The Connecticut Association of Schools is pleased to announce the winners of the 2025 Principal of the Year Awards.
Congratulations to these outstanding administrators!

• BRYAN KERACHSKY, SKINNER ROAD SCHOOL •
  2025 Elementary School Principal of the Year

• DR. DAMON LEWIS, PONUS RIDGE STEAM ACADEMY •
  2025 Middle School Principal of the Year

• TERRA TIGNO, NEWINGTON HIGH SCHOOL •
  2025 High School Principal of the Year

 
BRYAN KERACHSKY
Bryan Kerachsky, principal of Skinner Road School in Vernon, has been selected as the 2025 Elementary School Principal of the Year. Through his unwavering dedication to student success, innovation in instruction, and commitment to fostering an inclusive and engaging school culture, Kerachsky has transformed Skinner Road School into a model of excellence.

“I’m deeply grateful to be named Connecticut Elementary Principal of the Year by the Connecticut Association of Schools. This is a reflection of the amazing work being done in Vernon Public Schools and Skinner Road School,” said Kerachsky upon learning the news. “I am so fortunate to work in an amazing community where students always come first. I can’t thank my staff, students, families, Dr. Macary, district leaders, and my family enough for all that they have done over my time as principal at Skinner Road School.”

Since Kerachsky became its principal in 2017, Skinner Road School has made remarkable gains, including a significant drop in student absences, marked increases in student performance, and four Connecticut School of Distinction titles in a five-year time period. His leadership played a pivotal role in earning Skinner Road the prestigious National Blue Ribbon distinction in 2023 for its success in closing the achievement gap. In 2024, Skinner Road was named a Category 1 school (top 10% in the state) for the first time in its history. He also led a dramatic turnaround of the school, raising its Accountability Index score from 68% in 2017 to 86% in 2024, despite serving a high-needs student population. “All of this has been accomplished as a result of Mr. Kerachsky’s outstanding leadership skills coupled with his unique ability to engage and encourage students, staff and parents to achieve at their highest level of excellence,” states Anne Fischer, former chair of the Vernon Board of Education.

Kerachsky – or, Mr. K., as he is affectionately called by his students – works tirelessly with teachers to create innovative instructional and social-emotional programs that meet the unique needs and interests of every student. A strong proponent of the whole-child approach, he ensures that learning is engaging, personalized, and designed to inspire curiosity. He has launched numerous initiatives, including the STEAM TEAM, interest-based units in Unified Arts, and the SPACE SEEDS Project with NASA, giving students hands-on learning opportunities that fuel their passions. He also implemented small group instruction (SGI) to provide customized learning experiences tailored to students’ individual needs.

Kerachsky’s efforts to support equity and inclusion have also led to groundbreaking changes. He collaborated with the school’s Belonging Committee to create the B3 (Be Here, Be You, Belong) Advisory Program, strengthening student-staff relationships and providing a safe space for social-emotional growth. His “Late Start Wednesday” initiative allows teachers dedicated planning and collaboration time while students engage in enrichment activities. Teachers have structured time to meet with reading and math teachers in addition to their grade level team to plan, review data and discuss students’ needs. “This has made an impactful difference and is truly a key driver to our student success,” says math specialist Melissa McKee, who nominated Kerachsky for the award.

One of Kerachsky’s most impactful initiatives is the “Hopes & Dreams” conferences he holds with parents, allowing him to understand their aspirations for their children and align school efforts accordingly. His ability to deeply connect with families has strengthened parent-teacher communication and elevated family involvement to new levels. One parent remarks, “I never don’t know what is happening with my son.” Another echoes, “I feel so involved in my daughter’s education.”

Through his passion, innovation, and deep commitment to students, staff, and families, Kerachsky embodies the school’s mission of Love, Care, Trust, and Value. His efforts have not only improved academic outcomes but also created a culture of celebration, recognition, and joy. Whether giving shout-outs on “Mr. K’s Corner” during the morning news or finding creative ways to engage students, he has built a school where every child feels valued and inspired. Says parent Megan DeBella, “We are never moving. Every year he exceeds our expectations. He provides so many opportunities for students, and he ups his game every year.”
 

DR. DAMON LEWIS
Dr. Damon Lewis, principal of Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy in Norwalk, has been named the 2025 CAS Middle School Principal of the Year. A visionary leader with an unwavering commitment to student success, Lewis has transformed his school into a model of achievement, equity, and engagement. His “Every Day Counts” culture has led to significant improvements in student attendance, academic performance, school climate and family-school partnerships. Exclaims teacher Racquel Sesler, “Wow! We have come a long way under Dr. Lewis’ leadership! We have gone from Ponus Ridge Middle School to Ponus Ridge Community. He has built a community. We are far more than just a school.”

Reacting to the news of his award, Lewis stated, “I am incredibly honored and humbled to be acknowledged for this award. A personal THANK YOU to Norwalk Public Schools for allowing me to lead and build capacity in others. It is a testament and affirmation of the hard work demonstrated by the entire Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy community- staff, students, families, and community members. This is a WE award.”

Lewis can never be found in his office. He prefers to spend his time in the classrooms and hallways where, in his words, “the magic happens!” His RBC—Relationships Before Content—mantra is put into practice daily, as he builds connections with students and encourages teachers to follow suit. He leads by example, always exhibiting the characteristics that comprise the school’s core P.R.I.D.E. values – Perseverance, Respect, Intelligence, Diversity, Excellence – which he helped develop and embed in every facet of the school’s operation.

Under Lewis’s leadership, chronic absenteeism at Ponus Ridge dropped from 31% to just 8.3% in a single year. His relentless focus on student needs and well-being ensures that every scholar—his preferred term for students—feels valued and supported in their educational journey. Remarks one 8th grader, “My principal is always involved in listening to us with respect and caring about our input and feelings.”

Described by parents as visible, approachable, and deeply involved, Lewis prioritizes family engagement. He established a School Governance Council to seek parents’ feedback and include their voices in decision-making. He built strong partnerships with community agencies to provide essential resources to families including clothing and care closets, a food pantry, and a school-based health center. He opens the school doors to parents on “Walkthrough Wednesdays,” hosts numerous family events including International Night and the “March Madness” staff vs. students basketball game; and he created the Hispanic/Latino Spanish parent group to better involve and interact with non-English speaking parents. His inclusive and welcoming leadership style ensures that all families feel connected to their child’s education.
A champion for equity and access, Lewis tackled the disproportionality of discipline incidents among students of color and increased the representation of Black and Brown students in gifted and talented programs. He also implemented an Equity Ambassadors program, empowering teachers to provide peer training on implicit and explicit bias in the classroom. “Despite budgetary restrictions, socioeconomic challenges, or other difficulties inherent in such a diverse and challenging community for this Title I school, Dr. Lewis raises the bar, pushes to get the best out of his staff and students and leads by example for equity, inclusion and maximizing learning and the potential of all,” says parent Gloria Niederer.

Through the expansion of STEAM course offerings and the introduction of new technology tools, Lewis has made learning more interactive and engaging. His commitment to broadening student experiences extends beyond the classroom. He has significantly increased extracurricular opportunities by adding new clubs and sports, ensuring that every student has a chance to explore their passions. Says one 8th grader, “No matter your interest, there is a class or club for you. Dr. Lewis has made that happen. He has introduced so many new programs and opportunities. He has made this school great.”

A risk-taker unafraid to challenge the status quo, Lewis embraces innovative and non-traditional practices to change the trajectory of students’ lives. He leads with selflessness, always putting the needs of his school community before his own. Norwalk Superintendent Dr. Alexandra Estrella says this of Lewis: “True leadership is not just what impacts the individual but the whole. Dr. Lewis looks at challenges he needs to tackle not just for his school, but also for his colleagues, his community, and his profession.”
 

TERRA TIGNO
Terra Tigno, principal of Newington High School (NHS), has been selected as the 2025 CAS High School Principal of the Year. A dedicated and transformative leader, Tigno exemplifies what it means to lead with heart, vision, and an unwavering commitment to student success. She was nominated for the award by a group of students who were so convinced they had the best principal in the state that they approached Superintendent Dr. Maureen Brummett and asked her to support their nomination. As one student remarked, “Ms. Tigno works around the clock to make the school better for us and make us better for the world.”

“It is humbling to be recognized for doing something I love, and I am deeply honored to be selected as the Connecticut High School Principal of the Year,” said Tigno when notified of her selection. “While I am the recipient of this award, I share it with the incredible staff, resilient and strong students, and supportive community that make Newington High School such a special place.”

Newington High School operates under the mantra of a “Family of Learners,” a philosophy Tigno introduced and models daily. Says one senior, “Ms. Tigno makes us feel like one of her own. She has such a sense of ownership of her role, of her school, of her staff and students. She has gifted us a second family.” Adds parent Silvia Ribeiro, “You look around, you see family, not a school.”

During Tigno’s eight-plus years as principal, academic and extra-curricular offerings at NHS have expanded dramatically. NHS now has the third largest number of students enrolled in dual enrollment credits in the state, with a total of thirty-four courses to choose from. Tigno has also worked to promote real-world learning experiences through field trips, outdoor learning, and service-based learning opportunities.

Tigno has not only bolstered academic programming at NHS but has also cultivated a school climate that prioritizes relationships, inclusivity, and belonging. Tigno led the creation of the S.A.F.E (Sharing Anonymously For Everyone) system, which involves student-made safe boxes as well as online forms that can be used to report concerns about the safety and wellbeing of oneself or others. She also helped create the K.I.S.S. (Kindness Is Something Simple) Club which encourages students and staff to recognize acts of kindness both big and small.

Under Tigno’s leadership, SEL has become a foundational element of the school’s culture, fostering an environment where students feel supported, valued, and empowered to succeed. She has managed to create a “large school with a small school feel,” ensuring that every student is known, heard, and cared for. Says parent Rob Longo, “You are not a number here. And with such a big population, she somehow manages to make it feel like a community.”
At the core of Tigno’s leadership is a deep love for her work and a relentless belief in the potential of every student. Says Dr. Julia Dennis, business education teacher, “Through all my experiences in and out of Newington, none of the school leaders I’ve encountered or had the pleasure of working with and learning from come close to the love, joy and passion Terra brings to school each and every day.” And, states Director of Athletics & Student Activities Christopher Myers, “Terra inspires kids to be better than they thought they could be. She encourages them to be vulnerable, to take risks, to reach higher, to stretch themselves. She does not stop building relationships and making connections – that is her driving passion.”

A true “yes woman,” Tigno embraces innovation and never turns away from an opportunity to improve the student experience. Whether approached with a new idea or a puzzle to solve, she responds with an enthusiastic conviction to ensure that learning is meaningful and fun, and that every day is an opportunity for students to feel connected and inspired. As Assistant Principal Michael Gaydos explains, “Terra is 100% kid-focused 100% of the time”

One 11th grade student called Tigno the education world’s equivalent of Tom Brady: “She is the G.O.A.T. Nothing can stop her from the great things she wants for us.”

 
State and National Principal of the Year Award Programs
The Principal of the Year Program, sponsored annually by the Connecticut Association of Schools, was established in 1984 to bring recognition to the principalship and to spotlight the important role of the principal in shaping the educational environment and experiences of children. The program recognizes outstanding school principals who have succeeded in providing high quality learning opportunities for students. These administrators have demonstrated excellent leadership, commitment to staff and students, service to their communities, and contributions to the overall profession of educational leadership.

Each year nominations are solicited for an Elementary, Middle, and High School Principal of the Year. Nominees must submit a written application which is evaluated by a selection committee consisting of active and retired principals and assistant principals. Site visits are conducted at the schools of the two highest rated candidates at each level (elementary, middle and high). Winners are then chosen based upon the outcome of the site visit as well as the quality of the written application. The three individuals selected for recognition are honored by CAS at an awards dinner in the fall.

Kerachsky will represent Connecticut in the National Distinguished Principals (NDP) Program sponsored by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). One principal is chosen annually from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands. Principals representing private K-8 schools, Department of Defense Dependents’ Schools, and the U.S. Department of State Overseas Schools are also recognized. The national recognition event will take place in Washington, D.C., on October 23-24, 2025.

Lewis and Tigno will represent Connecticut in the National Principal of the Year Award Program sponsored by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). They will compete for the national honor along with principals from each of the other forty-nine states as well as the District of Columbia, the U.S. Department of State Office of Overseas Schools, and the U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity. NASSP will honor all state principals of the year at “UNITED: The National Conference on School Leadership,” which will take place in Seattle, WA, on July 11-13, 2025.