Richmond School District has parted ways with its secretary treasurer Mark De Mello, following seven years of service as its head of the financial department.
Superintendent Sherry Elwood said she was bound to a confidentiality agreement to not divulge the reason as to his departure last week. She said she wished De Mello the best of luck and thanked him for his service.
Elwood, who came to the district in December 2015 when she replaced the retiring Monica Pamer, would not say if the move was a cost-cutting measure. However, she said the district is looking to replace De Mello “very quickly.”
De Mello’s job was to oversee the district’s financial operations. He tabled the annual budgets to the board.
Board chair Debbie Tablotney also said nothing to the News other than, “you’ll need to speak to Sherry, I can’t really speak to this.”
Also departing simultaneously is assistant secretary treasurer Wendy Grondzil, who told the Richmond News she was offered no explanation as to her dismissal.
“I want to underscore that I bear no ill will there,” said Grondzil.
Elwood said she couldn’t comment on Grondzil’s situation.
The News has reached out to De Mello for comment.
The move comes as the district is scrambling to fill substitute and resource (special needs) teacher vacancies.
