Community and Staff React to Rossi Resignation

With the resignation of Robert Rossi as principal of Danbury High School, community and staff discuss the effects he had on Danbury High School. Held in high esteem by many of the staff members, some community members were unsure about the changes he was bringing into the district.

 “They have been making a lot of inroads and this is a set back,” said Richard Janelli, Vice Chairman of the Board of Education. “I know that Bob always did what he thought best for the students. Human nature resists change and by and large, he would have been a good principal to move us ahead.”

 “The consolidation of levels, of detracking, has raised the bar over the last two years,” said Gary Bocaccio, Assistant Principal of Danbury High School. “In most cases, students rose to expectations.”

 Bocaccio believes that the requirements of the state might have forced the changes Rossi put into place, no matter who had been principal. Bocaccio said, “Rossi certainly put forth a number of necessary initiatives that will yield good results for years to come. He achieved a great deal in a very limited amount of time.”

 “Bob did a lot of terrific things, hard things, that were unpopular with some people, but that needed to be done,” said Meghan Martins, associate principal.  “He came into a school that for seven years was in need of improvements and he had some significant challenges that had been laid out by the state.”

 Martins, who worked closely with Rossi on curriculum development, commented on the fact that Rossi was not from this area. “Having a new perspective is always good, but we also need someone who knows where we've been. A school is a unique thing. It's a big chunk of our lives and people think if we change, that we have done something wrong. People say, “I went to Danbury High School, and I did fine. Why do we need to change?” but the goals of education are changing, the demographics in Danbury have changed. Who would go to a doctor who has not changed his techniques in twenty-five years?”

 Speaking about the criticism Rossi received by some parents, Martins said, “When you are the face of change, sometimes you become the target. It was unfortunate, but we are on a course of improvement and we need to stay the course.”

 Bocaccio agreed. “Dr Rossi put forth a lot of important initiatives. AP classes have had a very positive effect and given students access to rigorous curriculum they didn't have before. That is something I hope we'll continue. New curriculum has been put forth and in future years will be rewarding and helpful.”

 While Rossi's efforts were praised by his staff, not all parents were comfortable with his leadership.

 “I think he had a lot of radical ideas, but he was not very good at communicating them. He did some good things I really liked, all the levels and AP classes. He seemed to care about academics,” said Sheila Sundaram, mother of a DHS graduated senior.

 “I think there are more than two levels of academic achievement, I wish they would bring tracking back. It wan't good for students in level five. He was bringing up the bottom rung but made it harder for the kids on the level five rung. There are so many groups you have to please, parents, state; its a hard job,” said mother Dawn Kerr.

 Assistant Principal Mike Clarke was quick to say that DHS will continue to run smoothly with an experienced staff. “We are professionals and we will make sure school opens on time and will run smoothly as it does every year. That's our job. We've been down this road before. The team works well together and we will support each other and do what's best for the students at DHS.”

 Clarke said that the business of education has changed across the country, and schools are expected to do more with less. “We must be willing to make changes,” said Clarke.

“The incoming principal is going to have to have a sense of humor, need little sleep, and have a real tough skin, and must believe in what they are doing,” said Clarke. “Stay focused on the students, staff and school. You need to be able to filter criticism. Most parents feel we do a good job with the students. We give parents and taxpayers good bang for the buck.”

 “He will be missed,” said Stadley Rough Principal Mary Johnson. “He was doing some really forward thinking work and I hope they will keep that momentum. This was a guy who came using great research and knowledge about school change, and I admired that.”

 Anne Mead, Administrator of Early Childhood Education and Extended Learning Programs, said, “Ditto that. I agree with everything Mary Johnson said.”

 This year's DHS Valedictorian Ben Altman said, “Unfortunately Danbury's high school principals don't have a history of longevity. Rossi had resistance from the changes he was making, and it's discouraging and doesn't look good for the district. It makes it harder for the next person, and people are going to be freshly opposed to whatever a new principal brings in.”