New Principal Now On The Job At Wall High School

WALL, NJ — Dr. Peter Righi recently began the job of acting principal of Wall High School, while the current principal remains on a paid leave.

Righi's appointment was announced at a meeting of the Wall Township Board of Education on Oct. 18.

He is paid $650 per day, with a contract through June 30, 2023, according to board records.

Superintendent Tracy Handerhan, who had worked with Righi previously, including when he was superintendent of the Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School District, had also been serving as the interim principal at the high school.

She said she "enjoyed her time" in the role, but it was not sustainable.

She said Righi stood out among 15 applicants for the position. And an added bonus is their past collaboration.

"We have collaborated on many educational endeavors," she said.

Righi spoke briefly at the meeting to thank the board "for having faith in me." He assured parents of students in the high school that "his door is always open."

Handerhan said Righi has extensive experience as a superintendent, high school principal and in many other capacities, including as an English teacher.

Board President Ralph Addonizio said that Righi " has an impressive resume and will do a great job for us."

The Wall High School Principal Rose Sirchio has been on a paid leave since a senior class trip to Disneyworld earlier this year. Handerhan has not specified the reason for the leave, according to a Patch story in April. Addonizo has said in the past that he can not comment publicly on personnel matters.