Center Moriches schools Superintendent Ronald Masera resigns, receives payout of $282,000
Ronald Masera assumed the Center Moriches district’s top education post in July 2019. Credit: Kendall Rodriguez
Center Moriches schools Superintendent Ronald Masera has abruptly resigned from his post for undisclosed reasons, and the district has given him a payout of $282,366, according to district documents.
Masera, 57, who had assumed the district’s top education post in July 2019, left about a year earlier than his contracted departure date of June 30, 2025, according to a board of education agreement with him.
The 12-page agreement states Masera and the district agreed it is in “their mutual best interests to end their employment relationship.” The agreement, dated Aug. 5, does not indicate a reason for his departure. His resignation was effective Aug. 6, the document said.
Neither Masera nor school board president Lauren Slionski could be reached for comment.
Education experts say such payouts are not uncommon when a district and top school official decide to part ways.
"It does happen," said Michael Koscinski, head of the Center Moriches teachers union, who declined to comment further.
The Center Moriches school board has appointed Ricardo Soto, who was assistant superintendent for student services, personnel and instructional technology, as interim superintendent. Soto declined to discuss the reason behind Masera’s departure.
“As it is a personnel matter, I cannot provide the reason for his departure,” he said.
Masera posted on his X account on Aug. 7: “First day or retirement, already exercised and now enjoying coffee with nature and NYT puzzles…what to do next?”
The separation agreement grants Masera the remaining value of his 2024-25 salary of $227,588, the value of 14 accrued vacation days ($15,685), 10 years' worth of annual life insurance policy premiums ($17,280), and payments related to his health insurance, annuity and vision expenses.
Masera leaves as the district of about 1,500 students prepares for the Sept. 3 beginning of the 2024-25 school year.
Soto, in a letter to the school community dated Aug. 15, said, “As I step into my new role as your interim superintendent, I am filled with immense excitement, humility, and gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside such a dedicated group of professionals in a committed school community.”
Soto included a message for the coming school year.
“Together, we will work towards enhancing student outcomes, embracing new opportunities for growth, and addressing the challenges that lie ahead with resilience and creativity,” he said.
Masera’s five years as superintendent were marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, which shut schools in March 2020. He served as the president of the Suffolk County School Superintendents Association in 2020-21.
In March, Center Moriches voters rejected a $13.9 million bond issue intended to replace school boilers, repair cracked sidewalks and make other improvements. A bigger proposal for $45 million was turned down in October.
Craig Schneider is a Long Island native and Stony Brook University alumnus. He joined Newsday as a general assignment reporter in January 2018 after 20 years at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
