ANSONIA – Ansonia Middle School Principal Pete Colaccino has taken a new job in Cromwell, after seven years working in Ansonia schools.
“Throughout his time in Ansonia, Mr. Colaccino has made many positive contributions that supported our students, staff, and families. We are thankful for his dedication to our school community and wish him continued success in his future endeavors,” said a statement signed by Superintendent of Schools Joseph DiBacco and Assistant Superintendent Stephen Bergin.
Colaccino, who was hired as principal of the middle school in 2019, is leaving for the new job opportunity and to be closer to home, according to DiBacco.
Robert Durand, the school’s current assistant principal, will become the new principal. Reese Morales, the district’s director of communications and community outreach, will become the new assistant principal.
Durand will be paid $168,884 per year, according to a contract. Morales will be paid $153,529.
“These are not new positions,” DiBacco said in a message. “We are just elevating Mr. Durand to principal and moving Dr. Morales to assistant principal.”
Durand is also a former assistant principal at Mead Elementary School, where he helped launch a Watch D.O.G.S. program to help keep dads involved in their children’s education.
Morales has been an administrator in Ansonia Public Schools since 2021, serving in a variety of roles relating to community outreach. He’s helped roll out the ParentSquare program in Ansonia schools to keep families in the loop about happenings throughout the district.