Rye Lake Middle-High principal embraces his new role

Eric Ford brings enthusiasm, experience as an education leader to SWBOCES

Rye Lake MS/HS Principal Eric Ford When it comes to helping students overcome daily obstacles, Eric Ford employs a dynamic approach, utilizing skills learned throughout his years in education. With compassion, Mr. Ford works to ensure all students reach their potential.

“Having the experience and understanding of the challenges that students face individually, I’m able to sit down with them and help them identify their goals and passions,” he said.

Beginning his career as a teacher’s assistant, Mr. Ford went on to be a special education teacher in New York City’s District 75. He then taught math at the middle and high school levels. From there he landed a role as an assistant principal before becoming principal at the Hawthorne Cedar Knolls Union Free School District.

Mr. Ford’s journey provided him with an appreciation for the different roles in education.

“Having that experience as a teacher’s assistant, that experience as a teacher and an administrator really prepared me in terms of having an understanding of the level of commitment and expectations for each role,” he said.

These experiences are what makes him so well rounded and give him the ability to connect not only with students but with his staff as well.

Mr. Ford enthusiastically accepted the position of principal at Rye Lake Middle-High School this past summer.

“Working for Southern Westchester BOCES was a goal of mine,” he said. “I’m looking forward to working with the director in terms of building the program, putting systems in place to really support the students, and provide them every opportunity to be successful.”