Former Region 14 Administrator Stepping Down From Naugatuck School

John Salatto, the principal of in Naugatuck, is leaving at the end of the school year.

Salatto, who served as principal at Bethlehem Elementary School and , informed the school Monday that he will stay on until June 30, at which point he will resign from his post and not return for the 2012-13 school year, according to a letter issued to students on Tuesday. The Rev. Michael Slusz confirmed the resignation.

"Right now, we’re working with the Office of Catholic Schools in search of a new candidate," Slusz said.

In a copy of the letter, obtained by Patch, Slusz wrote, "Dr. Salatto shared many gifts with the St. Francis-St. Hedwig School community. We are grateful for his efforts and wish him well in the future."

When asked why Salatto is stepping down, Slusz told Patch it was a personal resignation and any information beyond that would best come from Salatto directly. The principal couldn’t be reached for further comment by the time of this posting.

Salatto came over to St. Francis-St. Hedwig School last summer after the two longtime K-8 Catholic institutions under a new, hyphenated name. Previously, he served as principal at St. Hedwig School right up until its closing in June 2011.

Bernice Rizk, chairman of the St. Francis-St. Hedwig School Board, said the all the people she has spoken with were sorry to see him go.

"The kids are so happy in the school, so that’s where you see the fruits of his labors," Rizk said.