Hardyston superintendent Dr. Michael Ryder steps down; board introduces interim Monica Rowland

Superintendent Dr. Michael Ryder addressed the Hardyston community at his final board meeting, reflecting on a decade in the role and thanking staff and families. "Serving this district has been the honor of a lifetime," he said, describing achievements in academics, safety, facilities and fiscal stewardship.

Board President (speaker 1) introduced Monica Rowland as the interim superintendent who will serve during the transition. The board read and adopted a formal resolution thanking Dr. Ryder for service from July 2016 through March 2026 and arranged tokens of appreciation for his office. No personnel action beyond the interim designation was finalized at the public meeting; the superintendent's resignation was accepted with the board's formal recognition and customary acknowledgements.