Payout To Wall HS Principal Disclosed; Search On For Replacement

WALL, NJ — As the Wall Board of Education begins the search for a new Wall High School principal, details are emerging about how the principal who has been on leave since spring 2022 is being compensated.

Wall High School Principal Rosaleen Sirchio has been on a paid leave since a senior class trip to Disney World in March 2022. The district has not specified the reason for the leave, and the district has not explained any details regarding the trip.

Sirchio, 54, will remain on paid leave and will receive her $200,763 salary until the end of the calendar year, according to a separation agreement obtained by app.com through a public records request. The board will place her on a leave of absence from Jan. 1 to June 30, 2024, according to the media report, during which Sirchio will receive an additional $99,116 payment for accumulated unused sick days, personal days and floating holidays before retiring.

Board President Christine Steitz cited privacy concerns when discussing personnel matters and did not confirm details to Patch about the separation agreement.

"When representing the staff and students of the district, The Board of Education must be mindful to respect the privacy of individuals related to confidential matters and refrain from direct commentary. All members of the Wall Schools community should be secure in the knowledge that their right to privacy will be honored," Steitz said.

"In the case of any staff member’s departure, it is important to acknowledge that the Board appreciates positive contributions made to our students’ success and our best wishes for future endeavors."

Regarding the search for a new Wall High School principal, she said "At this time, the district, including parent and student representatives, is interviewing candidates to fulfill the permanent position of principal at Wall High School.

Dr. Peter Righi has been acting principal of Wall High School, while Sirchio remains on a paid leave. Righi's appointment was announced at a meeting of the Wall Township Board of Education on Oct. 18, 2022.

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 prior to his appointment.

"The search to secure an outstanding candidate is a top priority. We are focused on the future of our high school community, while acknowledging we are building on the foundation set by previous and current staff members who have served our students with outstanding effort and pride," Steitz said.

She said "our new leader will join the district team focusing on initiatives to continually broaden the academic, social and emotional strengths of our kids as they grow into young adulthood. We hope our stakeholders will join the board and the district leadership and embrace the opportunity to support these ongoing ambitions for growth."

Sirchio's administrative leave came about after a senior class to trip to Disney World in March 2022. Sirchio's salary at that time was $194,809, according to a past Patch article.

After that trip, Erin Embom, then the Wall Intermediate School principal, was also placed on administrative leave. But in June 22, the school board approved her returning to the district as principal of the Wall Primary School, a K to 5 school, and also being its curriculum director. That move combines two positions, the former board president noted at the time. Embon's salary for the positions was $173,261.