Jericho School District is embarking on an exciting new chapter with the arrival of Dr. Robert L. Kravitz as its new Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Kravitz comes to us with a nationally recognized reputation and a remarkably diverse background, a journey that has uniquely equipped him to lead one of the most highly regarded districts in the country.

What stands out immediately about Dr. Kravitz is the breadth of his experiences and the energy he brings to the role. He began his journey as a music major, performing in ensembles from the age of ten, then trained in culinary arts, and eventually built a successful, million-dollar bakery business - all before earning dual graduate degrees and a doctorate in educational leadership. His entrepreneurial spirit, combined with a proven ability to foster excellence (including guiding a school to win the prestigious National Blue Ribbon Award not once, but twice) is exactly the foundation Jericho needs for its next chapter.

In this exclusive cover Q&A, we sit down with Dr. Kravitz to discuss everything from the early family values that shaped his work ethic to his vision for global citizenship and strategic growth in Jericho. Get ready to meet the dedicated and driven leader who is committed to ensuring every child in the district is safe, supported, and growing.

My mother and father instilled in me the importance of hard work from an early age. I honestly can’t remember a time in my life when I wasn’t working. I've been at it since the age of 14, and I’ve never stopped. That work ethic, combined with the value I place on building meaningful relationships with people, has shaped the man I am today.

My time in music ensembles, beginning when I was just ten years old and continuing through the age of 21, gave me invaluable experience performing in front of people. Those years taught me how to carry myself on a stage, how to connect with an audience, and how to stay composed under pressure. The countless rehearsals, performances, and collaborations helped shape my confidence and strengthened my ability to communicate with others in meaningful ways.

While teaching people about desserts was enjoyable and creatively fulfilling, the trials and tribulations of running my own business eventually took a toll. After 15 years in that world, I realized that my experiences could serve a greater purpose. I could guide high school students and help them understand the realities of business. Making that transition was a significant decision, but it has proven to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.

Learning how to truly engage students proved to be one of the greatest challenges I faced, yet it quickly became one of the most rewarding parts of my work. I found genuine enjoyment in discovering what students already knew, their prior knowledge, their strengths, and even their misconceptions. From there, I worked to develop thoughtful action plans that would not only help them learn, but inspire them to want to learn. Creating that sense of curiosity and desire within them was the key. When students began to take ownership of their learning, showing excitement and confidence in their progress, I knew the effort was worthwhile.

It is essential for all stakeholders to fully understand what it takes to make the educational triangle—students, families, and educators function effectively. In Jericho, the expectation for high-level learning is not simply a goal; it is a standard that reflects the shared commitment of everyone involved. This culture of excellence is a direct testament to the way our stakeholders collaborate, support one another, and remain united in their dedication to student success.

At the same time, we recognize that even strong systems must continue to evolve. Our work is guided by the belief that education thrives when it follows a cycle of continuous improvement. By consistently reflecting on our practices, identifying opportunities for growth, and embracing new ideas, we ensure that our district continues to move forward. With this shared mindset, we will not only maintain our high expectations but elevate them, reaching even greater levels of achievement for all students.

We live in a world where the way we communicate has never been more important. In a community as diverse as ours, we have a responsibility to look toward the future with an understanding that foreign languages play a vital role in connecting people and broadening perspectives. As our school system continues to evolve, we should explore every opportunity to prepare our students to become true global citizens. That journey begins with strengthening and expanding their proficiency in foreign languages, giving them the tools to engage confidently in an increasingly interconnected world.

We are currently in the process of engaging with consultants who will assist the district in developing a comprehensive strategic plan. This partnership will help guide our efforts as we continue to examine areas where we can grow, strengthen, and improve. As a community, we should never stop striving to reach higher levels of excellence, and I truly believe that this mindset is shared by everyone in Jericho.

At this stage, my priorities are simple yet essential: to listen carefully, to learn from all stakeholders, and to consistently ask why—why we do what we do, why we make certain decisions, and why certain practices remain in place. By grounding our work in curiosity, reflection, and collaboration, we position ourselves to build a stronger future for our students and our entire community.

The community plays an essential role in the overall success of any school system. When families, staff, students, and local residents feel informed and included, the entire district benefits. That is why maintaining transparency and encouraging open, honest dialogue with all stakeholders is so important.

As we move forward, I am committed to being present, approachable, and fully engaged with everyone in our community. I plan to continue listening carefully, asking thoughtful questions, and making sure every voice has the opportunity to be heard. By building these strong, trusting relationships, we create the foundation for meaningful collaboration, shared purpose, and long term success for all.

I begin each day at 4:00 a.m., energized and ready to give my absolute best. I am deeply self-motivated, and no matter what the day brings, I commit to giving 100% in everything I do. In this role, my guiding purpose is simple yet powerful: to ensure that every child entrusted to me is safe, supported, and growing.

Each night, when I reflect on the decisions I’ve made throughout the day, I want to know that my actions have created opportunities for students; opportunities to learn, to feel valued, and to reach higher. Providing those opportunities is my north star, and it drives every choice I make.

On his desk, Dr. Kravitz keeps antique sand timers, different size containers marking various increments of time, symbolizing the careful, measured approach he takes to his work. 

On a shelf sits a treasured glass jar containing 1,000 paper cranes, a gift from a class in the Fort Lee district after he achieved the first Blue Ribbon there. This gift is a tribute to the story of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and wished for peace and healing by folding 1,000 origami cranes, a symbol of hope and longevity. This artifact is a powerful reminder of his guiding purpose: “It’s important that every child has an opportunity,” because “when you have opportunities, you can do anything.”