Angelo DeSimone Announces Retirement

Ridgewood Public Schools Business Administrator and Board Secretary Angelo DeSimone will be calling it a career at the end of the current school year, he announced Monday night.

DeSimone, 64, was hired in Ridgewood in 2005. Apart from managing a $90 million budget, he helped lead the recent $48 million school referendum that saw major upgrades to virtually all of Ridgewood's antiquated school buildings.

"It's been the best years as a BA I've spent," DeSimone said. "I like working in Ridgewood."

DeSimone said he's looking forward to taking a Hawaiian vacation with his wife in July and doing some traveling in retirement.

The district has not made any announcements regarding a replacement. DeSimone makes just over $147,000, according to district documents.

Here is a copy of the letter DeSimone sent to the board. It is unedited.

During my time in Ridgewood I was able to successfully perform the myriad tasks associated with the position of Assistant Superintendent for Business/Board Secretary because I was well supported first and foremost by you, second by the staff that comprises my sphere of responsibility, third by the district administrators, and last, but by no means least, the members of the Board of Education. I also need to say that the support of my fellow business administrators helped me carry the day in many circumstances. My favorite part of “Edu-World” is the collegiality that is demonstrated by all participants in the management of school districts.

Deciding to retire was a much tougher and more emotional decision than I thought it would be. If I count the time I spent working in my father’s business, I have been working for fifty five years. As I contemplated retirement, I struggled with what to do with the extra time I will have because I won’t have a job to report to daily. I anticipate missing my colleagues. I anticipate missing the issues we face on a daily basis.

On the other hand, the timing of my retirement will allow me to enjoy and participate in Alexandra’s high school years. Also, I have acquired enough woodworking equipment to make Norm Abrams jealous and I need to use it so I can justify my investment and complete the projects that will make Carole happy to have me home.

Please know that I am available to help out in the transition to a new BA in any manner you deem necessary. I have enjoyed my time in Ridgewood and consider my time spent here a privilege. I wish to thank all of the staff of the Ridgewood Public Schools for their support and I wish the district success in the future.