Northern Region Educational Services Commission Extends Contract for Current Superintendent of Schools
In this photo: Dr. Nicholas V. Vancheri
WAYNE, NJ – The Northern Region Educational Services Commission (NRESC) announces the approval of a new five-year contract for its current superintendent of schools, Dr. Nicholas V. Vancheri. Dr. Vancheri has been employed by the NRESC since 2018, first serving as its director of education and then acting superintendent, before officially becoming superintendent of schools in July 2021.
During his time as superintendent, Dr. Vancheri is demonstrating his ability to lead with an innovative mindset and instill practices which are proving to yield unparalleled growth for the Commission. Since 2018, the NRESC has expanded its business, education, technology, and transportation services taking the budget from $27 million to $41 million. In June 2023, the Commission and its teachers’ association expeditiously settled on a new extended five-year contract through the 2027-2028 school year.
“I am beyond thrilled to work alongside a very talented team of administrators and staff who embody the mission of the Commission and our firm commitment to the success of our partner school districts and their students,” stated Dr. Vancheri.
Under Vancheri’s leadership, the Commission hired its first full-time school business administrator in two decades and began the process of expanding the services to include the role of the Commission as a cooperative purchasing entity and providing financial, custodial, maintenance, and security staffing down the road.
Other notable accomplishments under Vancheri’s leadership include the expansion of related service providers in the region, the addition of day habilitation services for adults with special
needs through the Second Home Day Habilitation Center in Wayne and a new collaboration with the Phoenix Center in Wanaque that provides much-needed educational services to children in a hospital setting.
Vancheri believes in meeting the needs of the school districts that NRESC services. Another critical program that launched under his leadership was the Ascend Academy, a twilight program for high school students at risk for dropping out of school in Passaic City. Ascend has positively impacted the lives of hundreds of students who may never have completed high school without Ascend.
Vancheri and his team have worked closely with their school district partners in Pompton Lakes and Riverdale to offer childcare programming before and after school in order to meet the changing needs of families in both communities. While other school districts, municipalities, libraries, and police departments have expressed a need for access to expanded technology services, the NRESC is committed to providing those entities with fiscally responsible solutions to meet their needs. In response to the widespread issues with school transportation, the NRESC is quickly becoming a hub through the purchase and utilization of passenger vehicles.
“At a time when there is so much transition among superintendents, the NRESC Board of Directors is confident in our decision to extend a new five-year contract to Dr. Vancheri. He has demonstrated his commitment to the Commission and we look forward to his continued success,” stated Dr. Michele Pillari, president of the NRESC board of directors.
Dr. Vancheri has lived and worked in Passaic County his entire life. He currently resides in Totowa with his wife and their 9-year-old son. Vancheri is actively involved with his local youth sports organization and church, and is a member of the Totowa Board of Education. Prior to joining the NRESC, Dr. Vancheri worked in the Clifton Public Schools as a social studies teacher and supervisor, and then in the Paterson Public Schools as a supervisor and principal.
