Listen First. Learn Second. Lead Third.

I am an educational leader who believes that academic excellence and genuine belonging are not competing values—they are mutually reinforcing. Schools succeed when every student, teacher, and family feels seen, valued, and empowered to grow.

Education changed my life. As a first-generation Portuguese American and former ESL student, I experienced firsthand what happens when a teacher sees something in you that you can’t yet see in yourself. It shaped everything about how I lead, with the belief that children can achieve their unique potential when they feel a sense of belonging.

Career Highlights

• 12 years as superintendent across three school districts
• Transformed Verona Public Schools from #94 to #24 statewide
• 96% AP pass rate; AP enrollment growth of 88%
• Two Princeton University Prize for Distinguished Teaching recipients cultivated
• AASA Superintendent of the Year, Essex County (2019)
• DA National Leader of Distinction Award (2026)
• ADL No Place for Hate Gold Award
• District Administration District of Distinction for Social Emotional Learning
• College Board AP District Honor Roll
• NSPRA & NJSPRA Communications Awards

Scholar-Practitioner

I teach doctoral and master’s level courses in Change Leadership, Effective Leadership & School Management in Contemporary Education, Evaluation & Supervision to Promote Student Academic Success, Statistics I & II for Education Research & Decision Making, Communications & Public Relations, Human Resources & School Law, along with undergraduate clinical practice and pedagogy across regional universities. This dual role keeps me grounded in research, connected to emerging leaders, and committed to the intellectual life of education. I hold an Ed.D. from Seton Hall University and studied public leadership in the executive leadership program at Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

What I Believe

• Rigorous academics and joyful learning belong together
• Data should illuminate, not reduce—every number represents a child
• Leadership is about creating conditions for others to thrive
• Diversity is not a challenge to manage but a source of strength
• Schools transform communities; communities transform schools

Everything Matters

The title of this blog reflects my conviction that in education, there are no small decisions. The way we greet students at the door, the questions we ask in meetings, and the stories we tell about our schools. Everything matters. I write here to reflect, to share, and to invite conversation about what it means to lead with purpose.

Contact: rdionisio@fairlawnschools.org