The Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) is pleased to announce the selection of the 2014 Principals of the Year.  Each year, nominations are accepted for the Elementary, Middle, and High School Principal of the Year awards. The winners are chosen by selection committees consisting of active and retired school administrators. Congratulations to these outstanding principals!

• Michael Gray, Principal, Race Brook School, Orange – 2014 Elementary School Principal of the Year

• Johnna Hunt, Principal, Hillside Intermediate School, Naugatuck – 2014 Middle School Principal of the Year

• Matthew Ryan, Principal, East Hartford High School – 2014 High School Principal of the Year
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Michael Gray

Michael Gray, principal of Race Brook School (RBS) in Orange, has been named the 2014 Elementary School Principal of the Year.  Nominated for the award by parent and PTA Co-Vice President Melissa Nicefaro, Gray was chosen for his ethical leadership, passion for educational excellence, insistence on high standards and fierce allegiance to his school community. With what Nicefaro calls a “transparent love of and devotion to his profession,” Gray has fostered a vibrant, caring, student-oriented culture where students can grow socially and emotionally as well as academically.

Reacting to the news of his selection, Gray stated, “I am extremely honored to receive this prestigious award and represent Race Brook School and the community of Orange as the Connecticut Elementary School Principal of the Year. This award represents the collaborative efforts and successes of the entire Race Brook School community. The children, families and staff 　here are very special to me; they make coming to work each day a pleasure!”

Regarded by all as a compassionate, ethical leader of high integrity and moral grounding, Gray’s focus is as much on producing well-rounded, responsible, caring and capable citizens as it is on high academic achievement. “Mike is scrupulous, fair and honest with an unwavering sense of right and wrong,” remarks Superintendent Lynn McMullin. “He has set very high expectations for his students and staff; and the school’s excellent academic achievement data, extremely low disciplinary problems, and highly-engaged PTA are only achievable because his impeccable character engenders the kind of trust and loyalty that makes everyone want to follow his lead.”

A leader who exudes warmth and good will, Gray has excelled at making personal connections with every student in his building. He can rarely be found in his office because he spends most of his school day engaging with students, earnestly intent upon discovering their interests, experiences and needs. Says Director of Curriculum and Instruction Colleen Murray, “Mr. Gray is a beloved principal in and around town. It is not uncommon to see current or past Race Brook students run up to him and give him a bear hug, a ‘fist bump’ or a high-five.  He knows each and every one of his students by name and engages in conversation with them based on their personal interests, accomplishments or sports team affiliation.” Gray’s work day does not end when the final bell rings each day. He stays late to complete the administrative duties that were set aside during the school day so that he could walk the hallways, visit classes, eat lunch with students, or make himself available to a staff member in need of a friendly ear.

Described by Orange Board of Education member Kimberley Browe as “a leader of quiet strength, humor and compassion,” Gray takes genuine joy in the successes of those around him.  He always takes the time to recognize and reward excellence and finds creative ways to pay tribute to the efforts and accomplishments of students, staff and parents alike. Raccoon Reinforcer tickets, distributed daily to students who engage in positive behaviors, entitle recipients to a spot in the weekly drawing for prizes such as a free art lesson with the art teacher or a free lunch with the principal; staff members are regularly acknowledged at faculty meetings for achievements in and out of the classroom and are awarded prizes such as gift cards, free lunches from the teacher cafeteria menu, or a covered recess duty; and parent contributions are acknowledged weekly in the school’s Friday Eblast. Gray’s heartfelt efforts to give credit and show gratitude inspire all members of the school community to keep doing their best.

The hallmark of Gray’s leadership is his belief in the capacity of all children to achieve at high levels.  He has a gift for recognizing and nurturing the strengths and skills of his students, even the most challenging ones. Third grade teacher Pamela Galatioto praises Gray’s positive attitude and persistent efforts to bring out the best in his kids. “Mr. Gray genuinely cares for each and every student,” says Galatioto. “He builds bridges with some of our more difficult children and often eats lunch with them. He sees their potential to improve and gives them opportunities to grow with respect and kindness.”

Gray has won the love and respect of staff, students, parents, and community members alike, all of whom agree that his every action is driven by his will to ensure success for every student in his care.

Johnna Hunt

Johnna Hunt, principal of Hillside Intermediate School (HIS) in Naugatuck, has been named the 2014 CAS Middle School Principal of the Year. During her four-and-a-half years as principal, Hunt, with unrelenting support from her staff, has rescued a school that was plagued by stagnant test scores, high administrator turn-over, staggering achievement gaps for African American and Hispanic students and low staff morale.

“I am honored and humbled to be named the CAS 2014 Middle School Principal of the Year.  This award is a testament to the outstanding work taking place in Naugatuck schools.  I share this award with the amazing faculty and staff of Hillside Intermediate School and thank them for their unwavering commitment to our students,” Hunt stated upon learning of her award.  “I would also like to thank my husband Steven, our daughters: Taylor, Jordyn, and Sydney, and my extended family for their love and support.  I too wish to thank CAS for this tremendous opportunity.”

In 2009, Hunt was appointed principal of Naugatuck’s then Hop Brook Intermediate School (HBIS), the lowest performing school in the district. Identified under No Child Left Behind as a “failing” school, HBIS was faced with the threat of restructuring by the state. Hunt immediately took steps to enhance the social and cultural climate of the school and to build a positive, supportive relationship between the school and the greater community. When, in 2010, HBIS was relocated to a new facility, Hunt and her staff seized on the opportunity for reinvention, opening their doors as the new Hillside Intermediate School. Within three years, HIS moved from the lowest performing school in the district to the highest and recently achieved the ranking of “Progressing School” under the new state accountability system. The dramatic turnaround can be attributed to Hunt’s perseverance, can-do attitude, knowledge of pedagogy and visionary leadership. Says Assistant Superintendent Christopher Montini, “Mrs. Hunt’s positive impact on the HIS community was immediate. Through her commitment and vision, Mrs. Hunt successfully collaborated with all stakeholders to shape a school culture that embodies academic rigor, quality relationships and high expectations for all.” Adds community member Tamath Rossi, “I was amazed at Mrs. Hunt’s ability to turn what could be viewed as a negative situation into a positive one. She enthusiastically promoted the situation as a positive opportunity for growth not only for her students, but an opportunity for professional growth for herself and her staff.”

Hunt leads by example, always exhibiting the characteristics of honesty, respect, and kindness that serve as the foundation of the close-knit learning community she has built. Rossi states, “In my opinion, it is the leadership and personal and professional tone that Mrs. Hunt sets that creates the truly meaningful, safe, warm and encouraging educational climate that Hillside Intermediate School is known for.” Offering a student’s perspective, sixth grader Julia Mariano gushes, “Every child at Hillside comes to school every day with a huge smile on their face, knowing that they will feel safe and secure in the environment they are about to enter.”

Hunt is known as a leader who is strong and decisive yet open-minded and responsive, as ever ready to learn and listen as to guide and instruct. Her warm personality and caring spirit combine with a seriousness of purpose and a strong professional focus to inspire and energize all those with whom she works.  “A leader should be approachable and kind, but also firm and direct. Johnna definitely nails that!,” says math teacher Karie Stango. “She is not just a principal; she is a mother, sister, daughter and friend. When doing her job, Johnna pulls from all of these places, and that is what makes her so unique. She understands when we have to tend to a family matter or when “life” prevents us from being our best. Johnna expects that we will be the best that we can be but helps us through any “bumps in the road” along the way. This approach makes me want to achieve great things!”

The students and staff at HIS are not the only beneficiaries of Hunt’s skill and dedication. She has been a prominent leader within the larger Naugatuck community, currently serving on the Naugatuck Parent School Council and the Naugatuck Town Committee. She is also a volunteer for the Naugatuck Education Foundation and was a founding member of Residents for Renovation, the group established to support the renovation of the high school in 2011.

Matthew Ryan

Matt Ryan, principal of East Hartford High School (EHHS), has been named the 2014 CAS High School Principal of the Year. Nominated for the award by his assistant principal, Allison Anderson, Ryan was chosen by his fellow administrators through a statewide search process conducted by CAS. An intrepid leader, he faces the challenges of being principal of a large, racially and socio-economically diverse urban high school with equanimity, enthusiasm, sensitivity, and unwavering optimism.

Reacting to the news of his award, Ryan stated, “This award validates the dedication, effort and passion of my assistant principals, teachers, department heads and staff at EHHS.　We have worked very hard to make our school a welcoming, memorable and educational experience for students and families. For us to be acknowledged with an award offers our Hornet Community an accolade and inspires us to continue to improve each and every day.”

Since joining the EHHS administration in 2007, Ryan has been a catalyst for change in teaching, learning, and assessment; and his efforts have resulted in a cohesive school community which is responsive to the educational needs of all of its students. His success is tied to the supportive and collegial professional atmosphere he has built, one which allows all stakeholders — teachers, support staff, parents, students, and community members alike — to enjoy a shared responsibility for the governance of the school. Remarks Superintendent Nathan Quesnel, “Mr. Ryan’s ability to engage the entire school community has provided him the collaborative platform necessary to achieve the school’s goals.” A model of collaborative leadership, he has made his staff feel that they are at the very heart of the decision-making process, that they make a difference in the lives of their students and in the success of the school. Says EHHS Health Occupation teacher Cynthia Dee, “I go to work everyday knowing that I am valued and that my work matters.”

A skilled instructional leader, Ryan is a valued source of guidance and professional support for his teachers, consistently promoting a culture of ongoing learning, cooperation and excellence. Notes Quesnel, “Mr. Ryan has immersed himself in the study of curriculum, instruction and assessment. He is a constant presence in the classrooms of his school and has made this a priority in his schedule.” Ryan keeps careful watch for new research and best practices to present to and share with his staff. His own commitment to continued professional growth has set a powerful example for his teachers and has had a positive influence on instruction. Says Dee, “Mr. Ryan summarizes the latest research on a particular issue and invites us to explore its implications for our students. This opportunity to exchange ideas contributes to a shared vision that positively impacts both the academic and social structures in the school.”

“Great leaders can change a culture,” says Dee. Principal Matt Ryan has done just that. He and his staff have worked tirelessly to foster an academic culture predicated on rigor and high standards coupled with a dynamic school climate where “Hornet Pride” and the celebration of excellence are cornerstones. The constructive impact of those efforts can be seen in EHHS’ impressive gains on the state Student Performance Index as well as its increased college enrollment rate, decreased student suspension/arrest rate, and improved daily attendance rate.

A ubiquitous presence on the EHHS campus, Ryan uses every available opportunity to interact and build relationships with kids. He welcomes more than 1,600 students into his building each day and somehow manages to make every one of them feel special.  Says EHHS senior Korinne Früster, “What impresses me most about Principal Ryan is all of the names and faces that he remembers. In the many conversations I’ve had with him, he never hesitates on the name of a student passing by and can easily recall that student’s performance at a recent event or his/her team’s winning score from last week’s game.” Adds Quesnel. “As Mr. Ryan walks through the halls, pausing to laugh with students, greeting staff, monitoring building safety and assisting in any way, you get a picture of the total investment he has made in his school.”

Parent and PTO member Kate Callahan best captures Ryan’s impact on the school community, stating,”I see him in the morning greeting students as they enter the school, at sporting events and concerts…ever the presence, ever the leader. We’ve had tragedies and we’ve had triumphs at EHHS and Principal Ryan is always there showing the students, faculty and parents that he is invested, that he cares and that he respects us. And, in turn, we cherish and respect him.”

The State Principal of the Year Program

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. The winners are chosen by a selection committee consisting of active and retired principals and assistant principals.  State principals of the year must demonstrate success in the areas of collaborative leadership; personal excellence; curriculum, instruction, and assessment; and personalization.

Gray, Hunt and Ryan will be honored by CAS at the “Celebration of Distinguished Administrators” to be held in October, 2014.

National Recognition Programs

Gray will represent Connecticut in the National Distinguished Principals (NDP) Program sponsored by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) in corporate partnership with the Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company (VALIC). 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. Public school principals are nominated by peers in their home states, and the final selection for each state’s NDP is made by the NAESP state affiliate. The national recognition events will take place in Washington, D.C. on October 16-17th. They include special tours and activities as well as opportunities for professional dialogue among the principals. The two-day celebration culminates in a formal awards banquet.

Hunt and Ryan 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 Department of Defense Dependents Schools, and the Department of State Overseas Schools. Finalists will receive an award and a $1,500 grant. The National Middle School Principal of the Year and the National High School Principal of the Year will receive an award and an additional $5,000 grant.  These grants are used to improve learning at the recipient’s school, including, but not limited to, a special school project and/or professional development opportunities. NASSP will honor all state principals of the year at an Institute in Washington DC, September 7-9, 2014. This event salutes principals and serves as a forum to share their experience and expertise with each other, with national leaders in education, and with federal legislators.