Ronald Gonzalez

Mission-driven executive leader with close to 30 years of experience building systems, teams, and communities that open doors for underserved young people. A lifelong advocate for students from under-resourced backgrounds, communities of color and first-generation college students. I combine deep instructional and programmatic expertise with the operational, financial, and strategic direction required to lead complex, multi-stakeholder organizations.

My career has been defined by an unwavering commitment to educational equity and access, from founding and leading high schools in the South Bronx to serving as Superintendent of Schools in Westchester County, to driving national school transformation and leadership as a Chief Operating Officer and conference presenter on leadership development, youth engagement, and social-emotional learning.

Assistant Superintendent for K–12 Instruction at East Ramapo Central School District (2024-01 – Present)

One of New York State's most complex and high-needs districts, serving 37,000+ public and private students across multiple municipalities in Rockland County.

• Direct all aspects of K–12 curriculum design, instructional implementation, and professional development, ensuring alignment between written, taught, and assessed curriculum across every grade level and content.
• Serve as Student Program Compliance Officer, overseeing NYSED regulatory requirements and monitoring student outcome data to drive continuous instructional improvement.
• Led district-wide data dive process that correlated curriculum delivery with assessment performance, producing measurable gains in elementary-level academic achievement.
• Steered Career & Technical Education Committee to expand CTE pathways, leveraging community partnerships and new Pathways to Graduation aligned with student interests and regional workforce needs.
• Managed teacher and administrator annual review processes (A/MPPR), ensuring evaluation integrity and supporting a culture of professional growth.
• Collaborate across cabinet in Student Services, Multilingual Education, Business Administration, Personnel, and Grants Management for cross-functional whole-district leadership.

Chief of Staff / Chief Operating Officer at Center for Educational Innovation (CEI) (2024-01 – 2024-12)

CEI is a nonprofit providing school transformation, community school support, and innovative technology integration across NYC, Rochester, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and Chile.

• Engaged in this strategic leadership role to broaden executive operations expertise beyond the district level gaining perspective on school reform, organizational design, and national program management.
• Collaborated with CEO and senior leadership to develop and execute a comprehensive strategic plan aligned with organizational mission and long-term growth objectives.
• Oversaw day-to-day operations, implementing systems and processes that improved organizational efficiency and accountability across all program areas.
• Managed and mentored senior staff, cultivating a collaborative and results-driven organizational culture.
• Co-managed budget development and financial sustainability planning, supporting senior team leaders across departments and programs.
• Played integral role in the development, fund sourcing, and launch of the Bronx Innovation Center.

Superintendent of Schools at Elmsford Union Free School District (2022-01 – 2024-12)

A small, community-centered K–12 district in Westchester County featuring a K–5 Dual Language program, honors and Advanced Placement coursework, and dual enrollment college credit opportunities at the secondary level.

• Served as chief executive officer of the district, leading all academic, operational, personnel, and governance functions in close collaboration with the Board of Education.
• Partnered with Board Trustees to align district policy, operations, supervision and shared accountability.
• Managed complex fiscal operations including capital improvement planning, budget development, and long-range financial forecasting, ensuring fiscal responsibility while preserving program quality.
• Championed the district's Dual Language program, strengthening multilingual pathways and reinforcing the district's commitment to diversity, equity, and academic excellence.
• Led district-wide recruitment and hiring for all certificated and non-certificated staff, building a cohesive and mission-aligned faculty and administrative team.
• Represented the district at regional, state, and national forums, elevating Elmsford's profile as a model for innovative, community-responsive education in Westchester County.

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction at Tarrytown Union Free School District (2021-01 – 2022-12)

A diverse district of approximately 2,900 students across 5 buildings, featuring a Dual Language program, Foreign Language in Elementary Schools, and award-winning Performing Art Programs.

• Led all written and delivered curriculum from Pre-K through grade 12, ensuring vertical alignment, instructional coherence, and data-informed continuous improvement.
• Chaired the District Equity Team, advancing equitable access to rigorous coursework and inclusive professional development for all students and staff.
• Supervised principals, assistant principals, and directors in instructional leadership, operational management, and goal setting aligned to district priorities.

High School Principal at Mount Vernon City School District (2011-01 – 2021-12)

A large, comprehensive high school serving 1,400+ students in grades 9–12 with 162 instructional and support staff. Also served as Administrators Union President, Chief Negotiator, and NYSED Policy Delegate.

• Led the International Baccalaureate authorization process and guided school-wide IB implementation, expanding access to rigorous, globally recognized coursework for Mount Vernon students.
• Expanded Career & Technical Education offerings through new program certifications and innovative course designs, creating tangible post-secondary pathways for students.
• Served as President of the Administrators Union and Chief Negotiator for collective bargaining, successfully reaching contractual agreements that strengthened working conditions and organizational stability.
• Recognized with two NYS Assembly Proclamations, two Westchester County Proclamations, and a City of Mount Vernon Proclamation for outstanding educational leadership during this tenure.
• Honored as NYS Administrator of the Year (ESSAA Region 2/RASA, 2016) and NYSED Title I School of Promising Practice (2017).

High School Principal at New York City Department of Education (2010-01 – 2011-12)

Led reform initiatives, managed instructional data systems, and directed school improvement in collaboration with the Superintendent and school community.

Education Administrator, Office of Curriculum, Standards & Academic Engagement at New York City Department of Education (2007-01 – 2010-12)

Monitored K–12 instructional practices and created sustainable partnerships with major public and private sector organizations including the NFL, PepsiCo, and the American Dairy Association.

Founding Principal at The Leadership Institute High School (2005-01 – 2007-12)

Co-founded and led an innovative high school created in collaboration with Fordham University, the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition, and New Visions for Public Schools.

Regional Instructional Specialist at Region One Learning Support Center, NYC DOE (2004-01 – 2005-12)

Administered K–12 professional development across the region and oversaw special projects for the Superintendent, including coordination of Regional Summer School across 142 sites.

Assistant Principal, Administration | Teacher / Dean at New York City Department of Education (1997-01 – 2004-12)

Rose through the ranks as a Bilingual Health & Physical Education Teacher, Lead Dean, and Acting Assistant Principal — building the foundational leadership and community relationship skills that have defined a distinguished career.

• Morris High School
• George Washington High School

Ed.D. in Executive Leadership – St. John Fisher College (2020-01)

M.S.Ed. in Educational Leadership – Bank Street College of Education (2005-01)

B.S.Ed. in Education – Manhattan College (1998-01)