Norwalk School Principal Appointed As Executive Director Of Leadership Development

NORWALK, CT — Norwalk Public Schools announced Friday the Board of Education has appointed Damon Lewis as the district's new executive director of leadership development.

According to a news release provided by the district, Lewis has been the principal of Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy since July 2015 and previously served as the middle school's assistant principal for five years.

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Lewis was selected as the 2025-26 National Middle Level Principal of the Year by the National Association of Secondary School Principals, as well as the 2025 Connecticut Middle School Principal of the Year by the Connecticut Association of Schools, according to Norwalk Public Schools.

Lewis also recently agreed to participate in Governor Ned Lamont's Blue-Ribbon Commission on K-12 Education Funding and Accountability, according to the district.

A seasoned educational leader with a proven track record at Ponus Ridge, Lewis has fostered a collaborative environment that drives academic achievement and continuous improvement, according to the district.

"Under his leadership, Ponus Ridge has significantly decreased its chronic absenteeism rate over the last two years, earning his school national media recognition," the release reads. "The number of Hispanic and Black students in the Gifted & Talented program increased, as well as the number of female students in accelerated math."

The district also noted Lewis "played an instrumental role in the redesign of the Gifted & Talented program, school counseling, middle schools and STEAM schools. He sat on the Safety Task Force Committee, the Superintendent Principal Advisory group and the District Strategic Plan Task Force, and currently serves as the Black Male Administrators Group Facilitator."

Before joining Norwalk Public Schools, Lewis served as the principal of A.L.P.H.A. Alternative High School in Stratford for two years.

He started his career as a career education counselor at his alma mater of Harding High School in Bridgeport before becoming a school counselor at Trumbull High School in 2004, according to the district.

Lewis earned his bachelor of arts degree in English and sociology from the University of Connecticut, a master of science degree in education from the University of Bridgeport and a master of science degree in school counseling from Southern Connecticut State University, the district noted.

Lewis also earned his professional diploma for education administration and his doctorate of education from the University of Bridgeport, according to the district.