by M.C. Millman

East Ramapo Central School District Superintendent Clarence Ellis will be leaving the school district when his three-year contract expires in June. 

"The search process will be open, and the school board will be seeking input from the community on the qualities and qualifications they are looking for in a new superintendent," a statement shared by ERCSD Board President Shimon Rose says. "The board very much looks forward to continuing to work with Dr. Ellis through the remainder of the school year."

Ellis's exit comes at a time when the ERCSD faces soaring enrollment from illegal migrants. According to Ogechi Iuowaha, district assistant superintendent of instruction and curriculum, "up to 100 children join the district weekly, if not daily," at a cost of $31,421 per student per year as reported by Rockland Daily here. 

Challenges with public school building conditions, annual transportation issues as reported by Rockland Daily here, and a deficit that continues to grow have only grown during Ellis's tenure with the ERCSD.

Ellis has been with the ERCSD since July 2021, when he began his three-year contract with a base salary of $263,000.