Who was Veronica E. Connor?

Veronica E. Connor was born in 1910 in Ransomville, NY.  She attended a one room school house in Ransomville. When the time came for her to attend high school she would ride a train into Niagara Falls and would walk to Niagara Falls High School each day until her graduation in 1928. She chose to become a teacher in part because her mother and aunt were both teachers, however women at the time were rarely offered other career choices than secretarial work, nursing, or teaching.

Ms. Connor began her teaching career at the Porter Center school in Niagara County. After success in Niagara County she was recommended to become a Supervising Principal (teacher/principal) on Grand Island. She was instrumental in moving the Grand Island schools from one room school houses to larger schools. 

As Grand Island schools continued to grow so did Ms. Connor. She earned degrees in Education Administration and was named Chief School Officer. Over time until her retirement in 1973 as Superintendent of Schools, she oversaw the Grand Island schools through many changes in education including the creation of shared services with other school districts (BOCES).  

Affectionately called "Big Red" because of her striking red hair and an enthusiastic and vibrant personality, she was well known for her unwavering dedication to the education of the children on Grand Island.

Please take the time to read this brief biography about an amazing local pioneer in the educational field.  Twentieth Century Educational Opportunities as Viewed through the Life of Veronica E. Connor by Karen Raccuia, 1997.