This year, Verona welcomes superintendent, Rui Dionisio. However, Mr. Dionisio did not always dream of becoming a superintendent and working in the education field.

Mr. Dionisio had always excelled in school and had dreams of becoming a doctor in either physical therapy or the sports medicine field. So in college, he majored in Pre-Med. However, one day a friend approached him and asked him if he could tutor a couple of students. As soon as he started tutoring, Mr. Dionisio fell in love with teaching and realized that education was his real calling. From tutoring a couple of kids, Mr. Dionisio then became a teacher at a private school without even obtaining teaching certificate.

After earning a teaching degree, Mr. Dionisio taught for a few more years until working his way through the ranks and becoming an assistant principal in Ridgewood. He explained that it was a “tough transition” from teacher to assistant principal and said that he really missed teaching in the classroom. After some time Mr. Dionisio settled into his new role and then became a principal in Cranford. There, Mr. Dionisio fell in love with and relished his new job and opportunity as principal. After many years of hard work in the education field, the phone rang and Mr. Dionisio was offered a job as superintendent in Verona, his hometown. After the interview process, he was offered the job and is now our new superintendent.

After Mr. Dionisio was asked about some strengths and weaknesses he has seen thus far, he explained to me that he has seen many strengths in the district such as growth in the AP program and many different classes for students to choose from. He feels that student’s schedules “should be driven by what interests them”. As far as weaknesses, he explains that he has yet to see any major problems and feels that the district needs to strive to reach for the top and keep getting better.

As for his goals and ideas for the district you can take a look at his entry plan on the Verona schools website and for right now, Mr. Dionisio is just looking to “keep it simple” and be a “good listener.” He wants to get to know Verona and is looking for suggestions from everyone. He has met with many parents and is planning school visits in which he will be organizing pizza lunches with students at each school.

Mr. Dionisio explained that he is not looking to use Verona as a stepping stone for a bigger gig and is instead in it for the “long haul.” He stated that he cares about and is very passionate for Verona. After all, he has been a member of the community since 2008. The only regret he has about living in Verona is that he wishes he moved here sooner.

When asked if he feels uncomfortable or under more pressure being the superintendent in the town in which he lives, Mr. Dionisio said that it is not awkward and that there is no extra pressure. He instead feels that it is an added bonus and people will be able to see him as “approachable.”

In Mr. Dionisio’s spare time (although he acknowledged he does not have much with his busy schedule) he is an avid runner and enjoys going to the gym for strength training. He also loves to read and describes himself as a “nerd.” Most importantly, Mr. Dionisio loves raising his family right here in Verona and being the new superintendent of our district.