Elmsford Union Free School District Names Interim Superintendent

The Elmsford Union Free School District’s Board of Education has named veteran educator Dr. Ronald Gonzalez as interim superintendent, effective July 18, 2022.

Dr. Gonzalez was appointed as interim superintendent for one year at a special board meeting on July 6. Carl L. Dixson Primary School Principal Jeffrey Olender had been named acting superintendent at an emergency board meeting on June 30 and will continue in this role until Dr. Gonzalez officially begins work in the district.

Dr. Gonzalez will succeed Dr. Marc Baiocco, who served the district for 13 years as high school principal and later superintendent. Dr. Gonzalez will be formally introduced to the community during a meet and greet preceding the Board of Education Reorganization Meeting on July 12 at 5:30 p.m. in the Alexander Hamilton High School Library

“I’m very much looking forward to it,” Dr. Gonzalez said during the July 6 meeting. “It’s a special thing to be able to lead the schools within the same district I reside in. I’ve been looking forward to this for quite some time and I’m extremely humbled and welcome the opportunity.”

Dr. Gonzalez has enjoyed a 25-year career in education. Currently he is serving as the Assistant Superintendent for Administration, Curriculum & Instruction in the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns, where he led the district’s equity work.

During his tenure in the Tarrytowns, a diverse district of about 2,900 students, Dr. Gonzalez has led all aspects of curriculum for grades pre-K through 12. He served as chair of the District Equity Team and the District Strategic Planning Team.

Dr. Gonzalez, who lives in Elmsford, began his career at George Washington High School in Manhattan, where he served as teacher, dean and interim acting principal during his time there. He continued his career working in administrative roles in schools throughout the Bronx, as well as an education administrator and principal with the New York City Department of Education. From 2011-2021, he served as principal at Mount Vernon High School.

Dr. Gonzalez earned his bachelor’s degree in education from Manhattan College, his master’s in educational leadership from Bank Street College of Education and a doctorate in Executive Leadership from St. John Fisher University’s Ralph C. Wilson School of Education.

“The entire Elmsford Union Free School District, Board and family look forward to working with you in the next year,” Board Vice President Dennis Rambaran said. “It’s going to be an exciting year. It’s going to be a new endeavor for both your side and my side.”

Dr. Gonzalez, who is bilingual in Spanish, received a New York State School Administrator & Supervisor Certification and a New York School District Leader Certification. He has served as President and co-founder of the White Plains Tigers Youth Football League and was a board member and event organizer for the Mount Vernon Elite AAU Basketball.

Throughout his career, Dr. Gonzalez has been recognized for his commitment to education. He is the two-time recipient of a Westchester County Proclamation for “Ronald Gonzalez Day,” along with the 2019 New York State Assembly Proclamation for outstanding service to the education community.