School leadership changes for the new school year from the top down: Students will be welcomed by new superintendent, principals

By Peter Marteka

Editor

When students begin classes in September, there will be a new superintendent, assistant superintendent, along with four new principals.

“I couldn’t help but to feel the pride and excitement,” new Superintendent Scott Hurwitz said during his first board of education meeting as school leader. “Many of them have already met their school communities and made themselves available.”

Russell Crist, Assistant Superintendent of Administration and Personnel 

Crist began his position Aug. 17 after being selected from a pool of 49 applicants. Crist most recently served as principal of Farmington High School, where he strengthened the school's systems for recruitment, hiring, supervision, evaluation, and professional learning, contributing to the retention of exceptional educators. He also led the opening of Farmington's new high school, successfully guiding a seamless transition for students and staff into the new facility.

“Mr. Crist brings a mindset that aligns with the mission, core values, and beliefs that guide our work,” said Hurwitz. “At a time of significant leadership transition across our district, he will provide the steady, thoughtful leadership our organization needs.”

Hurwitz said Crist is known for building strong relationships, listening carefully, and approaching every challenge with integrity and purpose. Colleagues describe him as genuine, approachable, and exceptionally well prepared. One colleague noted that he “never takes a challenge sitting down,” reflecting his reputation for tackling complex issues with practical solutions and a focus on what is best for students, officials noted.

Rebecca Comenale Principal of Glastonbury High School

Not exactly a new face since Comenale has been assistant principal at the high school for the past 13 years. School officials note Comenale brings extensive leadership experience in curriculum, strategic planning, and fostering a positive school culture.

“She has led and supported many key district initiatives...and done incredible work on school climate,” Hurwitz said. “She’s also mentored new school principals and helped build a high school environment that reflects the values of our broader community.”

Officials noted she is widely respected for her collaborative style, thoughtful decision-making, and the strong relationships she creates with students, staff, and families.

“It’s truly an honor to stay and continue to work with our dedicated teachers, staff and community members, families and most importantly our students,” she said.

Tom Reed-Swale, Principal of Hebron Avenue School

Reed-Swale has 22 years of experience, including being principal at CREC Discovery Academy.

“I come to work with a great sense of excitement as well as the burden to continue the excellence that proceeded me,” he said.

Reed-Swale sent out a survey asking the HAS community what they loved most.

“One staff member said, ‘I love working in a school where I am trusted and valued.’ A parent shared that the school feels like a true community where friendships are made and the students are supported in so many ways to grow academically. It was overwhelming kindness from everyone.

“That’s my goal and my charge for the coming year to serve our Hebron Avenue School community,” he added, “by valuing and trusting the passion of our staff so that we can have a school where families are welcomed with overwhelming kindness and students are supported to grow academically in a kind and caring environment that’s also fun because having school that’s really fun is also important.”

Corrie Schram, Principal of Hopewell School

Schram comes from being principal at Anna Norris Elementary School in East Hartford. She noted there is a strong sense of community and pride within the Glastonbury school system. She said she is excited to work with a staff that takes pride in their work and “makes student-centered decisions to make every opportunity available to our students.”

“My focus is to establish positive and honest relationships with the staff and support them in their important work of working with children every single day. I want to commit to creating an open line of communication to the families understanding first-hand how important families are in the success of an educational environment.

“But beyond that,” she added, “I just want to meet the kids. That’s why we are here. I really want to make sure that we create a strong foundation to give them the success that they need socially, emotionally, behaviorally, and academically.

Ryan Walstrom, Principal of Nayaug School

Moving slightly north from leading Portland’s Valley View and Gildersleeve elementary schools, Walstrom was described by Hurwitz as “being magnetic and empathetic.”

“They want to know that they are seen, they’re valued and they belong,” Walstrom said of students. “While I don’t know every student’s name yet, I intend to put forth my best effort to learn everyone’s name.

“Building relationships with every child, every family and every staff member is at the heart of the work that I love,” he added. “Being both an educator and a parent gives me a deep appreciation for the trust that families place in our schools...I do this work with both my parent hat on and my administrator/educator hat because you can’t do it with just one or the other.” GL