Borough native appointed next superintendent

By jennifer dome
Staff Writer

By jennifer dome
Staff Writer

SOUTH RIVER — Born and bred in the borough, Ron Grygo will take his post as the next superintendent of the school district in September.

Grygo, currently the district’s assistant superintendent and director of curriculum and instruction, was promoted last Thursday by the Board of Education to take the place of current Superintendent of Schools John Ambrogi.

"I’m ecstatic to be working in this capacity. It’s a dream come true for me," Grygo said.

An educator in the district for 31 years, Grygo began his career in South River after going through the borough’s school system. He returned after college to teach English and coach the track team, which he did for eight years. He went on to become the high school athletic director for 10 years and the middle school principal for eight years.

Through his years in the district, Grygo said he has seen the teachers and staff incorporate technology into the curriculum and hopes to enhance the use of computers as a teaching tool while in his new position. He said he is also looking forward to the construction of the new primary school and wants to work toward the continuous improvement of the public schools in the borough.

"I’m pleased that Ron was appointed to the position. I think he’ll do a wonderful job as superintendent of schools," Ambrogi said Tuesday. "I think the students will benefit by his leadership."

Ambrogi has accepted a position as an associate professor of educational leadership at Rhode Island College in Providence, and leaves amid his 10th year with the school system.

"It’s my dream job," Ambrogi said after announcing he was leaving to take the new job as professor in April. "I’ve always wanted to be a college professor."