FLOW Area May 22, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 5 Regional trustees appoint interim superintendent by Frank J. McMahon The Ramapo Indian Hills Regional High School Board of Education has unanimously voted to appoint Dr. Ernest Palestis as the district’s interim superintendent for the period beginning Aug. 27, 2013 and ending Aug. 26, 2014. The vote took place last week, when the board also appointed Beverly MacKay, the school district’s director of curriculum, to be the interim superintendent from May 16 to the end of August. “I know our district will benefit from your experience,” said School Board President Lynn Budd as she introduced Palestis Dr. Ernest Palestis and noted his extensive experience. “Thank you for that gracious introduction,” Palestis responded, “and your faith in me. In all my years as a superintendent, the thing I value the most is the feeling of community and I feel that here. I look forward to my future here at Ramapo Indian Hills.” Palestis will be paid $606 per day for the days worked, but not more than an annual salary of $157,500. He could, however, receive merit pay of up to 15 percent if certain quantitative and qualitative criteria are met. He will also be provided with a laptop computer for his use during his tenure and he has the option of being provided with a cellular phone for his exclusive use. In addition, the board may approve travel expenses outside the district and New Jersey Association of School Administrators membership and conference attendance expenses. MacKay’s current salary is $156,030. She will be paid at the same annual salary as Palestis, which will be pro-rated for the period during which she is the interim superintendent. Palestis earned his Ed.D. in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University in Florida in 1990, his master’s in urban education from Jersey City State College in 1980, a master’s in social science from William Paterson College in 1972, and a bachelor’s degree in history from Jersey City State College in 1971. His education also included a program named “The Principal’s Center, Leadership: An Evolving Vision,” at Harvard University in 1993. He also pursued doctoral work in gifted education at Teachers’ College, Columbia University in 1986. Palestis is certified as a teacher of social studies and English, and as a supervisor, principal, administrator, and school business administrator. He has college teaching experience and, since 2002, he has been a distance learning program instructor in the master of science in education program at Walden University in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He also has (continued on page 8)