September 16, 2021

Dear SCSD Families and Community,

With an “all hands on deck” approach, we have begun the 2021-2022 school year successfully. This included a quick transition to an interim high school principal in August. Mr. Clint Froschauer, SCSD UPK-12 Assistant Principal, was quick to accept the role and responsibilities to ensure a smooth transition for our staff and students at the high school as we enter a new year of fully in-person learning.

I would like to sincerely thank Clint Froschauer for his immediate willingness to step into the role as interim high school principal. Mr. Froschauer’s acceptance of the interim high school principal position provides consistency, familiarity and confidence that we could begin a fresh school year successfully. He has managed the role of interim high school principal while continuing his district level responsibilities as assistant principal.

In August, we immediately organized an aggressive schedule to secure a permanent high school principal; after two rounds of interviews, no candidates met the satisfaction of the committees for consideration. After careful, intentional consideration, I have decided to make an internal recommendation to the Board of Education. In April we will repost for the high school principal position and anticipate the ability to secure the right permanent principal for our high school.

On Tuesday, September 21, 2021, I will recommend to the Board of Education that Mrs. Carolyn Manzella, currently the SCSD UPK-12 Pupil Personnel Director, is appointed as interim high school principal for the remainder of this school year. Mrs. Manzella will transition to her new role on October 1, 2021. Additionally, I will recommend that Mrs. Mikal Benamati, currently a SCSD School Psychologist/CSE and CPSE Chair, is appointed as interim pupil personnel director for the remainder of this school year. These district leaders will work collaboratively to ensure smooth transitions.

Mrs. Manzella has served as pupil personnel director in our district since July 2019. She has a vast array of experience spanning across decades, including administrator for special programs for thirteen years. Prior to that, she was a middle/high school classroom teacher for seventeen years. Her classroom teaching experience, seasoned leadership experience and willingness to serve all students makes her a wonderful candidate to assume the interim principal position.

Mrs. Benamati has served as school psychologist/CSE and CPSE chair for fifteen years. Her extensive knowledge of SCSD students and families will be invaluable as she assumes the interim pupil personnel director role.

I am confident that these moves are in the best interest of our students and staff. In October, as Mr. Froschauer transitions back to his role as assistant principal in a full-time capacity, he will again be available to the elementary students who have come to love him.

Sincerely,
Patricia Morris
Superintendent