Watertown Public Schools Appoints New WHS Principal
Watertown, CT - March 31, 2023 - The Watertown Board of Education is proud to announce the next Watertown High School Principal for the upcoming 2023-2024 academic year. Mr. Gianni Perugini of Northfield, CT was selected out of a strong group of candidates all vying for the prestigious position. “We were very lucky to have a strong pool of applicants for this key district position,” said Karen Hosking, Vice Chair of the Board of Education. “Our students, families, staff and community want and deserve a leader that will continue to support our high school as the flagship we envision it to be.”
After several focus groups with community stakeholders, a district wide survey, and conversations during internal meetings, a WHS Community Principal Profile was created. The profile outlined five areas the Watertown Community shared to be important characteristics and traits they desired in the new WHS Principal. The community profile acted as a guidepost and helped narrow down highly qualified candidates for the position.
“Gianni Perugini’s energetic and approachable outlook on what he brings to WHS was a clincher for those part of the interview process. His soft spoken but strong work ethic and desire to collaborate and infuse positive change at WHS was contagious. He not only brought detailed examples of past success but humbly honored mentors and colleagues he learned from over the course of his professional career demonstrating his relentless drive to implement sustainable and meaningful change in an organization,” said Dr. Villanueva, Watertown Superintendent.
Gianni Perugini is currently an Assistant Principal at Thomaston High School and well known for his active involvement in the local Soccer community. He has been tapped on the shoulder time and time again to take on several leadership roles in his career by people who believe in his tenacious spirit and unrelenting drive to make a difference.
Jessica Bedosky, Director of Curriculum in Thomaston says Perugini is, “a good human being that cares a great deal about what he does. He brings sincerity to the position and it is always about the students. I know that all stakeholders will immediately feel that sincerity when he begins”.
Gianni Perugini has a sound educational leadership philosophy founded in the balance of contemporary educational practices and long standing traditions. He believes in collaboration, teamwork and the power of perseverance when he approaches work and is looking forward to learning about WHS as he onboards. “Gianni approaches everything with a coolness and calm. He is kind, approachable, and believes in demonstrating leadership by example,” said John Perrucci, Principal of Thomaston High School.
His knowledge from his time as Athletic Director and the District Security and Safety coordinator are all added experiences he brings with him to the role of Principal. He believes leadership is embedded in the power of service and building strong relationships with all stakeholders to achieve a goal together.
“It was clear from all rounds of our interviews that Gianni Perugini came out as the top choice. His genuine care for making the educational experience for all stakeholders the best possible was evident in his past experiences and plans for the future. Not only could we picture him fitting in with the WHS faculty, staff, students and families, he left us feeling inspired for what possibilities he would bring with him,” said Krista Palomba, Board Chairperson. Gianni Perugini will begin with Watertown High School on July 1, 2023.