Superintendent Of Ramapo-Indian Hills District To Take Over In Fair Lawn In November

WYCKOFF, NJ — The superintendent of the Ramapo-Indian Hills School District, which draws high school students from Franklin Lakes, Oakland, and Wyckoff, will resign as of Nov. 12, "unless mutually agreed upon with Dr. Dionisio for an earlier date," according to the agenda for a board meeting that had been scheduled this week.

The superintendent, Dr. Rui Dionisio, was hired a little over a week ago to become superintendent of the Fair Lawn schools later this year. The Fair Lawn schools posted a press release saying he will start there in November.

Dionisio has led the Ramapo-Indian Hills regional district since 2021, and before that served in Verona for seven years.

The board meeting scheduled for Wednesday was not held because not enough board members showed up, according multiple sources. But another meeting will be held Monday, Aug. 28 to discuss regular business as well as the school curriculum.

New board members have opposed several of Dionisio's recommendations this year, even overturning recommendations related to harassment and bullying cases, and recently failed to renew funding for two mental health programs before later reversing that decision, according to reports.

Dinisio published an editorial in the Record of Hackensack on Thursday calling the initial decision about the mental health programs "An assault on our most vulnerable students." The sister of a recent graduate of the district who took his own life has spoken out to criticize the decision, as did students.

The Fair Lawn schools posted a press release last week, welcoming Dionisio:

"Dr. Dionisio has demonstrated effective communication strategies fostering a culture that values diverse achievements and voices while strategically planning for a shared district vision. His commitments include curriculum enhancements, mental health initiatives, and facility improvements conducive to growth and inspiration....Dr. Dionisio is eager to immerse himself in our vibrant and diverse Fair Lawn community. He looks forward to engaging with and learning from all stakeholders, forging relationships that will enable us to collectively build upon our past achievements and address the challenges ahead."

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