Staples High School Hires New Athletic Director

WESTPORT, CT — Staples High School is hiring its first new Athletic Director after more than 20 years.

The Board of Education announced that it hired Vincent J. "V.J." Sarullo as the next Athletic Director at Staples High School, replacing Marty Lisevick.

"Marty Lisevick, our current Athletic Director, will be retiring on January 31, 2023," said John Bayers, the district's Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources & General Administration. "Marty served in this role at Staples High School for 22.5 years, and we thank him for his commitment to our students, families and staff, throughout his tenure, and we wish him all the best with his retirement plans."

Sarullo's selection came after a search process that involved multiple rounds of interviews, which included an interview with a committee composed of representatives from the coaching staff, teaching staff, school and central office administration, and Board of Education. All of whom supported Sarullo's candidacy for the role at Staples.

"I am very enthusiastic about V.J. joining our team," said Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice. "This was a very comprehensive and rigorous process. Yet, V.J. rose above the field of candidates due to his lengthy successful track record, and his exemplary leadership experiences that prioritizes communication, and student success, not only on the field of play, but also in the classroom and community."

From the school district's announcement:

Mr. Sarullo brings a wealth of experience as an athletic director to Westport, having served in the role for 17 years. He is currently the Athletic Director at Jonathan Law High School in Milford, Connecticut. Prior to leading this respected program, Mr. Sarullo successfully served as the Athletic Director for both Sheehan High School in Wallingford, Connecticut, and Notre Dame of Fairfield High School in Fairfield, Connecticut.

Throughout these experiences he has garnered respect across Connecticut as an educator who cares deeply about the well-being of student athletes, their positive experiences both in competition and the classroom, and their roles as leaders in the community.

Among the many accomplishments Mr. Sarullo has achieved through his career is his role as the current President of the Connecticut Association of Athletic Directors. Recognizing his talents as a leader, his peers across the state selected him to serve in this position. It’s an honor he doesn’t take lightly, and his dedication and commitment to this critical organization will serve as a tremendous asset to Staples High School and Westport as a whole. Additionally, his achievements in leading and managing facility upgrades, developing robust professional growth opportunities for coaches, and his unwavering commitment to student voice serve as models throughout the athletic community.

Mr. Sarullo holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in History from Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, Connecticut. Additionally, he earned a Masters Degree in Holistic Thinking from the Graduate Institute in Bethany, Connecticut. Mr. Sarullo advanced his training as a leader by earning a Sixth Year Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Bridgeport in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Administrators who have worked directly with Mr. Sarullo gave universal praise for his honesty, integrity, and empathy as a leader. One shared, “He communicates with all stakeholders to ensure that student-athletes are leaders and role models in our school community.” Another shared, “An extremely competent, diligent, and responsive administrator, V.J. is passionately supportive of his students, coaching staff and community.” These qualities are a perfect match for the Athletic Director position at Staples High School.