Michael Ramponi Appointed as New Director of Physical Education, Health and Athletics

On Tuesday night, Eastchester announced a crucial administrative hire when Michael Ramponi was introduced to the community at the Feb. 25 Board of Education Meeting as the new Director of Physical Education, Health and Athletics.

Ramponi—who will officially assume his duties on March 17—comes to Eastchester from the Ardsley School District, where he has served as the Athletic Director since 2016. Prior to his tenure in Ardsley, Ramponi worked as a physical education teacher at both Nyack Middle School and Valley Cottage Elementary School, during which time he also served as the head varsity football and girls basketball coach at Nyack.

Ramponi will take the reins of the department from Stewart Hanson, who was hired on an interim basis in January.

EUFSD Superintendent Dr. Ronald Valenti said that Ramponi shined throughout the extensive interview process, immediately winning over the various stakeholder groups who were enlisted to weigh in on the viability of potential candidates for the position. 

“The committee had quite a representation of folks from the town, as well as physical education teachers from the elementary and secondary levels and administrators from across all levels,” said Dr. Valenti. “Michael received a 15-0 vote to move on, the only candidate to do so, and we are delighted to recommend [him] as our next director.”

Dr. Valenti said that the early response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, and he recounted an exchange he had with a community member who was pleased with the hiring.

“I got an email from one of our parents who is very excited to hear that Michael is going to be the next athletic director,” said Valenti. “She said that she has heard and knows that he has done great things with girls basketball, and I look forward to what he can do for us in Eastchester.”

Ramponi said he is eager to step into his new role, noting that he is well-aware of the importance of Eastchester athletics within the community.

“I’m excited to hit the ground running on March 17, which will be Day One,” said Ramponi. “I’ve already been doing some planning behind the scenes, and I’m excited to come here and honor the very proud tradition that Eastchester has and elevate [the program] to the best of my abilities.

“I’m very thankful to Dr. Valenti and his team and everyone I’ve spoken with so far throughout the process,” he added. “I think this is a really good fit.”