LIVINGSTON MANOR — The Rockland Central School District Board of Education has appointed Lauren Nielsen as interim superintendent while the district continues its search for a permanent superintendent.

Nielsen, the district’s Director of Special Services, was appointed during a June 29 board meeting at Rockland Middle/High School in Livingston Manor. The appointment is effective July 1 and runs through no later than Aug. 31, according to the agreement approved by the board.

The motion was made by board member Roy Rogers and seconded by board member Tasse Niforatos. 

It was approved unanimously.

Nielsen replaces Keith Lewis, who had been serving as interim superintendent. District Clerk Marlyn Peters said Lewis’ agreement ended June 30.

Under the agreement, Nielsen will continue serving as Director of Special Services while also taking on the duties of interim superintendent. She will be paid a stipend of $600 per day working as interim superintendent, in addition to the pay and benefits outlined in her existing terms of employment.

The agreement states Nielsen will be vested with the duties and responsibilities of superintendent, including serving as the district’s chief administrative officer.

Her interim appointment may end before Aug. 31 if the board appoints a permanent superintendent or votes to terminate the agreement.

The leadership change comes as Rockland continues through its early years as a merged district. Rockland Central School District was formed following the merger of the former Livingston Manor and Roscoe school districts.

The district’s 2026-27 budget drew public concern earlier this year over taxes, staffing reductions and long-term sustainability. The board adopted a $33.97 million spending plan, which included a 5.72 percent increase over the current year and a 4.48 percent tax levy increase.

During the June 29 meeting, Niforatos thanked Nielsen for stepping up as interim superintendent while the district searches for a superintendent. Board President Ed Gorr thanked Lewis for his time with the district, and Lewis thanked everyone for the opportunity to serve.