Robert McKiernan named principal of Goshen High School

GOSHEN — Robert McKiernan, an educator with more than 20 years experience, was appointed principal of Goshen High School.

McKiernan replaced former principal Kurtis Kotes, who is now serving the district as assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction, personnel and technology. Interim Principal Nancy Noonan filled the position since August, until the district found its permanent replacement.

"After an extensive and thorough search, Mr. McKiernan was selected from a pool of more than 200 candidates," said Superintendent Daniel Connor. "The district placed great emphasis on finding the right candidate and I am confident that Mr. McKiernan will do an outstanding job in his new position as principal."

McKiernan received a Bachelor of Arts in History from Fordham University, followed by a Masters in Secondary Education from Lehman College and a Masters in Administration and Supervision from Fordham University.

“I got into education because of my interest in history and mostly because of the teachers who inspired me,” said McKiernan. “By the time I was 13, I knew that being a teacher was what I truly wanted to do.”

McKiernan spent several years in the classroom before becoming an administrator. In 1994, he began his teaching social studies at Theodore Roosevelt High School in the Bronx, where he also served as department assistant. Five years later, he took a social studies teacher position at Carmel High School, and was then appointed as dean of students in 2005, a position he held for six years. He then served as assistant principal for Guidance and Student Support Services at Rye High School for approximately one year, and then returned to Carmel to serve as assistant principal for the past three years.

“I decided to come to Goshen because I have experience supporting teachers in order to focus on improved outcomes for students,” said McKiernan. “I served as assistant principal for about 10 years and believe that my experience has prepared me for this specific position.”

“I look forward to meeting everyone, encountering new challenges, solving problems and developing new relationships.”