Fifteen years ago, while working as a local special education teacher, Jennifer Gorr set a career goal: to one day lead her community’s school system as its top administrator. On Oct. 1, that dream became a reality when the Rockland Central School District School Board officially approved her appointment as the district’s new superintendent.

Gorr, a lifelong educator and local resident who began her journey in public education helping students with disabilities, will formally take the helm of the district on Nov. 1. She transitions into the role after spending the last decade climbing the administrative ranks, most recently serving as high school principal in the nearby Monticello Central School District.

Manor Ink sat down with Gorr to find out what her immediate goals are and what experience and expertise she brings to her new position. “I think my priorities are to listen, observe and be transparent,” explained Gorr, “with all stakeholders – the community, the Board of Education, the students, their families and the staff.” Gorr sees transparency, along with honest and open communication, to be key in moving the district in the right direction.

Gorr explained how her background in education has prepared her for her new post. In her role as supervisor of Special Education at Monticello, Gorr oversaw the entire program, writing grants, developing training sessions for staff, running meetings and collaborating with outside agencies. One of her biggest challenges was helping to start a preschool program from the ground up.

At the same time, Gorr was instrumental in developing an alternative education program in the high school. Both of these tasks involved hiring staff, coordinating transportation and creating schedules – “all the components of building a district within a district,” Gorr said.

As principal of Monticello High School, one of Gorr’s goals was to keep more kids in school. “We’ve decreased suspension rates and discipline by about 51 percent,” explained Gorr. It’s an achievement she is proud of.

As she puts on the hat of superintendent of RCSD, many are looking to Gorr to settle the teachers’ contract as soon as possible. Teachers in the merged district, formerly Livingston Manor Central School and Roscoe Central School, have been working without a contract for over a year.

“I was a teacher myself, so I know the importance of that,” Gorr said. “I think the goal is always to make sure your staff feel supported and heard, and have what they need to provide our students with the best outcomes.”

Gorr could not speak to the specifics of when she expects the contract to be settled, as she must first review what has already been done in the negotiation process.

Jennifer Gorr’s pride in the district shines through. “I think our community and our student body, as well as the faculty, are phenomenal,” she said. “I think we need to showcase what we have here. I want people to know that I am someone who is approachable. I may not have all the answers, but I look to get them.”