Wilton Public Schools officials have named James D’Amico as the next principal of Wilton High School, replacing Dr. Robert O’Donnell, who will retire on Jun. 30. D’Amico has been principal of New Fairfield High School for the past seven years.
In a press release announcing D’Amico’s appointment, Wilton Superintendent Kevin Smith shared his enthusiasm for the district’s choice. “I am so pleased to be bringing an experienced leader of James’ caliber to Wilton High School, where he can build upon the tradition of excellence that exists here. We look forward to benefitting from his thoughtful ideas and learner-focused approach to high school leadership.”
D’Amico said he was “honored and excited” to be named WHS’s next principal.
“I have long admired Wilton Public Schools’ commitment to academic excellence, student wellness and developing socially responsible young people,” he said. “The district’s culture of innovation, collaboration and unwavering focus on students is something I deeply respect, and I look forward to building on that tradition alongside the talented faculty, staff, students and families of Wilton.”
During his tenure in New Fairfield — where he was also a member of the Class of 1994 — D’Amico has overseen the design and construction of a modern high school complex, the implementation of a new daily schedule, and the creation of the New Fairfield Rebels Hall of Honor, a recognition program inclusive of multiple areas of student achievement and community contributions.
Prior to joining the New Fairfield High School community, D’Amico served for three years as the principal of Staples High School in Westport, where he helped launch the Staples Pathways Academy alternative school, student wellness and enrichment programs, and the Connections advisory period. Staples was ranked by Niche.com as Connecticut’s number one high school in 2019 under D’Amico’s tenure.
D’Amico began his career as an educator in Westport, where he served in roles that included director of secondary education, social studies secondary coordinator, social studies department chair, and social studies teacher.
D’Amico has spoken nationally and regionally at the EdSpaces National Conference, the Massachusetts Higher Education Consortium Expo, and the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education.
D’Amico has earned a Bachelor of Arts in communications science, a Master of Arts in secondary social studies education, and a Sixth Year Diploma in education administration, all from the University of Connecticut.
According to the district’s press release from Wilton’s Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and General Administration Maria Coleman, D’Amico was hired after “an extensive search process that included surveys and focus groups of students, staff and parents, outreach to administrators across the state and beyond, and a multi-tier interview process. Select candidates participated in screening interviews, two rounds of broad-based committee interviews, and multi-level final interviews with a team that included administrative and Board of Education representation. The month-long selection process allowed for multiple opportunities to learn about Mr. D’Amico’s skillset across a variety of settings.”
Coleman said “D’Amico received the endorsement of the hiring committees based in part on his student-centered approach to school leadership, his understanding of how teaching practices and learning environments shape student experiences, and his experience with vertical articulation of curriculum K-12.”
D’Amico called it “humbling” to succeed O’Donnell, who he said “…is so highly respected among his colleagues in Fairfield County and beyond and who exemplifies the very best qualities of educational leadership. His commitment to students, staff, and community has helped shape Wilton High School into the exceptional institution it is today.”
D’Amico will officially begin his position over the summer.
This story was compiled from a press release from Wilton Public Schools.
