Repucci exits Rochester superintendent job early. Board won't say why buyout was given.

ROCHESTER — Kyle Repucci's last day as superintendent of the city's school district was Monday, well before his planned departure at the end of June, when his contract was set to expire.

School Board Chair Shane Downs confirmed Monday morning the board voted to buy out the remainder of Repucci's contract, allowing him to start a new job in Concord. Repucci was paid his remaining salary and accrued paid time off, totaling $60,003.40, according to the School Board.

Downs said Repucci was not fired and he declined to say why the board agreed to pay out his full contract even though Repucci is not working for the district for the rest of May and all of June.

"I really cannot say more right now," Downs said. "We did meet with him, and it was a mutual agreement that he would leave the district."

Attempts to reach Repucci for comment were not successful.

Downs explained how Repucci's departure evolved.

"We had a nonpublic meeting last week and the nine members present voted unanimously to buy out his contract," Downs said.

Following another nonpublic meeting Monday night, the School Board released a statement. It said Repucci's early release would allow him to begin his new job as principal at Broken Ground School, a grades 3-5 school in Concord.

The statement indicated the decision also allows for "a smooth transition for the new superintendent to oversee the Rochester School Department."

"Annie Azarloza, our new superintendent will begin working here per diem at the beginning of June," said Downs. "In the interim, our assistant superintendent, Alison Bryant, will lead the day-to-day responsibilities of the district."

"The School Board has the upmost confidence in Alison and Annie to bring the Rochester School District to where we want to be," the board said in its statement.

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In December, Repucci announced his intention to leave SAU 54, the city's school district, at the end of June.

Repucci's replacement, Azarloza was hired to begin July 1, but now will begin work sooner.

Repucci came to Rochester in 2016 as assistant superintendent and was selected in 2018 to become superintendent in 2019. Prior to that he was a middle/high school principal in Epping.

"On behalf of the School Board, I would like to thank Mr. Repucci for his many years of service to the Rochester School Department," Downs said. "We wish him well in his new position."

Spaulding High School's graduation will take place on June 7. Downs said Bryant and high school principal Justin Roy will ensure the event is a success.

This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Rochester schools Superintendent Repucci exits job early, gets buyout