White Plains, NY
Schools
New Law Will Put A Student On Every School Board In NY New Law Will Put A Student On Every School Board In NY
New Law Will Put A Student On Every School Board In NY There will soon be a student on every school board in New York.A law requiring all state boards of education to have at least one student member will take effect on July 1, 2025. The students will attend public meetings, but not executive sessions, and won't be allowed to vote. Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the bill on Thursday, Sept. 5. It will also remove the current law requirement that a student member seat be authorized by referendum of the voters of the district.  The bill would also remove the requirement that a student member be a senior at the school and instead require only that…

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by Joe Lombardi
Camden, NJ
Schools
Camden Schools Superintendent Calls On Board President To Quit In Wake Of Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Camden Schools Superintendent Calls On Board President To Quit In Wake Of Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
Camden Schools Superintendent Calls On Board President To Quit In Wake Of Sexual Abuse Lawsuit The state-appointed superintendent for the Camden City School District is calling for the resignation of the advisory school board president amid sexual abuse allegations. Camden Superintendent Katrina T. McCombs, in a letter to the community, wrote: "In order to allow our community to heal and refocus on what truly matters—the education and future of our students— it would be in the best interest of the state-operated district of Camden City for Advisory Board President Wasim Muhammad to voluntarily relinquish his seat." "We are at the beginning of a new school year—a time that s…

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by Jon Craig
Prince Frederick, MD
Schools
Disorderly Woman Accused Of Shouting Profanities Outside Barstow Elementary School: Sheriff Disorderly Woman Accused Of Shouting Profanities Outside Barstow Elementary School: Sheriff
Disorderly Woman Accused Of Shouting Profanities Outside Barstow Elementary School: Sheriff A cigarette-smoking woman is facing multiple drug charges after going on a tirade and being busted outside a Calvert County elementary school, according to the sheriff's office. Prince Frederick County resident Karla Yamith Rodriguez, 34, has been identified as the disorderly woman who was allegedly yelling and screaming profanities in the parking lot of Barstow Elementary School, officials say. It is alleged that when approached by responding deputies, Rodriguez ignored their commands, continued shouting in front of others in the area, and her "behavior escalated," leading to her apprehens…

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by Zak Failla
Joppatowne, MD
Schools
Teen Dies At Hospital Following Shooting At Joppatowne High School Teen Dies At Hospital Following Shooting At Joppatowne High School
Teen Dies At Hospital Following Shooting At Joppatowne High School A deadly shooting at Jappatowne High School is under investigation after a teen died after being airlifted to an area hospital on Friday, the sheriff's office confirmed. Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler said that 15-year-old Edgewood resident Grant Warren Curtis died at the hospital after being shot by a 16-year-old classmate on Sept. 6 in a bathroom at the school. "I regret to be standing here again with the unfortunately news after being informed that the victim did not survive the shooting," Gahler said at a press conference. The family was notified late on Friday afternoon, he sai…

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by Zak Failla
Dallastown, PA
Schools
Authorities ID Custodian Found Dead Day Before School Started In Lackawanna County Authorities ID Custodian Found Dead Day Before School Started In Lackawanna County
Authorities ID Custodian Found Dead Day Before School Started In Lackawanna County An 81-year-old man found dead at an elementary school in Lackawanna County has been identified, authorities said on Friday, Sept. 6. The body of Gary Porter, 81, of Dunmore, was discovered on Aug. 27 at Dunmore Elementary Center at 300 W. Warren St. in Dunmore, Lackawanna County Coroner Timothy Rowland told Daily Voice. His death took place one day before the new school year began on Aug. 28. Rowland said he has not issued a ruling on the cause of death pending a police investigation. The custodian passed away while working the night shift at the school, Superintendent John Marichak …

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by Jon Craig
Hempstead, NY
Schools
Hempstead School Superintendent Ousted Over Possible Misconduct Hempstead School Superintendent Ousted Over Possible Misconduct
Hempstead School Superintendent Ousted Over Possible Misconduct A Long Island school district formally cut ties with its superintendent over possible misconduct. The Hempstead School Board voted 4-1 to remove Superintendent Regina Armstrong at a special meeting held Thursday evening, Sept. 5. Armstrong was "reassigned to home effective immediately," board President Victor Pratt said in a letter to the community. “This decision was not made lightly and comes after a comprehensive review of recent developments and their impact on our school district,” he said. Specifically, the district is investigating whether Armstrong “misused facilities” by hos…

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by Michael Mashburn
Joppatowne, MD
Schools
Sheriff Responds To Joppatowne High School For Reported Shooting (UPDATED) Sheriff Responds To Joppatowne High School For Reported Shooting (UPDATED)
Sheriff Responds To Joppatowne High School For Reported Shooting (Updated) New details were released by Harford County Sheriff Gahler following an isolated shooting reported at Joppatowne High School on Friday afternoon. There was an increased police presence at the school, though few confirmed details were released by officials. The school was reportedly evacuated.  Volunteer Firefighters from Joppa-Magnolia VFC and a @HarfordCoDES EMS unit are working at an incident at Joppatowne High School. Follow @Harford_Sheriff for updates. https://t.co/Y5ZBUGLQig — Harford Co., MD Fire & EMS (@HarforCoFireEMS) September 6, 2024 According to the sheriff, a 16-year…

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by Zak Failla
Woodbridge, VA
Schools
Swastika, Vulgar Language Found Etched Into Gym Locker At Brentsville High School: Police Swastika, Vulgar Language Found Etched Into Gym Locker At Brentsville High School: Police
Swastika, Vulgar Language Found Etched Into Gym Locker At Brentsville High School: Police Hateful imagery was found etched into a gym locker inside a Prince William County high school, police say. An SRO assigned to Brentsville High School on Aden Road in Nokesville was notified about vandalism inside the school early on Thursday, Sept. 5.  According to the Prince William County Police Department, the investigation led to the discovery of a swastika and vulgar language inside the locker room, though no threats were involved. During a subsequent search, police say that officers did not find any additional vandalism in the area, and the school has since removed the markings.…

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by Zak Failla
Drexel Hill-Upper Darby, PA
Schools
Former PA 8th Grade Teacher Accused Of Sex Abuse With Former Student Former PA 8th Grade Teacher Accused Of Sex Abuse With Former Student
Former PA 8th Grade Teacher Accused Of Sex Abuse With Former Student A former 8th-grade math teacher at a South Philadelphia school has been charged with unlawful contact with a teenage girl, records show. Michael O'Brien, 48, taught 8th grade math at the Christopher Columbus Charter School starting in 2021, the school told Daily Voice. Administrators immediately fired him after learning about his arrest.  He was taken into custody on Aug. 30, according to court records. The victim is a 16-year-old girl and was previously taught by O'Brien at the K-8 school, according to 6abc.com. The abuse happened multiple times in 2024, including in mid-July, t…

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by Jon Craig
Towson, MD
Schools
One Killed, One Hospitalized In Double Shooting Near Parkville School, Police Say One Killed, One Hospitalized In Double Shooting Near Parkville School, Police Say
One Killed, One Hospitalized In Double Shooting Near Parkville School, Police Say A 43-year-old man was killed and a second hospitalized in Baltimore County following a midday shooting not far from an area elementary school.  Romy Bogier has been identified by police as the person who was shot and killed on Monday afternoon near the White Oak School in Parkville. According to the Baltimore County Police Department, at around 4:20 p.m. on Sept. 2, officers from the Towson Precinct were called to the 8400 block of Leefield Road, where they found Bogier with a gunshot wound to his upper body. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Police say that a second man was taken…

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by Zak Failla
Yonkers, NY
Schools
Yonkers To Put $5.8M Toward Air Conditioning In 39 Schools Yonkers To Put $5.8M Toward Air Conditioning In 39 Schools
Yonkers To Put $5.8M Toward Air Conditioning In 39 Schools A city in Westchester is committing millions of dollars toward putting air conditioning in all of its school buildings to help students deal with rising temperatures.  In an announcement on Wednesday, Aug. 28, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano and Superintendent Aníbal Soler, Jr. revealed that $5.8 million in capital funding would be spent on air-conditioning in the city's 39 public school buildings over the next three years.  The initiative is part of an effort to improve all aspects of the school experience for the city's students, Spano and Soler said.  "Investing in the…

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by Ben Crnic
New City, NY
Schools
Rockland County Equips School Buses With Stop-Arm Cameras Rockland County Equips School Buses With Stop-Arm Cameras
Rockland County Equips School Buses With Stop-Arm Cameras A Hudson Valley county is ensuring drivers are fined for not stopping for a stopped school bus by installing new stop-arm cameras. Rockland County Executive Ed Day announced on Tuesday, Aug. 27, that stop-arm cameras have been installed on nearly all school buses countywide in time for the 2024 school year. “These cameras will automatically record any vehicle that illegally passes a stopped school bus, capturing crucial evidence that will be used to enforce traffic laws and hold offenders accountable,” explained Day. “But this program is not about enforcement; it’s about saving lives, and n…

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by Kathy Reakes
Freehold, NJ
Schools
Moldy Classrooms Shut Down Elementary School In Freehold Temporarily Moldy Classrooms Shut Down Elementary School In Freehold Temporarily
Moldy Classrooms Shut Down Elementary School In Freehold Temporarily An elementary school in Freehold will have to start classes for the year in different buildings after mold was found in some classrooms, officials said. Students at Laura Donovan Elementary School will be relocated to other district schools when classes begin on Thursday, Sept. 5. Freehold Township superintendent Neal Dickstein sent a letter to families about the start-of-school plans on Wednesday, Aug. 28. Crews have been working "seven days per week" to remove the mold but the cleanup process has taken longer than expected. "Engineers are on-site to help determine the caus…

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by Chris Spiker
Middle River, MD
Schools
Students Evacuated From Vincent Farm Elementary School For HazMat Situation (DEVELOPING) Students Evacuated From Vincent Farm Elementary School For HazMat Situation (DEVELOPING)
Students Evacuated From Vincent Farm Elementary School For HazMat Situation (Developing) Staff had to usher students out of a Baltimore County elementary school on Wednesday morning due to a HazMat situation. The Baltimore County Fire Department issued an alert shortly before 10:45 a.m. on Wednesday morning as crews responded to Vincent Farm Elementary School in White Marsh to investigate a hazardous materials incident within the school. Officials said that students were evacuated as a precaution. No additional details have been provided. No injuries were reported. This is a developing story. Check Daily Voice for updates. Want breaking news in the DMV as it happens, or want…

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by Zak Failla
Philipstown, NY
Schools
This Putnam County School District Latest To Ban Students' Cell Phones This Putnam County School District Latest To Ban Students' Cell Phones
This Putnam County School District Latest To Ban Students' Cell Phones Students in another Hudson Valley school district will be forced to look up from their phone screens, as officials will be requiring them to lock up their devices for the entire day.  In its end-of-summer newsletter, the Garrison Union Free School District in Putnam County announced that it will no longer allow cell phone use during the instructional day between 8:25 a.m. and 3:15 p.m.  During this time, students will have to store their devices in lockers and keep them powered down or in silent mode. More information about the policy will be contained in the district's updated&nb…

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by Ben Crnic
Landover, MD
Schools
Elementary School Teacher In Landover Hills Accused Of Sexual Abuse Of Former Student: Police Elementary School Teacher In Landover Hills Accused Of Sexual Abuse Of Former Student: Police
Elementary School Teacher In Landover Hills Accused Of Sexual Abuse Of Former Student: Police The new school year got off to an unfortunate start for an educator in Prince George's County who was arrested for allegedly sexually abusing a child who was a former student, police say. Bowie resident Mark Cobb, a teacher at Cooper Lane Elementary School in Landover Hills is facing multiple charges that include sexual abuse of a minor and possession of child porn. His alleged victim is reportedly a girl under the age of 10 who was a former student. According to the Prince George's County Police Department, on Sunday, Aug. 25, Cooper Lane Elementary School officials were tipped off a…

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by Zak Failla
Garden City, NY
Schools
Suspect Nabbed In String Of Thefts At Adelphi University Suspect Nabbed In String Of Thefts At Adelphi University
Suspect Nabbed In String Of Thefts At Adelphi University A man is accused in a string of thefts that occurred at a Long Island college. Garden City Police arrested Austin Withers, age 28, of Hempstead, at his Crowell Street residence on suspicion of grand larceny and related charges Saturday, Aug. 24. According to police, Withers was seen stealing a wallet inside the Adelphi University library in Garden City on Tuesday, June 18.  He allegedly used credit cards found in the wallet to make purchases at the Jamaica train station. Detectives said he also stole an Apple Air Pod valued at $250 from the campus’ University Center and stole credit …

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by Michael Mashburn
Bethesda, MD
Schools
Teen Who Enlisted 12-Year-Old Boy To Make School Bomb Threats Charged In Montgomery County: PD Teen Who Enlisted 12-Year-Old Boy To Make School Bomb Threats Charged In Montgomery County: PD
Teen Who Enlisted 12-Year-Old Boy To Make School Bomb Threats Charged In Montgomery County: PD Two minors who conspired to make bomb threats targeting Montgomery County schools have been identified as those responsible for causing multiple scares in the community earlier this year. A 15-year-old Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School student is facing multiple charges, and his 12-year-old cohort from Pennsylvania - who will not be charged due to his age - have been accused of making multiple bomb threats that caused chaos in May. According to the Montgomery County Department of Police, a threat made on Thursday, May 16 led to a lockdown at the teen's school, as well as the deploy…

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by Zak Failla
Aston-Brookhaven, PA
Schools
Philly Schools Dismissing Early Due To Heat Wave Philly Schools Dismissing Early Due To Heat Wave
Philly Schools Dismissing Early Due To Heat Wave Sixty-three Philadelphia schools will dismiss classes early on Tuesday and Wednesday due to a heat wave, authorities said. The school district on Monday, Aug. 26 announced school will close three hours early on those days due to hot temperatures in the forecast. Schools will adequate air-conditioning will remain open.

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by Jon Craig
Poughkeepsie, NY
Schools
Students' Cell Phones Will Be Locked Up At Poughkeepsie Middle School Students' Cell Phones Will Be Locked Up At Poughkeepsie Middle School
Students' Cell Phones Will Be Locked Up At Poughkeepsie Middle School A funny thing happened at a Hudson Valley high school last year when students were required to lock up their cell phones during the day—it worked, and now the middle school is joining the club.  Poughkeepsie Schools Superintendent Dr. Eric Rosser said the Yondr pouch program was launched in Dutchess County at Poughkeepsie High School in April.  Rosser wrote in his school newsletter that the program has changed its culture and improved attendance and engagement since its inception. This fall, district officials are expanding the program to Poughkeepsie Middle School. “The su…

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by Kathy Reakes
Rivertowns, NY
Schools
Irvington School District Taps New Technology, Innovation Director Irvington School District Taps New Technology, Innovation Director
Irvington School District Taps New Technology, Innovation Director An educator who has led learning communities on modern concepts such as artificial intelligence and augmented reality has been selected as a Westchester school district's new technology director. Jerrod Blair's appointment as the Irvington Union Free School District's new director of technology and innovation was announced by the district on Thursday, Aug. 22.  Blair, who was chosen after a long search process, will start in the position on Friday, Sept. 6. According to the district, he is a "standout" in the field and has led professional learning communities on topics including AI an…

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by Ben Crnic
Danbury, CT
Schools
New Interim Principal Named At Danbury's Westside Middle School Academy New Interim Principal Named At Danbury's Westside Middle School Academy
New Interim Principal Named At Danbury's Westside Middle School Academy Danbury Public Schools has named a new interim principal at Westside Middle School Academy. Michael Flynn, a 28-year veteran of Danbury Public School as a teacher, administrator, and now principal, was chosen by Superintendent Dr. Kara Casimiro on Monday, Aug. 19.   According to Michael Seelig of Danbury Public Schools, Flynn attended Danbury public schools from grade three onward, graduating from Danbury High School in 1988. “I feel very fortunate and humbled to be selected for this Principalship,” said Flynn. “Westside has so many great leaders, veteran teachers, and …

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by Kathy Reakes
Rockville, MD
Schools
Several Montgomery County Schools Vandalized With Anti-Semitic, Anti-LGBTQ+ Graffiti Several Montgomery County Schools Vandalized With Anti-Semitic, Anti-LGBTQ+ Graffiti
Several Montgomery County Schools Vandalized With Anti-Semitic, Anti-lgbtq+ Graffiti Days before classes are set to resume, a new batch of hateful graffiti was found at Montgomery County Schools over the weekend. Officials are speaking out after several schools were vandalized with "politically-charged" graffiti, anti-Semitic imagery - including swastikas - and anti-LGBTQ+ language," Superintendent Thomas Taylor confirmed. According to reports, the imagery was found at these schools:  Winston Churchill High School; Thomas S. Wootton High School; Strathmore Elementary School; Fallsmead Elementary School. "Principals are reaching out to their communities to report thes…

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by Zak Failla
Roosevelt, NY
Schools
Collision With School Bus Injures Girl, Mother In Roosevelt Collision With School Bus Injures Girl, Mother In Roosevelt
Collision With School Bus Injures Girl, Mother In Roosevelt A young girl and her mother were injured in a collision involving a school bus on Long Island. The incident happened in Roosevelt on West Greenwich Avenue shortly before 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15. Original report - Girl Hospitalized After Incident Involving Mini School Bus In Roosevelt Nassau County Police said a 10-year-old girl was riding her bicycle when she lost her balance and struck the side of a passing mini school bus traveling eastbound on West Greenwich Avenue. The child suffered severe abrasions on both of her legs, and her 40-year-old mother injured her right hand tryin…

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by Michael Mashburn
Yorktown, NY
Schools
Club From Yorktown High School Wins National Championship Club From Yorktown High School Wins National Championship
Club From Yorktown High School Wins National Championship Only two years after it was first started, an aeronautics club from a Northern Westchester high school emerged victorious in a prestigious national competition. The Yorktown High School Aeronautics Club competed in the finals in the Beginner Division of the UAS4STEM competition held in Oshkosh, Wisconsin from Monday, July 22 to Wednesday, July 24, school officials announced on Wednesday, Aug. 14.  The club was one of only five teams of drone enthusiasts to qualify for the finals, which took place during AirVenture, an aviation celebration that garners over a half-million visitors …

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by Ben Crnic
Tarrytown-SleepyHollow, NY
Schools
School Announces Sudden Closure After Almost 30 Years In Tarrytown School Announces Sudden Closure After Almost 30 Years In Tarrytown
School Announces Sudden Closure After Almost 30 Years In Tarrytown After nearly three decades, a nursery school in Westchester has announced that it will shut its doors for good.  New Beginnings Nursery School, located in Tarrytown at the Reformed Church of the Tarrytowns at 42 North Broadway (Route 9), is now closed, owner Patricia Kreamer announced on Wednesday, Aug. 14.  According to Kreamer, the church's consistory voted on Tuesday, Aug. 6 to close the school "without any regard" to the school's staff or families.  "I was not allowed to voice my concerns or advocate for our school since it was behind closed doors,"&n…

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by Ben Crnic
Souderton-Telford, PA
Schools
PA School Board Member Asked To Resign After Lewd Remarks About VP Harris PA School Board Member Asked To Resign After Lewd Remarks About VP Harris
PA School Board Member Asked To Resign After Lewd Remarks About VP Harris A school board member in Montgomery County is being asked by some parents to resign after making disparaging remarks about Vice President Kamala Harris. Souderton Area School Board Member William Formica is accused of writing on social media that Kamala Harris performed a sex act in response to a question about the vice president's political accomplishments. Parents and teachers have criticized Formica’s post as sexist and misogynistic, and say the Republican has a history of making offensive comments, including around LGBTQ issues. A petition is circulating asking Formica to resign. …

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by Jon Craig
Manassas, VA
Schools
Teens Busted Breaking In, Burglarizing Virginia High School During Summer Break: Police Teens Busted Breaking In, Burglarizing Virginia High School During Summer Break: Police
Teens Busted Breaking In, Burglarizing Virginia High School During Summer Break: Police School wasn't out for summer for a group of teens in Prince William County who are facing charges after breaking into an area high school. Dominic Joses Mastrianni, 18, a 15-year-old, and 16-year-old are all facing charges following the investigation into a reported burglary at Woodbridge High School on Old Bridge Road.  All three are from Woodbridge. According to the Prince William County Police Department, on the night of Tuesday, July 16, video surveillance showed three people inside the school after breaking in through an unsecured window before leaving in a dark-colored sedan. I…

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by Zak Failla
Gaithersburg, MD
Schools
Community Helps Scrub Anti-Semitic Graffiti From Maryland Elementary School Sign Community Helps Scrub Anti-Semitic Graffiti From Maryland Elementary School Sign
Community Helps Scrub Anti-Semitic Graffiti From Maryland Elementary School Sign A Maryland community came together to help clean up hateful graffiti that was found spray painted outside a Montgomery County elementary school. Anti-semitic imagery was found on a sign at the Bethesda Elementary School on Arlington Road, though crews and neighbors were quick to clear the paint on Sunday morning. Many thanks to @2dCommander, @mcpnews, @BethesdaUP, Dr. Taylor & Marcus Jones at @MCPS, and @CentralFarmMKTs Bethesda team as well as local residents for the response & efforts today to clean up deeply offensive graffiti today.“Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can d…

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by Zak Failla
Mahopac, NY
Schools
School Board Member In Hudson Valley Under Fire For Comments On Israel-Hamas War School Board Member In Hudson Valley Under Fire For Comments On Israel-Hamas War
School Board Member In Hudson Valley Under Fire For Comments On Israel-Hamas War Elected officials and community members are calling for a Hudson Valley school board member to step down following alleged antisemitic remarks made at a board meeting.  The outrage was prompted following a school board meeting in Putnam County on Tuesday, July 9, when Carmel Central School District Trustee Jim Wise allegedly controversy within the town over a comment on the Israel-Hamas war. The statement in question, "From the river to the sea, Palestine shall be free," was defended by Wise in a post on social media on Wednesday, Aug. 7.  "I also reject absolutely the idea that …

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by Ben Crnic
Wyckoff-Franklin Lakes, NJ
Schools
Ramapo-Indian Hills Hires New Superintendent Ramapo-Indian Hills Hires New Superintendent
Ramapo-Indian Hills Hires New Superintendent The Ramapo Indian Hills High School finally has a superintendent. The district, which hired then rescinded the contract of Dr. Ronnie Tarchichi just as he was set to take officer several weeks ago, then instated Melissa Quackenbush as its acting superintendent, has finally made a hire: Shauna DeMarco, the superintendent of schools in Tenafly, will be taking office on Wednesday, Aug. 14. DeMarco is a longtime educational leader with a career spanning more than two decades. Prior to her role in Tenafly, DeMarco held various leadership positions within the Lyndhurst School District,…

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by Cecilia Levine