Ramapo Indian Hills rescinds new superintendent's contract days before start date

OAKLAND − In a stunning reversal, the Ramapo Indian Hills Board of Education voted 5-0-3 Thursday to rescind its May 28 vote electing a new school superintendent four days before he was scheduled to take office.

No reason was given for rescinding the five-year contract to hire Ronnie Tarchichi, now superintendent of the Pennsauken School District in Camden County as of July 1.

Five trustees voted in favor of rescinding: President Kim Ansh, Vice President Marianna Emmolo, Melissa Kiel, Doreen Mariani and Audrey Souders. Trustee Brian DeLaite was absent.

Three members abstained: Tom Bogdansky, Helen Koulikourdis and Aaron Lorenz. All three read the same statement:

"I do not have enough information to make a sound decision," Bogdansky said. "My obligation lies with protecting the financial assets and the well being of the district. Every decision I make reflects the trust of the people who elected me to represent our community and our students, guiding every decision I make about this board."

In a second vote, the board approved a 60-day extension of Acting Superintendent Melissa Quackenbush's contract by a 5-3 vote. A motion to initiate a search for an interim superintendent failed by a reverse 3-5 vote.

A five-year contract for Tarchichi was unanimously approved at the board's meeting on May 28. He was to succeed Rui Dionisio, who left the district in November to assume charge of the Fair Lawn School District. A divided board had disagreed when a search for his successor should begin, holding off until new board members were sworn in Jan. 5.

TARCHICHI HIRED Ramapo Indian Hills has a new superintendent. Interim was terminated without explanation

Following the May approval, a series of reports began circulating that Tarchichi was negotiating to continue serving as a paid consultant with the Pennsauken district after assuming duties at Ramapo Indian Hills.

In a June 16 statement, Ansh confirmed there had been discussions with Tarchichi about continuing with his former duties in some capacity so he could begin his term on July 1 at Ramapo Indian Hills, "which is earlier than the law otherwise would allow."

"However, Dr. Tarchichi has since pulled the contract and will assist his former district without being compensated as he prefers RIH to receive his undivided attention," Ansh stated. "Dr. Tarchichi did not want to leave his former district abruptly without a proper succession plan for students of the district."

Ansh asserted, "Dr. Tarchichi is committed to RIH and will be devoting himself to our community on a full-time basis."

There was no public indication what happened to these talks, or if other issues were involved.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Ramapo Indian Hills rescinds new superintendent's contract days before start date