New Principal Named In Wallingford

WALLINGFORD, CT — A veteran elementary educator and leader has been hired as the new principal at Cook Hill Elementary School in Wallingford, officials announced.

Zachary Munroe was approved by the Wallingford Board of Education on Thursday as principal of Cook Hill.

Munroe most recently worked as an elementary administrator in the Naugatuck Public Schools. Before his time in Naugatuck, he was an elementary classroom teacher and team leader with the Milford Public Schools, according to Wallingford Superintendent of Schools Danielle Bellizzi.

Bellizzi said in a message to the school community that staff and colleagues who have worked with Munroe remarked on his “energy and passion for learning and leading.”

“Zach’s caring nature is his keen ability to listen to students, families, and staff,” according to his former supervisor Cheryl Kane. “He will work diligently to solve a problem. He is resourceful, and his follow-up/follow-through does not go unnoticed. He knows how to drive instruction through data and collegial conversations.”

Bellizzi said Munroe is looking forward to joining the Cook Hill family.

“I want every member of the Cook Hill community to know how excited I am to be joining the amazing school community that is Cook Hill,” Munroe was quoted as saying in the message. “I value the passion and efforts of all school community members and see that I am joining a genuinely supportive and inclusive school.

“I look forward to getting to know every one of you. I can't wait to become part of the Cook Hill family and know that through our collaboration and shared efforts, the 2024-2025 school year will exceed our wildest expectations!”

Munroe’s official start date will be announced soon, according to Bellizzi.