Former Greenwich School Principal Hired In New Canaan

NEW CANAAN, CT — A former longtime Greenwich Public Schools principal and administrator has been hired as the interim principal at New Canaan's South Elementary School, effective July 1, announced Dr. Bryan Luizzi, New Canaan Public Schools Superintendent.

John Grasso will be replacing the retiring principal, Joanne Rocco, for the 2019-20 school year. Rocco served as South's principal for the past 15 years.

"Joanne Rocco is an outstanding educational leader who genuinely cares about students, staff, parents, and the entire community, stated Dr. Luizzi. "We have been inspired by her leadership of South Elementary Schools these past 15 years, and we're going to miss her. While everyone who knows Joanne knows she is irreplaceable, we are also extremely fortunate to have someone with John Grasso's knowledge, skill, and extensive principal leadership experience ready to step into the principal's role at South during this time of transition. We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Grasso to the New Canaan Public Schools."

Since retiring from Greenwich Public Schools, Grasso has made a career of filling principal posts on an interim basis. He has served in interim positions as principal of Royle Elementary School in Darien from 2014-16, Parkway Elementary School in Greenwich from2016-17, and is currently in his second year as interim principal of Hamilton Avenue STEM Magnet School in Greenwich.

Prior to his retirement, Grasso also served as principal of Riverside Elementary School for 12 years, in addition to other administrative positions in Greenwich.

From Dr. Luizzi's announcement:

Mr. Grasso earned a bachelors degree from St. John's University, Queens, NY; a masters degree from City College of New York (CCNY) in Curriculum Development; and a 6th Year Administrator Certificate from Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT. Additional professional activities include The Arts and Passion Driven Learning at Harvard University, and The Writing Project at Columbia Teachers College.

Dr. Luizzi also recognizes and thanks the search committee consisting of teachers, PTC members, parents, administrators, and the Board of Education for its work and diligence in the process.

Mr. Grasso will begin as Interim Principal at South Elementary School on July 1, 2019.