Ramapo Indian Hills Board Approves New Superintendent

OAKLAND, NJ — The Ramapo Indian Hills Regional High School District will be led by a new superintendent beginning in November, the district announced.

Rui Dionisio was appointed to the role at a Monday board meeting, and will take over for Anthony Riscica, who has served in an interim role since Beverly MacKay retired last August.

Dionisio arrives in Oakland after serving as the superintendent of Verona Public Schools for the last seven years. Prior to his time in Verona, Dionisio was an administrator with Ridgewood Public Schools, and served as principal at Cranford High School.

School Board President Filomena Laforgia said the district sought a candidate who could lead the district "through some critical changes" and that is a "strong, dynamic, and thoughtful leader."

"Dr. Dionisio fits the bill," Laforgia added.

Dionisio was recongized as the AASA Essex County Superintendent of the Year in 2019, and was the recipient of the Bristol Myers Squibb "Grants for Teaching Excellence" during his time in Ridgewood.

For Ramapo Indian Hills, his student-focused initiatives are just as important as projects to improve district infrastructure.

Dionisio "spearheaded Verona community action committees on mental health and suicide prevention, resulting in financial support and public adoption of an innovative, therapeutic mental health program," while also managing two capital improvement projects and an energy improvement project totaling $50 million, the district said.

"There is no greater role more important than that of an educator as we continue to pave the way forward to fortify a culture of teaching and learning that addresses the needs of all students," Dionisio said.

"With a highly committed school district and community, we can ensure that all students achieve their individual potential. When we do all of this well constructively and productively, the results speak for themselves."

Dionisio lives in Essex County, and is the "proud father" to two adult daughters and a college-aged son. He is slated to officially begin his superintendent duties in November 2021.

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