New Principal, Assistant Principals Appointed At Norwalk Schools

NORWALK, CT — The Board of Education recently appointed a new principal for Nathan Hale Middle School and new assistant principals at Rowayton Elementary School and Roton Middle School.

During a special meeting last week, the board voted to approve James Crouch as the new principal of Nathan Hale, according to a news release provided by Norwalk Public Schools.

The district previously announced last month that Crouch would serve as the school's interim principal, filling the position left vacant by Eric Jackson, who announced in July he will be leaving the district.

A social emotional school leader, Crouch aims to assist all students in the development of short and long-term goals that influence and enhance student performance, teacher accountability and a learning culture that supports the goals of the district, according to district officials.

Crouch joined the district in August 2010 as assistant principal of Roton Middle School. After seven years, he transitioned to Jefferson Elementary School as assistant principal for a year, then served as principal of Brookside Elementary School for a year.

The board also appointed Kelly Martin and Steven Santoli as new assistant principals of Rowayton Elementary School and Roton Middle School respectively.

Martin will fill the position under the leadership of Rowayton Principal Casey Cummings. She most recently served as the IEP Compliance Team Leader and the Administrative Intern/Teacher Leader for Student Support at the Springdale School in Stamford.

Martin started her career in education in 2010 as a third and fourth grade teacher at Roxbury Elementary School in Stamford. She then served as an Enrichment Teacher at Roxbury, as well as Davenport Ridge Elementary School, developing the school-wide enrichment program for both schools, according to district officials.

Santoli will fill the position under the leadership of Roton Principal Ed Singleton. He most recently served as assistant principal of Immaculate High School in Danbury.

Santoli started his career in education in 2000 as a social studies teacher at Commack High School in Commack, N.Y. His teaching career took him to middle and high schools in Averill Park and Schenectady, N.Y., as well as Ridgefield and Fairfield, according to district officials.