Ileana Eckert

Ileana Eckert was born in Havana, Cuba and, along with her parents, immigrated to the United States in 1966, when she was nine years old. She has lived in Haverstraw, New York ever since.

After graduating from North Rockland High School, Ms. Eckert received her Bachelor's from St. Thomas Aquinas, her Master's from Kean College, and a Professional Diploma in Educational Administration from SUNY at New Paltz.

She began her career as a bilingual teacher in Peekskill, New York and taught in Paterson, New Jersey for five years before being hired as a teacher by her alma mater, the North Rockland Central School District, in 1984. Ms. Eckert rose through the ranks of the District, and in August 2009, was promoted to Superintendent of Schools, retiring in July 2020. Subsequently, Ms. Eckert was named Interim Superintendent of Schools for the South Orangetown Central School District in January 2023, and will finish her term at the end of June.

Ms. Eckert's tenure as a superintendent is noteworthy for a multitude of reasons. The length of her position far exceeds the typical three to five years. She is also one of just a few female school superintendents in the country, and is a role model for other female administrators. 

Ms. Eckert always maintains a genuine interest in people and centers her decisions on the needs of students, staff, and community. Her handwritten notes are legendary – consistent, personalized, and with perfect penmanship. She is known to bring out the best in others, is easy to relate to, and is approachable, while still commanding respect and class. She is an inspiration to all those around her.

She and her husband, Peter, have been married for 43 years. They have two wonderful children, Marc and Amanda, and a daughter-in-law, Claire. They have two granddaughters, Charlotte and Amelia.

Ms. Eckert truly embodies Rockland, from her immigrant experience to her hard work, perseverance, and strong commitment to family and community – all values that Rocklanders share.