When Dr. William X. Toro stepped into Blue Mountain Middle School this past spring as its new principal, he fulfilled a dream nearly two decades in the making.

“When I was 22 years old, I walked into Brentwood High School, I saw the principal, and I thought, ‘I want to do what he does one day,” Toro recalled. “To actually sit in this seat now is pretty remarkable.”

Now 42, Toro joins the Hendrick Hudson School District for the 2025-26 school year, succeeding Anthony Giovinazzi as principal of Blue Mountain Middle School. He comes with nearly 20 years of experience in education, including seven as an assistant principal in the Peekskill City School District. His journey, however, began long before the leadership roles and degrees – rooted in his identity as the first American-born son of Colombian immigrants.

Growing up first-generation

Raised on Long Island, Toro’s early years were defined by family, culture, and language. 

As the son of working-class immigrants, he spent much of his childhood with his great-grandmother and grandmother, who surrounded him with Colombian traditions and the Spanish language.

“I was very fortunate – they gave me a very traditional upbringing,” he said. “I’d come home from school and eat arroz con pollo [rice with chicken] or plátanos [plantains] with them before having dinner again with my parents later. I got double dinners,” he recalled.

Like many first-generation children, Toro navigated the challenges of learning English. He attended English as a New Language (ENL) classes until around middle school and remembers feeling different from his peers. “In my ENL class, there was a kid that spoke Greek, a kid that spoke Filipino, and me. It was a little challenging at first,” he said. “Eventually, I made my friends and I had a wonderful childhood.”

Over time, math became Toro’s anchor. His father, an engineer, helped nurture his early interest. “I always had a knack for math. It was fun for me, like a puzzle. What others found boring, I really enjoyed,” Toro said.

He didn’t know it then, but math would play a pivotal role in shaping his future career.

Finding his path

Toro’s path into education was not immediate. Similar to many young adults, he found his calling through trial and error. 

After graduating, he entered college as an engineering major but soon realized the field wasn’t for him. “A few years into college, I hit a crossroads. I had to figure out what I wanted to do with my life.”

Around age 21, he had what he calls an epiphany moment. “I thought back to the happiest moments in my life – and it was when I was in school, doing sports or math,” he said.

Recognizing how much his own teachers and coaches had shaped him, Toro decided to become that same source of support for others. 

He earned an associate degree from Suffolk County Community College and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from St. Joseph’s University. In 2007, he began teaching math at Brentwood High School, working with students from Algebra to Pre-Calculus, before moving onto Michelangelo Middle School in the Bronx.

Making math engaging was a personal mission for Toro during his time in the classroom. “When you love something, your passion jumps out,” he said. “Even though something could be so dry, and some would say boring, I would just try to show them how much I love it and help them enjoy math even just a little bit.”

Mentorship soon opened new doors. His then-principal, Dr. Jeremy Kabinoff, encouraged him to pursue leadership. “He really inspired me. He pushed me to get my doctorate. He was young and successful, and I thought, ‘If he can do it, why can’t I?”

Toro went on to earn a master’s degree and an advanced certificate in educational leadership from Stony Brook University, followed by a doctorate from St. John’s University.

After eight years in the classroom, he transitioned into administration – first as assistant principal at Bronxwood Preparatory Academy, then in Peekskill, where he spent nearly eight years.

At Peekskill High School (2017–2022) and Peekskill Middle School (2022–2025), Toro oversaw wide-ranging academic and operational initiatives, including shifting to a nine-period day to expand electives, introducing foreign language to sixth graders, increasing access to accelerated courses, and helping build professional learning communities. He also helped launch practical innovations, such as a digital hall pass system, while running after-school academic and enrichment programs.

Reflecting on his time in that role, Toro emphasized the critical – yet often underappreciated – role of assistant principals.

“The AP job is like being the grunt on the field,” he said. “You’re in the trenches with teachers and students every day. Assistant principals are the workhorses of a building. A lot of credit does not go to the assistant principals when it really should,” he said.

His principal role: Creating a safe and secure environment 

Now, as principal of Blue Mountain Middle School, Toro feels the weight and reward of leadership.  

“As the principal, everything falls under me – from the smallest leak to the biggest pipe going through a ceiling,” he said.

He believes the principal’s role has evolved drastically over the years. “In the old days, principals were seen as disciplinarians. That’s not the role anymore,” he said. “My job is to support students, support teachers, make sure the school runs smoothly, and create an environment where students feel safe and secure.”

Guided by his personal motto – “It’s never too late to be what you should have been” – Toro aims to help his students become the best version of themselves. “The worst tragedy is wasted potential,” he said. “My life’s goal has always been to unlock potential in others.”

Even before the school year began, Toro prioritized connection. He hosted staff meet-and-greets, met with parents and students, and spent time with teachers learning about the school’s culture. “The transition has been smoother than I anticipated,” he said. “Everyone has been incredibly warm and supportive.”

He also praised his assistant principal, Anecia McGill, for her partnership. “She’s been wonderful – guiding me and supporting me during this process.”

Looking ahead, Toro has set priorities that include strengthening relationships, reviewing curriculum, and ensuring safety for students. He also looks forward to overdue capital improvements at the school, from modernizing the library media center to updating bathrooms and work areas. 

Staying connected to his family and his roots

Outside of school, Toro is a husband and father of three young daughters, ages four, three, and six months. 

“On my deathbed, it’s going to be my family next to me – not work,” he said. “I’m a father and husband first. Everything else comes after that.” 

He credits his wife as the cornerstone of their family. “Being a full time mom is very hard, and I give her so much credit. I couldn’t do what I do without her. She’s the best.”

Although he hasn’t visited Colombia in years, Toro remains deeply connected to his roots. As a child, he frequently visited family there, even attending school for a time. His mother is from a small village near Bogotá, and his father from the city of Pasto. Today, Toro keeps those traditions alive through food, language, and family stories. His children are learning Spanish – with help from their grandparents – and the same songs and tales he grew up with.

At Blue Mountain, he ensures Hispanic Heritage Month is recognized with meaningful programming. This year’s celebrations included a Day of the Dead altar, themed cafeteria menus, daily announcements highlighting Latino leaders, and a field trip.

A legacy in the making

When asked about his proudest accomplishment, Toro doesn’t hesitate: becoming principal of Blue Mountain Middle School. But for him, the title is just the beginning.

“My long-term goal is to be an effective principal,” he said. “I want to build relationships, help students be successful, and leave a legacy that I did everything I could for the sake of the kids and my staff.”

For the first-generation boy who once struggled with English and found solace in math, life has truly come full circle. His message for students who may see themselves in his story: “You can do anything you want in your life. Dream big, live big, and most importantly work hard. Every setback is a setup for a comeback.”

As for his new home in the Hendrick Hudson community, Toro couldn’t be more grateful. “I’m so happy to be here at the Hendrick Hudson School District. It’s been a complete pleasure, honor, and I’m looking forward to many more years of success and prosperity and looking forward to the future.”