Ulster BOCES

Published Works

Jonah M. Schenker, Ed.D., of New Paltz, New York, was appointed the new District Superintendent of Ulster BOCES, effective March 23, 2023. Schenker will serve a dual role as the state education commissioner’s representative for the eight local component school districts in the Ulster BOCES region, and as chief executive officer of Ulster BOCES. The Ulster BOCES Board of Education approved Schenker’s appointment on Wednesday, March 22. He also needed approval of New York State Commissioner of Education Betty A. Rosa, Ed.D., which was secured on March 14.

Dr. Schenker received his Doctorate in Education Leadership from The Esteves School of Education, at The Sage Colleges, in 2015. Dr. Schenker began his formal education career as a classroom teacher in inner city/urban settings, as well as rural school districts. His focus on building non-traditional, sustainable schools and relevant teacher and student learning communities that prepare schools for the future was instrumental in his school being recognized as a White House Next Generation High School in 2016. Dr. Schenker received a Global Leadership Scholarship in 2016, which gave him the opportunity to explore systems around the world that are at the forefront of educational reform. It is through this lens that he has developed a true understanding that in order to lead a group, institution, company, or a people, it is crucial to have the ability to inspire passion and leverage the strengths of individuals. 

The ability to listen, observe, communicate, and organize creates the opportunity for expertise to be harnessed, the development of a skill set to be fostered, and the space for safe reflection to occur. I believe the most important quality is the ability to empower people to understand who they are as individuals within the capacity of their jobs.  

Dr. Schenker has been pioneering teams that are instrumental in opening multiple schools that challenge the traditional setting, and continues to work around the country to help systems grow their existing practice to meet the challenges of today's world. This experience, coupled with an international lens, enables Dr. Schenker to take hold of what is working in an institution, eliminate barriers to the future vision, and helps move education forward by preparing our systems for the unknown. 

CONTACT INFO

Phone: 845.255.3020
Email

Learn about Dr. Schenker's job responsibilities.