district runs deep. He began his journey in 1999 as a paraprofessional in an emotional support classroom at Fulton Elementary. From there, he advanced through nearly every level of leadership, serving as a teacher, dean, assistant principal, principal, director, executive director, and now assistant superintendent. “It has been a journey filled with learning and gratitude,” he said. “Because I have served in so many different roles, I understand the challenges that people face in every part of this organization. That experience allows me to lead with empathy, perspective, and respect for the work that everyone does.”
Throughout his career, Lopez has built his leadership style on trust and collaboration. He believes that relationships are the cornerstone of effective leadership. “This work has to be relational,” he said. “No one person can do it alone. The more I can pour into my team and empower them to make decisions, the stronger we become as a district. Leadership is not about doing everything yourself. It is about building capacity in others so that the work continues and grows.”
Lopez meets with each of his team members individually every week, in addition to team meetings and monthly department gatherings. These regular conversations keep him grounded and aware of the challenges and successes across the district. “We have a culture of mutual respect,” he said. “If someone needs help, we step in. We rely on one another. That sense of collective responsibility keeps us moving forward. We understand that the work is never truly finished, but that is what makes it meaningful.”
His connection to education began long before his time in Lancaster. Growing up in East New York, Brooklyn, Lopez was surrounded by educators and mentors who saw potential in him. “I know what the power of education can do,” he said. “I grew up in a tight-knit community with limited resources, but I had adults around me who cared, who pushed me, and who opened doors for me. That shaped who I am today. I want to give that same opportunity to every child who comes through our schools.”
That belief continues to guide his decisions. “At the heart of everything I do, it is about the kids,” he said. “That has always been my motivation. Seeing their success is the most rewarding part of my work.” One of the moments that stands out most to him each year is graduation season. “It is the culmination of everything we do,” he said. “When I see our students walk across that stage, the pride on their faces, the tears in their families’ eyes, and the joy among staff, it reminds me why this work matters. Graduation is the moment when the village that supports our children comes together to celebrate their achievement.”
Beyond graduation, Lopez is proud of the measurable progress his department has made in creating safer, more supportive school environments. “We have seen improvement in how students feel about safety and belonging,” he said. “More students report having a trusted adult in their school, which makes a tremendous difference in their lives. We have also seen a reduction in out-of-school suspensions and an increase in attendance. Those outcomes matter because they create more time for teachers to teach and for students to learn.”
Lopez’s leadership is also shaped by his role as a parent. “I have two children, one who is four and another who is almost sixteen,” he said. “When I make decisions, I think about them and about what I would want for their education. I want every student in this district to have the same opportunities that I want for my own children. That belief keeps me grounded and focused on what truly matters.”
Looking ahead to his second year as Assistant Superintendent, Lopez is focused on deepening partnerships with families and the community. “We want to continue building trust and creating transparency,” he said. “We need families to know what supports exist for them and how to access them. Some of our parents have not always had positive experiences with schools, and we want to change that by meeting them where they are. Whether it is through parent engagement events, partnerships with local organizations, or simply creating more open lines of communication, our goal is to make every family feel heard and valued.”
Lopez believes that student success is strongest when schools and families work hand in hand. “Parents are the experts on their children,” he said. “Our job is to learn from them and to build with them. Students are with us for most of the day, and then they go home to their families and out into the community. If we can create consistency between what they experience in school and what they experience at home, we can help them thrive in every setting. These are not just school strategies, they are life strategies.”
When asked to complete the phrase “Together we can,” Lopez thought carefully before responding. “Together we can remove obstacles and create opportunities for students to reach their full potential,” he said.
He keeps a quote close to his desk that reminds him of his purpose as a leader. It reads, “A leader’s job is to look into the future and see the organization not as it is, but as it can be.” For Lopez, those words reflect the heart of his work. “Every day I remind myself that leadership is about vision, growth, and possibility,” he said. “This work takes all of us. I am grateful to be part of a district that believes in its people, believes in its students, and believes in what we can achieve together.”