The North Rockland Central School District superintendent will now bring her expertise to a new kind of classroom – and she says she’s eager for the challenges: “It’s a pleasure for me to be approached and accepted because I have a lot of respect for the work the college is doing,” Eckert said.
Eckerd was unanimously approved by the full Legislature Dec. 3, following a prior go-vote from the Multi-Services Committee.
“We are lucky to have someone with the skill, expertise and grace of Ileana Eckert,” Legislature Chairman Alden H. Wolfe said. “Her willingness to share her talents and to devote her time is truly appreciated.”
Legislator Phil Soskin, chairman of the Multi-Services Committee, said “It’s people like Mrs. Eckert who help the college to continue to grow and to blossom. Her many years in the education field will be a real asset to the college. We thank her for serving.”
Eckerd, superintendent of North Rockland since 2009, had her start at Rockland Community College. While a senior at North Rockland High School, Eckert also enrolled in courses at RCC and received college credit.
“It was a pretty new program at the time,” Eckert said. “Thanks to that head start, I actually earned my college degree in three years instead of four.”
Eckert holds a bachelor’s degree from St. Thomas Aquinas College, a master’s degree from Kean College and a professional diploma from the State University of New York at New Paltz.
At North Rockland, she has held a variety of jobs, including teacher, department coordinator, director of secondary education, assistant principal, and assistant superintendent, and superintendent.
Eckerd and her husband, Peter, have two grown children and two granddaughters, and are well known for their community involvement.
Click here to follow Daily Voice New City and receive free news updates.