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Dr. Ronald Gonzalez serves as the Superintendent of Schools for the Elmsford Union Free School District. The Elmsford UFSD is a student-focused district working towards an Informed Smart Goal titled, “Comm-unity”. Under his leadership the district works to embrace inquisitive minds, develop
critical thinkers, build open communication, acceptance & willingness to share within and among all stakeholders.
Other roles held include Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction & Equity for the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns. The Tarrytowns services over 2,900 students from two villages; Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown, NY. Prior to this post he led transformation efforts at Mount Vernon
High School for 11 years. His visionary leadership led to improvements in student performance, stability for staff, and several family & community awards. Understanding the need for schools to leverage change he launched and now serves as President & CEO for Lead Where You Stand
Corporation, a mentoring and leadership development consulting group.
As a mentor, Dr. Gonzalez services doctoral students, principals, assistant principals, teacher leaders, teachers and students. He has engaged educational and corporate entities internationally helping to create inclusion, diversity and equity through access. His doctoral research focused on the impact of educational seat time for Black/African American Students and Economically Disadvantaged Students. Prior to obtaining an Educational Doctorate in Executive Leadership from St. John Fisher College he earned a Masters of Science in Educational Leadership from Bank Street College of Education and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Manhattan College.
SESSIONS
Student Voice & Choice: Implementing a Superintendent's Student Leadership Council
School and district leadership is complex - a Student Leadership Council (SLC) makes it simple, focus on students. Learning and understanding how to empower your greatest group of stakeholders (STUDENTS) will take you further than any plan or approach. As is the case with most situations, if we simply engage students, and then get out of their way, they will guide us towards what they want. Balancing that voice with strategic actions can lead to significant, long-term change. Hear directly from students from the Elmsford Union Free School District and learn how to develop an SLC and select one student as your Superintendent's Apprentice.This interactive session includes participants as part of the process to build a Student Leadership Council and practical ways to launch and lead alongside students. Leaders will be empowered to take information back to their schools and districts to gain perspective from students, for students.
Learning Objectives
- This session will demystify student engagement from an esoteric topic to practical ways to involve students in decision making.
- This session helps to distinguish between culture and climate and where leaders have control.
- Identify ways to practically implement suspension alternatives and use affirming language during all student interactions.
Participant Outcomes
- Participants will learn ways to build a Student Leadership Council to inform principals and superintendents for effective change.
- Participants will understand the non-traditional approach to student leadership and celebrating student success.
- Participants will learn how the impact of a suspension alternative plan has on increased attendance, decreased suspensions and increased school engagement.