East Ramapo board appoints Anne as interim superintendent; one member cites transparency concerns

The East Ramapo Central School District Board of Education voted to appoint Anne (last name not specified) as interim superintendent during a board meeting; the board recorded the motion, a second and a vocal vote in which the motion carried.

Board members debated how the appointment should be handled before the vote. One board member asked whether the candidate would need to take a leave of absence from her current position before beginning on July 1, saying, “Wouldn't she have to take a leave of absence from her current position before commencing on July 1?” That procedural question prompted staff to note two options: a formal leave of absence, or an appointment paired with additional compensation under a drafted contract. Staff member Douglas (last name not specified) was cited as having provided those options, and Sabrina (last name not specified) was asked to clarify the approach to follow the district's usual protocol of a leave of absence.

In advance of the formal vote, one board member delivered a statement expressing reservations about the appointment process and emphasizing obligations to students and families: “I fully recognize that this recommendation comes final recommended recommendation comes from both the monitors and the commissioner. But I must say that as a board member, my duty is first and foremost to the students, staff, and families of this district.... While I understand that this recommendation is intended to be a temporary, my vote is not a reflection of the candidate personally, but rather a reflection of the concerns raised in the importance of trust and transparency in the process.” That member then cast their vote as recorded in the meeting.

Another board member expressed support for the appointment, saying the interim leader would provide steady leadership during the transition: “Given the importance of steady leadership during this transitional period, I believe she brings the experience, understanding of our district's needs, and the stability necessary to move us forward.”

After the motion and second, the board chair called for a voice vote. The record shows the motion carried; meeting remarks state “Thank you. Motion carries.” The roll call or numeric tally of yes/no/abstain votes was not specified in the transcript.

The board asked staff to clarify whether the district will follow its customary practice of a leave of absence or proceed with an appointment that includes additional compensation and a drafted contract. The timeline discussed included a July 1 potential start date, but implementation details were left to staff for confirmation.

The appointment had been recommended by external monitors and the commissioner, according to board remarks made during the discussion. The board did not take executive session on the item at this meeting.