Shauna DeMarco
Superintendent of Schools, Ms. Shauna DeMarco
On August 9th, 2024, the Ramapo Indian Hills Regional High School District welcomed the new Superintendent of Schools, Ms. Shauna DeMarco. After a 5-4 vote in support of her employment on August 7th, 2024, DeMarco began her role as Superintendent on August 14th. She will continue serving as Superintendent, according to her employment agreement found on the district website, through June 30, 2028.
Following the resignation of Superintendent of Schools Dr. Rui Dionisio in November of 2023, Dr. James Baker was appointed as the Interim Superintendent of Schools until June of 2024. After this, Dr. Melissa Quackenbush was appointed as the Acting Superintendent. Dr. Ronnie Tarchichi was elected as the new Superintendent on May 29, 2024, and was set to begin on July 1, 2024; however, four days before he was due to take office, his five-year contract was rescinded. Dr. Quackenbush’s contract was extended until Ms. DeMarco replaced her as the new Superintendent.
In the past, DeMarco has served as a high school teacher, an elementary and high school principal, an assistant superintendent, a superintendent in her hometown of Lyndhurst, as well as the superintendent in Tenafly. Regarding her transition into the Ramapo Indian Hills School District, DeMarco says she is “inspired by the talent, work ethic, and commitment that is displayed daily throughout the district by staff and students alike. I appreciate the candor, creativity, and commitment demonstrated in meetings and collaborations from the district community, and I look forward to continued opportunities that bring all voices to the table for optimum success.”
Of her developed leadership practices, DeMarco describes an emphasis on student achievement, exploration, collaboration, and communication, among others; she says that these practices will “maintain the positive momentum that we have at RIH as we proceed to propel programs and engage the community, while cherishing [and] upholding the successful traditions and values that the RIH community holds near and dear.” DeMarco also provides an overview of goals she has in mind for the school district, some of which include leading “the district’s transition to a Block Schedule that implements a Later Student Start Time under a district-wide supervisory structure in order to improve student learning and enhance the overall educational experience,” and ensuring that “the district’s policy framework is current, accurate and aligned with the district’s mission and vision.” The next RIH Board of Education meeting will take place on Tuesday, November 12th, in the Ramapo High School cafeteria, where DeMarco’s goals will be put forward for the board’s approval.