Pavia To Return To Stamford HS as Interim Principal

Former Stamford High School principal Tony Pavia will be returning to the school as interim principal, according to an announcement Thursday from Superintendent Dr. Winifred Hamilton.

Pavia’s appointment is effective Feb. 23.

Pavia has been an educator for more than 37 years, having served in a number of roles in both public and private schools. Pavia is assuming the role from Rodney Bass, who has been leading the day-to-day operations since early October.

Bass was appointed in the wake of a teacher-student sex scandal that enveloped the community last summer. Last fall, SHS administrators were arrested on charges they failed to notify local police and state authorities of reported suspicions that former English teacher Danielle Watkins was having an affair with a student.

The Watkins situation came to light after the student went to Stamford Police to report that he was engaged in a sexual relationship with his teacher who reportedly threatened to fail him and prevent his graduation from the Strawberry Hill Avenue school if he went to authorities.

“We are pleased to welcome Tony Pavia back to Stamford High school,” Hamilton said in a statement. “Tony’s leadership and first-hand experience at SHS will be of great value to the school and our district. We are appreciative of the Mayor’s Office for its help in working with the Diocese of Bridgeport to expedite Pavia’s availability to serve in this role.”

Pavia joins Stamford High School (SHS) from Trinity Catholic, where he most recently served as President. Previously, he served as Stamford High Principal from 1996 until 2002. He also served as acting assistant principal at SHS from 1992 to 1994, and as a SHS social studies teacher for six years. In addition to his positions at SHS and Trinity Catholic, Pavia has also served in a number of administrative roles in New Canaan and Darien.

“Stamford High School holds a special place in my heart and has been an integral part of my life and my career. I welcome the opportunity to work with the students, faculty and staff and will work hard to serve the school and the community with integrity and purpose,” Pavia said in a statement issued by the school district.

“I’d also like to recognize and thank Rodney for his leadership during this difficult time,” Hamilton said. “And a special thanks to the Mayor’s Office and the Diocese of Bridgeport for supporting us with Tony’s immediate transition—it’s truly a reflection of the commitment and dedication to all children in our community.”

Linda Valentine, who was principal at the time of the Watkins incident becoming public, and Assistant Principal Nordin Roth, were relieved of their duties following their arrests last fall. They have since been granted a special form of probation in connection with the charges.

Watkins is awaiting disposition on charges of sexual assault and drug-related charges, stemming from the allegations about her relationship and that she and her teen-aged paramour and another student smoked pot off campus, but during school hours. She is scheduled to appear Feb. 17 in state Superior Court in Stamford, according to the Connecticut Judicial Branch website.

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Related stories:

• 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

Photo: Tony Pavia. Credit: Patch file photo.