Cioppi Retires After Five Years as Oradell BA

After five long and difficult budgets years as the Oradell Public School Board Administrator, Rita Cioppi will finally be getting to sit back, relax and enjoy her upcoming retirement. The Glen Rock native is relocating to North Carolina.

"I've enjoyed my five years," Cioppi said. "I love Oradell and everyone here. This is an excellent school with wonderfully dedicated teachers."

Cioppi joined the district in 2007 when former Superintendent Jeffrey Mohre was leading Oradell Public School. She outlasted Mohre who left for Morris County Washington School District and interim Superintendent Dr. Maria Nuccetelli.

As the Business Administrator, she watched state aid be slashed 99% in 2010 and  since then, although required by legislation. With less state aid though, Cioppi has strived to create school budgets with a minimum impact to the taxpayer.

"Rita has been phenomenal for Oradell," Board member John Samuel said. "She always challenges us but would always end in a good place."

"Oradell is a better place because of her," Board Member Louis Ferrante added.

Former Assistant Business Administrator Alfredo Aguilar will take over for Cioppi as the latest hire to leave the Village and seek a new start in Oradell. Both and Borough came to Oradell from Ridgewood.

Aguilar, who will oversee OPS' finances including budgeting, purchasing, accounting, payroll, buildings andgrounds, brings a wealth of education to the K-6 district. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Seton Hall University, a Masters of Business Administartion in Finance and Accounting from Touro College and a Doctorate in Education and Organizational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University.

Have a question or news tip? Contact editor Eamon Harbord at Eamon.Harbord@patch.com, or find us on Facebook and Twitter. For news straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.