A new principal is expected to be appointed at Rye Middle School.
Joseph DiGiovanni, who was named interim principal in the wake of Ann Edwards departure this past August, is being put forth for the permanent position by the search committee and schools boss Eric Byrne. The recommendation goes to the Board of Education for formal approval.
“Mr. DiGiovanni demonstrated a strong skill set as an instructional leader and administrator; an approachable demeanor and collaborative nature; a proven commitment to building student relationships; and deep experience working in partnership with teachers and staff to develop more student-centered learning,” said Byrne in a note. “I strongly believe that Mr. DiGiovanni is the right person to help the District continue to meet the goal of developing an educational program that advances the critical skills necessary for all learners to achieve success as citizens in the rapidly-changing global world and workplaces of the future.”
Mr. DiGiovanni came to Rye Middle School in 2014 as Assistant Principal, earning tenure in 2017. In August of 2020, he was appointed the Interim Principal of Rye Middle School after the retirement of former Principal Dr. Ann Edwards. In his tenure as Interim Principal, he has demonstrated strong communication skills, an ability to manage in difficult circumstances, and a commitment to building a strong equitable community at Rye Middle School.
Prior to coming to Rye, Mr. DiGiovanni was Assistant Principal and Humanities Coordinator at Hendrick Hudson High School in Montrose, N.Y. Prior to working at Hendrick Hudson, he taught 7th, 8th, and 9th grade social studies for 10 years at Fieldstone Middle School in the North Rockland Central School District. He began his career as a high school social studies teacher in the Warwick Valley Central School District.
Mr. DiGiovanni has a B.S. in Sociology from SUNY Oswego, an M.S. in Instructional Technology from the New York Institute of Technology, and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Administration from SUNY New Paltz.
Mr. DiGiovanni, his wife, Erin, and their two daughters live in Ridgefield, C.T.
