Date: Fri 10-May-1996

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

Vitarelli-principal-search

Full Text:

Search For New Sandy Hook Principal Nears Its End

A replacement for departing Sandy Hook School Principal Ron Vitarelli is

expected to be announced sometime near the end of next month, Superintendent

of Schools John R. Reed said this week.

Applications are still being accepted for the post and interviews will begin

later this month. An announcement on the school's new principal is expected

before the end of the school year.

"Our goal is to hire someone by mid-June," Dr Reed said. "We'll move as

quickly as we can, but we're not going to rush it because it's too important

of a decision."

Mr Vitarelli announced his resignation in March after 19 years as the school's

leader.

Mr Vitarelli's final day is slated June 30 but he has already informed Dr Reed

of his willingness to help lay the ground work for his replacement after that

date if needed.

Dr Reed said the school has not received any applications from within the

system. In fact, though he has heard from a handful of strong prospects, the

superintendent said he hasn't had an outpouring of responses.

"A principal's job just isn't as appealing as it used to be," Dr Reed noted.

Dr Reed has set up a committee to aid in the search, including teachers Cathy

Mazzariello, Michelle Hiscavich, Jeri Hensen-Balt, Cheryl Edelen, Hawley

School Principal Linda Siciliano, aid Pam Smith, and parents Donna Benson,

Jack Ryan and Lisa Karoti.