Dear Rockland Central School District Community,

In today’s rapidly changing world, it has never been more essential to work with focus, alignment, and intentionality. We are proud to present the Rockland CSD Strategic Plan, the product of a collaborative effort to define our shared goals and guide our journey forward as a united district.

This "Blueprint for Excellence" reflects the voices and perspectives of our Board of Education, leadership team, staff, students, families, and community members from both Livingston Manor and Roscoe. Grounded in feedback gathered throughout our planning process, this document outlines our collective vision for the future—one rooted in opportunity, connection, and a deep commitment to student success.

The Strategic Plan will serve as our roadmap, helping us remain focused on what matters most: supporting every learner, strengthening community partnerships, and ensuring a thriving future for all. As we move forward together as the Rockland Central School District, we remain deeply grateful for your ongoing support and collaboration.

Together, we will continue to grow, adapt, and excel—honoring the legacy of our communities while embracing the opportunities ahead.

With appreciation,

Mr. John Evans
Superintendent of Schools

Blueprint Planning is intended to:

• Involve all members of the school community and reflect their shared perspectives.
• Allow stakeholder representatives to review community feedback to clearly define the district’s mission, vision and core values.
• Engage a team in defining the priorities of the district and suggesting action steps to accomplish objectives.
• Facilitate action planning focused on identifying who, when and how the work will get done.
• Provide the district with a road map that is transparent, accountable, and focused.
• Enable the district’s efforts to innovate, allocate resources and continuously grow in a coordinated, thoughtful, and aligned manner.
• Be an iterative, evolving, and ongoing process that builds from one year to the next while reflecting emerging needs and changing demands.

Timeline:

• April 2025: Community feedback gathered
• May 2025: Draft mission/vision/core values developed by the Board of Education and Leadership Team.
• June/July 2025: Community team assembled, mission/vision/core values reviewed, priority areas developed, strategies suggested.
• August 2025: Action plans developed that specifically identify what will be done to meet the objectives of each priority area and who will be responsible for leading the work.
• September 2025: Revisions and review completed by the Leadership Team. Communication to the community and implementation of the plan with stakeholders.

Our shared core purpose, aspirations and expectations are clear:

OUR MISSION

To empower all students to learn, succeed, and contribute to their communities.

EMPOWERING MINDS; INSPIRING FUTURES

OUR VISION

A place where students, staff, and community thrive together.

BETTER TOGETHER, BETTER TOMORROWS

OUR CORE VALUES

In order to accomplish our mission and achieve our vision, we will:

• Lead with Integrity: Act honestly, transparently, and ethically in all that we do.
• Put Students First: Make decisions that prioritize the growth, well-being, and success of every learner.
• Foster Respect and Kindness: Treat all individuals with dignity, empathy, and fairness.
• Pursue Excellence: Strive for the highest standards in teaching, learning, and leadership.
• Build Strong Partnerships: Collaborate with families, staff, and the community to support student achievement.
• Act as One Team: Work together with trust, unity, and shared responsibility for outcomes.
• Model a Growth Mindset: Promote curiosity, reflection, and continuous improvement across all roles.
• Inspire with Positivity: Create a culture of encouragement, pride, and enthusiasm that uplifts others.
• Embrace Innovation: Encourage creative thinking, flexible problem-solving, and future-focused solutions.
• Be Accountable: Own our actions, honor our commitments, and manage resources responsibly.

OUR DISTRICT

In December 2024, the communities of Roscoe and Livingston Manor approved the merging of their two school districts into the new Rockland Central School District. The district is primarily in the town of Rockland in Sullivan County and includes portions of the towns of Callicoon, Fremont, Neversink and Liberty in Sullivan County; Andes, Colchester and Hancock in Delaware County; and Hardenburgh in Ulster County.

Rockland serves approximately 600 students at its two schools. The Roscoe building serves as Rockland Elementary School (grades pre-kindergarten through 6) and the Livingston Manor building serves as Rockland Middle/High School (grades 7-12).

OUR COMMUNITY

Our Communities: Livingston Manor and Roscoe

The Rockland Central School District proudly serves the combined communities of Livingston Manor and Roscoe, two historic hamlets nestled in the scenic Catskill Mountains of Sullivan County, New York. These close-knit communities are rich in tradition, natural beauty, and civic pride, offering residents a unique blend of rural charm and community spirit. 

Livingston Manor is known for its vibrant arts scene, trout fishing heritage, and growing reputation as a destination for tourism, outdoor recreation, and small business innovation. With a strong sense of local identity and an engaged citizenry, the community values education, culture, and environmental stewardship.

Roscoe, often referred to as "Trout Town, USA," is steeped in history and outdoor tradition, with a legacy rooted in hospitality, recreation, and entrepreneurship. The community boasts a deep commitment to youth development, family values, and preserving its unique character.

Together, these two communities form the foundation of the Rockland Central School District—a district united by shared values, a dedication to student success, and a commitment to building a future that honors the past while embracing opportunity and progress.

OUR LEADERSHIP

Board of Education

• Ed Gorr, Board President
• Gary Dahlman, Board Vice President
• Tasse Niforatos
• Nicole Park
• Roy Rogers
• Chris Tuleweit
• Tom Ward

Administration

• John Evans, Superintendent of Schools
• Adam Larson, Middle/High School Principal
• Robin Francisco, Elementary Principal
• Lauren Nielsen, Director of Special Services
• Jeff Forehlich, School Business Manager
• Rebecca Ackerly, Elementary Assistant Principal
• Christopher Hubert, Assistant Principal, Director of Technology and Athletics
• Paul Antizzo, Director of Facilities
• Stephen Rogers, Food Service Director

OUR PLAN

The Rockland Central School District Strategic Plan outlines our shared vision for excellence as a newly unified district. Built through collaboration with staff, families, students, and community members, the plan focuses on four key priorities that will guide our work over the next several years.

Student Success remains at the heart of our mission. We are expanding college and career readiness through mentorships, internships, and early outreach programs that support students and families starting in 9^th grade. A focus on real-world learning, technology integration, and diverse course offerings will ensure every student graduates prepared for future success.

Our commitment to High Quality Staffing & Leadership centers on building strong, collaborative teams, supporting professional growth, and fostering a positive, inclusive staff culture that attracts and retains exceptional educators.

In Facilities & Operations, we are prioritizing long-term financial stability, modern infrastructure, and efficient systems—from transportation planning to technology upgrades—to support safe and effective learning environments.

Finally, Communication, Engagement & School Climate will strengthen our connections with families and the broader community. We aim to enhance transparency, increase outreach, and build a shared identity as the Rockland Wolves while honoring the unique heritage of Livingston Manor and Roscoe.

Based on community feedback, the following areas were identified as priorities to be focused on in order to fulfill the mission of the district. Goals have been developed for each area.

• Student Success
• High Quality Staffing & Leadership 
• Facilities & Operations
• Communication, Engagement, School Climate

Priority Area Goals

• Student Success
  1. Goal 1: Establish a mentorship/internship program where seniors engage in opportunities with area businesses.
  2. Goal 2: We will develop a sustainable outreach program starting in 9th grade to help students and families navigate college selection and financial planning.
  3. Goal 3: We will foster 21st-century learning through technology and real-world experiences.
  4. Overall goals: Achievement; Comprehensive Support & Enrichment; Expanded Opportunties; Multiple Pathways for Graduates; Physically, Emotionally, Socially Safe Environment.
      
• High Quality Staffing & Leadership
  1. Goal 1: We will create a cohesive leadership team that works together to build a positive, and supportive learning community.
  2. Goal 2: We will prioritize staff development to ensure educators are lifelong learners.
  3. Goal 3: We will create a rich environment where employees feel valued, supported, and motivated within the school community. (Retention of Staff)
  4. Overall goals: Staff Cohesion; High Quality Professional Learning; Recruiting and Retaining Staff; Positivie Staff Environment.
      
• Facilities & Operations
  1. Goal 1: We will ensure financial stability and robust infrastructure.
  2. Goal 2: Implement an efficient and student-focused transportation system.
  3. Overall goals: Organizational Efficiency; High Quality Facilities; Efficient Transportation Plan; Safety and Security; Financially Sustainable Future Planning
      
• Communication, Engagement, School Climate
  1. Goal 1: Strengthen meaningful family engagement.
  2. Goal 2: We will increase community outreach and engagement.
  3. Goal 3: Staff, students and families will develop a shared identity as Rockland Wolves.
  4. Overall goals: Transparent Communition; Community Outreach & Engagement; Positive Culture & Climate; Celebration; Shared Identity & Belonging

Priority Area: Student Success

Goal 1: Establish a mentorship/internship program where seniors engage in opportunities with area businesses.

Goal 2: We will develop a sustainable outreach program starting in 9th grade to help students and families navigate college selection and financial planning.

Goal 3: We will foster 21st-century learning through technology and real-world experiences.

Priority Area: High Quality Staffing & Leadership

Goal 1: We will create a cohesive leadership team that works together to build a positive, and supportive learning community. 

Goal 2: We will prioritize staff development to ensure educators are lifelong learners.

Goal 3: We will create a rich environment where employees feel valued, supported, and motivated within the school community.

Priority Area: Facilities & Operations

Goal 1: We will ensure financial stability and robust infrastructure.

Goal 2: Implement an efficient and student-focused transportation system.

Priority Area: Communication, Engagement, & School Climate

Goal 1: Strengthen meaningful family engagement.

Goal 2: We will increase community outreach and engagement.

Goal 3: Staff, students and families will develop a shared identity as Rockland Wolves.

• John Evans
• Robin Francisco
• Chris Hubert
• Adam Larson
• Jeff Froehlich
• Lauren Nielsen
• Rebecca Ackerly
• Ed Gorr
• Gary Dahlman
• Tasse Niforatos
• Nicole Park
• Roy Rogers
• Chris Tuleweit
• James Buck
• Ed Park
• Carol Park
• Dan Smith
• Elwin Wood
• Ashley Irwin
• Tegan Edwards
• Christine Antizzo
• Rene Edwards
• Amy Hines
• Mellisa Hess
• Laurie Allen-Kuehn