LIVINGSTON MANOR – At its November 18 meeting, the Rockland Central School District Board of Education appointed Keith Lewis as the interim superintendent. He will begin in his new role on Monday, December 1, and serve as the interim superintendent through the end of the 2025-26 school year.

Lewis has 31 years of experience in education and has served 17 years as an administrator. In 2023, he retired from his role as superintendent of the Lackawanna City School District in Western New York, a position he held for five years. Prior to his superintendency, he was the assistant superintendent at Lackawanna for one year.

Under Lewis’s leadership, the Lackawanna City School District bolstered its resources and staffing while achieving its best financial position in more than 50 years. More than 150 new staff members were hired districtwide, including personnel for Academic Intervention Services and Response to Intervention. The district also established 1-to-1 technology so each student had their own device.

To expand opportunities for students, Lewis oversaw the district’s reestablishment of eight advanced placement classes and 18 college credit-bearing classes, initiated the introduction of a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) classroom in each school building, added significant support for social-emotional learning, reduced class sizes, and enhanced the before- and after-school programing. The district also achieved recognition as a National STEM Pathway District.

“I believe in honesty, integrity, longevity, hard work, and doing the best you can each day with a positive attitude,” said Lewis. “I am excited to meet and work with the faculty and staff to make sure that we continue to deliver an outstanding education to Rockland students.”

Rockland’s current superintendent, John Evans, announced his retirement in October. His last day with the district will be November 30. Lewis will assist the Board of Education in its search for a new permanent superintendent; however, the board has not yet released details on the search process or timeline.