April 11, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 5 Ramsey Ramsey High School Principal Richard Lio has announced that he will retire this summer after a 41-year career in education. “It was a tough decision, but the right one,” Lio told Villadom TIMES. He added that, after facing some recent health issues, he saw the option to retire as “an opportunity to smell the roses.” The principal’s wife, Emily Lio, will also be Richard Lio retiring this year after 19 years as an elementary school teacher in Wayne. He noted that his “family of educators” includes daughter Alyson, Lio makes decision to retire as RHS principal a speech pathologist in Wayne, and Lauren, a kindergarten teacher in Hillsdale. Lio spent a total of 33 years in the Ramsey School District, although that service was bifurcated. After working in Ramsey for 28 years, he returned to the district as the high school’s principal in 2007. When he returned to Ramsey on July 23, 2007, Lio said, “It’s déjà vu all over again!” -- borrowing a famous quote from New York Yankees great Yogi Berra. Before he returned to Ramsey, he had spent several years as an administrator in Franklin Lakes and Sparta. “I had a very enjoyable and successful experience in Sparta,” Lio said, but indicated that he had told his colleagues that the only way he would leave Sparta was if a position opened up in Ramsey. When the opportunity arose, Lio said, “It was like coming home.” Born and raised in Clifton, Lio began his career in 1971 as a social studies teacher in Franklin. He began working in Ramsey in 1973 as a social studies teacher and football coach. He later became an administrator and supervisor of social studies for grades K-12. From 1987 to 2001, he served as assistant principal at the Eric S. Smith Middle School. Lio then accepted a post as principal of the Franklin Avenue Middle School in Franklin Lakes, where he served from 2001-03. He subsequently became principal of Sparta High School. When he again joined the Ramsey School District, Lio replaced Dr. Thomas Melville, who had retired after 35 years. Lio graduated from Clifton High School. He received a bachelor of arts in education from the University of Delaware and earned his master’s degree in social studies from William Paterson. His last day in the district will be June 30. The Ramsey Public Education Foundation will host an Awesome ‘80s Party on Friday, May 11 at 7:30 p.m. The event will be held at the Ramsey Golf and Country Club. Break out those leg warmers, neon shirts and Members Only jackets and join the party for hors d’oeuvres and open bar. Live music will be provided by Mary’s Basement. Education foundation to host ‘80s event Tickets purchased in advance are $65. After April 15, tickets will cost $70 per person. For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.RamseyPEF.org or email to RamseyPEF@gmail.com. The education foundation strives to provide enrichment programs and technology for Ramsey’s public schools. Proceeds from the event will be used for this purpose.