Sullivan, Ansh Tapped To Lead Ramapo Indian Hills School Board

WYCKOFF, NJ — An affirmative vote by the majority of the Ramapo Indian Hills Board of Education promoted an incumbent and newly sworn member to the roles of president and vice president, respectively.

Oakland liaison Judith Sullivan was appointed to the president's seat, replacing former trustee Robert Fortunato, who did not run for reelection last year. Franklin Lakes liaison Kim Ansh, who was freshly elected in November, was named vice president, replacing trustee Vivian Yudin King.

Sullivan was "wholeheartedly" nominated by incumbent Marianna Emmolo, who said that she represents the values of transparency, integrity and compassion that she, herself, ran on in her 2021 election campaign.

"During (Sullivan's) tenure, she has earned a reputation for the high quality of her work, conscientiousness and mutually respectful relationship with our constituents," Emmolo said. "Most importantly, she truly cares about students and puts them at the center of all the decisions that she makes."

Ansh was nominated by the newly selected president, as she is someone whom Sullivan said she wished to learn from.

"(Ansh) is student focused in all of her suggestions and comments," the president said of her. "(Prior to her election) she has come to most, if not all, board meetings well prepared and has raised relevant, appropriate and dutiful questions during public comment."

Not all members supported the appointments, as incumbent Aaron Lorenz received votes for both officerial positions. His nominator for president, Vivian Yudin King, said Lorenz, who holds a Ph.D. in political science, is the "most qualified," and would be "instrumental" in moving the district forward.

Before the officers were appointed, newly elected trustees Ansh, and Tom Bogdansky and Doreen Mariani, who won on a slate in last year's race for two open Wyckoff seats, were each sworn in. Both of the new Wyckoff liaisons favored Sullivan and Ansh to lead the board.