Saugerties School District Superintendent Daniel Erceg, who was placed on administrative leave in September amid fallout from sex abuse claims that have rocked the district, abruptly resigned this week.
In a letter posted to the district’s website on Wednesday, Erceg said his resignation was effective Dec. 9.
“This has not been an easy decision, but it is the right one for me and my family at this time,” Ecerg wrote. His letter did not mention the ongoing investigation.
School Board President Jeffrey Riozzi and Acting Superintendent Gwendolyn Roraback did not respond to requests for comment. A statement from the school board on the district’s site also does not mention the investigation.
“This difficult decision reflects a shared recognition that this separation is in the best interest of the District and our community as we move forward,” the statement reads.
It is not clear whether Ecerg is being accused of any wrongdoing.
The district opened its investigation following the July arrest of Reid Kappler, a former district custodian and wrestling coach. Kappler was indicted on 18 counts of felony rape stemming from allegations that he engaged in sexual relations with two underage students.
A week before Ecerg was placed on administrative leave, Ulster County DA Emmanuel Nneji said he had received complaints from residents about decades-long incidents of abuse in the district that had been “shuffled under the rug.”
Erceg, who was appointed in June 2023 and was in the third year of a five-year contract paying $195,000 annually, could not be reached for comment. Days before he was placed on leave in September, Erceg told The Overlook that he supported the district’s inquiry.
“There are staff that are mandated reporters and there are processes that should be followed,” he said. “I am the school superintendent. So, ultimately, I am responsible for everyone in the district.”
Jim Rich is a senior reporter for The Overlook. You can reach him at jim@theoverlooknews.com.