Newly Hired Superintendent's Consulting Deal With His Previous District Raises Questions and Concerns

IMPORTANT MATTER BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION:

There are reports coming from Pennsauken that our incoming Superintendent, Dr. Tarchichi, who is currently the Pennsauken Superintendent, was offered a consulting contract with Pennsauken upon his departure from that district. It is being reported the consulting contract is for $40K, and/or $250 per hour to a max of $40K. The following was on Pennsauken’s June 10th BOE meeting agenda:

"5. RECOMMEND the Pennsauken Board of Education approve the Educational Consulting Contract for the 2024- 2025 SY with Tarchichi Consulting Services, LLC, Dr. Ronnie Tarchichi at the hourly rate of $250. (See attached)"

IF these reports are accurate, it means that our new Superintendent, who will be paid $280K by RIH taxpayers (as part of a $345K first-year package), will also be working for his old school district at the same time.

If Dr. Tarchichi has not informed the RIH BOE that he is entering into such a consulting contract with his former district, it raises concerns about his commitment to accountability and transparency to the board that hired him for our district.

I am writing to the RIH BOE today to ask them to address this matter.

We need full transparency and a commitment that our leadership is focused on OUR students, staff, and community.

UPDATE: I was informed that the Tarchichi Consulting contract was tabled by Pennsauken BOE on June 10th, and Dr. Tarchichi pulled the contract on June 12. It may be reconsidered at a future date. I hope that the RIH will maintain transparent discussions with Dr. Tarchichi with regards to his commitment to our district when considering taking on additional consulting contracts.