New Principal For Stamford High Is Appointed

Editor’s Note: We first published this story May 26 and here it is again in case you missed it.

After a month-long extensive search, interview, and selection process, Stamford Public Schools (SPS) along with Superintendent Dr. Winifred Hamilton and the Stamford Board of Education announced Tuesday night that Raymond D. Manka has been appointed as Principal of Stamford High School.

Manka’s appointment is effective July 1, capping a year-long microscopic review of the school’s operations following the revelation an English teacher carried out an affair with an under-aged student and that administrators failed to report the incident as required by state law.

Manka will assumed the duties currently handled by Interim Principal Tony Pavia, who has been serving in that capacity since late February.

The appointment of Manka comes on the heels of Hamilton’s announcement Tuesday evening that she will retire on Jan. 1.

Previously, Hamilton announced the termination of Principal Donna Valentine and Assistant Principal Roth Nordin for their roles in the sex scandal that has embraced the school for nearly a year. The pair was arrested on charges they failed to comply with state law mandating the reporting of inappropriate relationships between teachers and students.

Former English teacher Danielle Watkins is serving a five-year prison sentence for the affair with the student.

Manka has 16 years experience in education and was part of SPS for five years, serving as Assistant Principal at both Stamford High and Westhill High schools. Currently, Manka is assistant principal at Norwalk High School. Prior to serving in assistant principal roles, he was an administrative intern, a high school biology teacher, and a sixth-grade science teacher. Manka has extensive experience in scheduling, staff supervision, professional development, and peer mentorship program development.

Manka has graduate degrees from both the University of Bridgeport and Sacred Heart University. He is currently enrolled in a doctoral program in Educational Leadership at Western Connecticut State University, with expected completion in 2016.

“I am pleased to welcome Ray back to Stamford Public Schools,” said Superintendent Hamilton. “His extensive academic credentials and experience at large area high schools, including Stamford High, will serve him well in his mission to lead Stamford High with a priority of building trust and respect among students, staff, parents, and community members.”

The interview process included teachers, high school and middle school parents, staff members, administrators, a student, community members, board members, and the superintendent. In addition, a site visit was conducted at Norwalk High by members of the committee. The visit, which included speaking with students and staff at the school, confirmed the committee’s selection, according to a statement from Stamford Public Schools.

Related stories:

• UPDATE: Stamford School Superintendent Winifred Hamilton Announces She Will Retire
• Report: Stamford Public Administration Failed in High School Teacher Sex Case

• Jail Time for Ex-Stamford HS Teacher in Student Sex Case
• City Opens Investigation into Stamford High School Teacher Sex Scandal
• Stamford HS Administrators Seek Special Probation Program
• Stamford HS Administrators Plead Not Guilty
• Stamford Teacher Is Accused of Sexual Assault of Student
• Prosecutors May Seek Plea Deal in Stamford HS Teacher Sex Assault Case
• Stamford High Administrators Receive Probation
• Stamford Teacher’s Plea Deal Offer Includes Jail Time