Board Appoints New NHS Assistant Principal

By Susan Coney

The Newtown Board of Education appointed Jason Hiruo to be the new assistant principal at Newtown High School at the meeting on July 18. Mr Hiruo currently holds the position of the dean of students at the high school and will take over August 1 as assistant principal. Mr Hiruo will receive a salary of $103,000.

Board member Thomas Gissen, who served on the hiring committee for the position, stated that Mr Hiruo was an outstanding candidate who stood out from a very strong field of applicants. “I read all of the applications and sat in on all of the interviews. Jason demonstrated he is an asset to the school, student body, and community. He brings his background as a Newtown High School graduate, as an NHS instructor, and most recently as the dean of students with him. He has a history with Newtown High School,” Mr Gissen said.

Chairman Elaine McClure, who also assisted in the selection process, agreed. “He has a wonderful demeanor. He serves as a role model for the students. He can help to make the school even better,” she said.

Superintendent Evan Pitkoff reported that 43 applications were submitted for the position. After review and preliminary reference checks six candidates were narrowed down for the interviewing process. Dr Pitkoff commented on the selection saying, “Jason really is an upstanding citizen of Newtown and Newtown High School. He shows tremendous leadership potential. I identified him as having the potential; he is a well regarded, fine educator. With the new principal [Arlene Gottesman] just starting, Jason brings prior knowledge of the school with him. Jason as part of the team adds stability; his heart and soul is really in Newtown High School.”

A team of teachers, parents, board members, students, and administrators participated in the selection process for a new assistant principal. “It became very clear during the process that Jason was the best match for us,” reflected Dr Pitkoff.

Mr Hiruo and his wife, Amy, who is a first grade teacher at Hawley School, are both Newtown High School graduates. Mr Hiruo attended the University of Connecticut, graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in liberal arts/American literature. He went on to complete a master of secondary education at the University of Bridgeport and most recently received his administrative certificate, also at the University of Bridgeport.

Mr Hiruo’s teaching experience includes instruction of ninth grade literature, eleventh grade American Studies and twelfth grade writing through film as well as yearbook publication. He served on ninth and eleventh grade language arts curriculum evaluation teams, assisting in the development and revision of curriculum.

He has been an active coach and advisor while at Newtown High School. He served as an adviser in student government, the Student Community Initiative, NHS Community Leadership and Service, and NHS yearbook. He served in the capacity of interim and assistant band director for the NHS marching band and as drum line coordinator. Mr Hiruo also at one point coached the boys’ varsity lacrosse team.

Mr Hiruo has been the recipient of numerous awards and scholarships. He has participated in many professional development workshops and programs and is a member of numerous professional affiliations.

When asked how he feels about being selected for the position, Mr Hiruo stated, “I feel extremely fortunate to be able to work with such a talented and gifted staff. I look forward to this and the opportunity I will have to apply my skills as a leader and teacher working together in a partnership with the school and the community. I am ready to hit the ground running,” he said.