Former Kendall teacher of the year named Elba school superintendent

Photo courtesy Elba Central School: Gretchen Rosales

ELBA – Gretchen Rosales, a two-time Kendall teacher of the year, has been named district superintendent at Elba Central School.

“Gretchen’s experience combined with her knowledge of the district and her passion will serve her well,” Mike Augello, president of the Elba Board of Education, said on the district’s Facebook page. “She will also carry on in helping us reach our goals and continue our growth. We are confident that with Gretchen’s guidance we will do great things. It is quite an accomplishment to move from an Elba graduate to our Superintendent!”

Rosales is expected to start as superintendent in mid-August. She has been the principal of Elba Junior/Senior High School since 2019. Previously, she was the assistant principal of Alexander Middle/High School.

From 2015-2017, she served as an instructional support specialist and middle school department chair at the Kendall Central School.

Rosales began her career in education in 1998 as an English as a Second Language teaching assistant/long-term Spanish substitute for Elba.

Along with teaching at Elba Central Schools, she has taught at St. Anthony’s School, El Campo High School in Texas, and Kendall Central Schools. Rosales also taught at the college level and was an adjunct instructor at Genesee Community College.

“I am thrilled to continue my service to the Elba Central School District in the new role of Superintendent,” Rosales said in a press release from the district. “I feel a great responsibility to the school and community, as my roots are here.

“I am looking forward to collaborating with other schools in the area to further the needs of rural schools, while focusing on the traditions of the Elba community. Now is an exceptional time to be a leader in education; I am humbled and excited to take on this position.”

Her specialized training includes restorative practices in instruction and discipline, and creating inclusive schools and trauma-informed teaching.

Rosales has many honors and awards including as the two-time recipient of the Kendall Junior/Senior High School Teacher of the Year Award. She earned the HEB Excellence in Education Award while teaching in Texas.

Rosales earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, as well as, a Master of Science in Spanish and Secondary Education from SUNY Geneseo. She holds two Master of Science degrees from SUNY Stony Brook, one in Higher Education Administration and another in Educational Leadership and Administration. She holds New York State Certifications in Spanish 7-12 and as a School District Administrator. Rosales also earned her teaching certifications in Texas in Spanish 6-12 and English as a Second Language K-12.

“As a visible and engaged leader, we are confident that Gretchen Rosales is the best choice for our district,” Augello said. “We look forward to working with Gretchen as we deliver the best education possible for our students.”