Date: Fri 14-May-1999

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

Middle-Gate-principal-Gallo

Full Text:

School Board Selects Middle Gate Principal

BY STEVE BIGHAM

The Board of Education Tuesday approved the hiring of Judith A. Gallo to take

over as principal of Middle Gate School. She was selected from a list of more

than 40 candidates.

Mrs Gallo, who will take over her new post on or around July 1, comes to

Newtown from Trumbull where she has served as curriculum coordinator for

language arts and social studies for grades K-8 in Trumbull. She worked

comprehensively with seven different schools within the district.

"We believe we've hired a master educator who will be a true teacher of

teachers and be able to fulfill the leadership function of the school

principal," noted Superintendent of Schools John R. Reed.

School officials say they have hired an educational leader who is bright,

articulate and passionate. She has also demonstrated a history of working

effectively with students, parents and staff.

For Mrs Gallo, a Fairfield resident, this will be her first principalship. She

takes over for Gary Hexom who will step down as Middle Gate principal June 30

to take a position in California.

"She has both feet on the ground and has a fine vision, spirit, enthusiasm,

patience and wisdom to make an impact on students at Middle Gate School," Dr

Reed said.

The group that hired Mrs Gallo made several site visits to the Trumbull school

district where members interviewed 18 different people.

Mrs Gallo graduated from Georgetown University in 1976 with a BS in languages

and linguistics. She received her masters degree in elementary education 10

years later from the University of Bridgeport. In 1992, she earned a

professional sixth-year diploma in administration and supervision from

Southern Connecticut State University.

From 1986-1996, Mrs Gallo was a fourth-grade teacher at Tashua School in

Trumbull. She spent the 1996-97 school year serving as instructional

chairperson at Hillcrest Middle School in Trumbull.

Mrs Gallo was expected to visit Middle Gate School this week.