Unpacking the August 28 RIH BOE Meeting: Resignations, Searches, and Curriculum
- Kathie Schwartz
- Aug 29, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 12, 2024
The August 28 RIH BOE meeting was, as usual, filled with plenty of drama. The public portion of the meeting lasted three and a half hours, during which several key actions were taken:
1. Superintendent’s Resignation: The Board voted to accept the resignation of Dr. Dionisio effective November 12th. Many board members and community members expressed regret over his departure, with many blaming it on an unsupportive Board.
2. Search for Interim Superintendent: The Board voted unanimously to search for an Interim Superintendent. A majority of the Board (Bogdansky, DeLaite, King, Koulikourdis, Lorenz) voted to table two related motions: one for an internal search for an Acting Interim Superintendent and another for solicitation of proposals for Superintendent Search Firms. Ms. Sullivan was notably distressed to find the motions she put on the agenda tabled, and herself in the minority. The majority has spoken: the Board will look for an Interim Superintendent now, and then plan out a deliberate search for a permanent Superintendent later.
3. Curriculum Approved: Last year Sullivan and Emmolo voted against the curriculum. Given the new 'Parents Rights majority,' there was concern that the Board might might reject the curriculum this year - and then what? Nothing could be taught on the first day of school? This year the only Board member to vote NO to some of the Curriculum was Kim Ansh. The other eight Board members, including Sullivan and Emmolo, voted yes for all curriculum motions.
The meeting featured excellent presentations by the Curriculum Director, Subject Supervisors and teaching staff. Board members asked good questions addressing concerns related to topics such as 1619 project, CRT, DEI and the curriculum revision process. There was a large crowd and healthy participation from community members.
Livestream of the 3.5 hour meeting can be found here:
