New principals selected at Hebron Avenue, Hopewell and Nayaug elementary schools

Submitted by Glastonbury Public Schools

Glastonbury public schools has completed the hiring process for three outstanding elementary school principals. We are confident that these accomplished and dynamic school leaders will be successful.

We received more than 100 applications for the three elementary principal openings. We initially conducted brief screening interviews with more than 20 external candidates, then interviewed 10 in person. The interview committee included 23 participants, including administrators, educators, and parents.

Each new principal is a personable, enthusiastic, and experienced school leader with a proven track record of identifying challenges and leading teams to implement effective solutions. Each has demonstrated success in improving elementary student achievement and building thriving elementary communities.

We are confident that the vision, high expectations, and skills of these hires are the perfect fit for the Hebron Avenue, Hopewell, and Nayaug school communities. Their years of experience ensure they will hit the ground running come July 1.

Here is some brief background on each appointee:

Mr. Tom Reed-Swale, Hebron Avenue Elementary School principal

Mr. Reed-Swale has spent 22 years in public education, serving the last seven years as principal of Bethany Community School in Bethany, CT. He previously served for five years as assistant principal at the CREC Discovery Academy Magnet School, and began his career teaching third, fourth and fifth grades in Farmington and West Hartford.

Families and staff describe him as a caring, collaborative leader who builds strong relationships and works closely with parents to support each child. A champion for students, Reed-Swale believes schools should be places where children are challenged to grow while also feeling safe, valued, and supported. In his words, “families should know that they are sending their children to not only learn academic skills, but to be cared for and nurtured.”

He holds his administrative certification, a sixth-year degree, a Master’s in curriculum and instruction, and a Bachelor’s in elementary education, all from the University of Connecticut.

We are confident Mr. Reed-Swale will bring energy, experience, and heart to the Hebron Avenue community.

Ms. Corrie Schram, Hopewell Elementary School principal

Ms. Schram has more than a decade of leadership experience, including eight years as principal of Anna E. Norris Elementary School in East Hartford, four years as assistant principal at O’Brien STEM Academy in East Hartford, and serving as the dean of student culture at Achievement First Hartford Academy. She also served in various administrative and teaching roles in Orange County, Florida.

Families and staff describe Ms. Schram as a student-centered, approachable leader who builds strong relationships and fosters positive, welcoming school communities. Her guiding principle for leadership is “creating a positive environment where staff feel respected, and student needs are always prioritized.” She views our district’s values — Be Kind, Be Curious, Be Well — as the foundation of her daily work.

She earned her BA from Connecticut College and her MS in leadership in educational administration from Capella University.

We look forward to introducing Ms. Schram to families in the coming months and are confident she will bring vision, strong leadership, and warmth to the Hopewell Elementary community.

Mr. Ryan Walstrom, Nayaug Elementary School Principal

Mr. Walstrom has dedicated 22 years to public education. He currently serves as principal of Valley View Elementary School in Portland and previously led Portland’s Gildersleeve Elementary School for eight years. Earlier in his career, he served as an elementary school assistant principal in Avon, a language arts resource teacher at Glastonbury’s Naubuc Elementary School, and a special education, grade two, and grade five teacher in West Hartford.

Families and staff describe Mr. Walstrom as a caring, respected, and approachable leader who builds strong relationships and works to ensure every child receives the support they need. He believes that successful schools are built on connection and shared purpose. In his words: “Strong relationships, clarity of purpose, and shared accountability are essential” for a school community to truly succeed.

Mr. Walstrom earned his undergraduate degree from Juniata College, his Master’s degree from Central Connecticut State University, and his sixth-year degree in educational leadership from the University of Connecticut.

We look forward to welcoming Mr. Walstrom to Nayaug School and are confident he will provide steady leadership as he builds strong connections with the school community. GL