Piscataway Township Schools Superintendent Dr. Frank Ranelli is resigning from his position after six years at the helm of the 7,000-student school district. The Piscataway Board of Education accepted his resignation with regret at its regular meeting on Thursday, Jan. 9.

Dr. Ranelli is leaving Piscataway at the end of March to become the superintendent of the Lower Merion School District outside of Philadelphia.

During his tenure as Piscataway’s superintendent, Dr. Ranelli expanded student supports for mental health and social emotional learning; instituted new opportunities for students headed to college as well as those seeking different paths after graduation; created the district’s Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; oversaw expansion of the free preschool program; and successfully ushered the district through the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic, among countless other day-to-day achievements. He previously served for five years as assistant superintendent.

“Piscataway has been a huge part of my life for the past 11 years,” Dr. Ranelli said. “This is an incredible school district and community that I know will thrive for years to come for the good of its students and their families. I am grateful for all the wonderful people who worked alongside me to make a positive impact on our children.”

Board of Education President Shantell Cherry said the Board will immediately begin making plans to fill the superintendent’s position, considering both internal and external candidates, and that there will be no disruption in the district’s support and education of its students.

“Please be assured that all district programs will continue without interruption or change and with the ongoing level of commitment to our students that our community deserves and expects,” Cherry said.

“Selecting a superintendent for our district is one of the Board’s greatest and most exciting responsibilities,” she continued. “We expect to install someone who displays great leadership, character, compassion, and sense of community.

“Dr. Ranelli will be assisting in the transition over the course of the next two months, during which time the Board will appoint an interim superintendent while preparing a robust search for the next educational leader of our district.

“We will be sure to keep our families, staff, and community informed and involved throughout that process.”

Cherry thanked Dr. Ranelli for his years of dedicated service.

“Piscataway Township Schools are better off because of the wonderful impact Dr. Ranelli has made on our students, staff, and community,” Cherry said. “We will miss his leadership and wish him and his family nothing but the best in this new adventure.”