New Milford elementary schools get new principals
NEW MILFORD — Both elementary schools will have new leaders going into the next school year.
Eric Williams, of Danbury, got a head start about a month ago, when he began his new job as principal at Hill & Plain Elementary School. And recently the district announced that Gwen Gallagher, of Brookfield, will be the next principal at Northville Elementary School.
Gallagher served as a classroom teacher for Danbury Public Schools for sixteen years before being named assistant principal at the King Street Campus, where she has been a leader for the past five years.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Plymouth State College and her master’s degree in early childhood education from Central Connecticut State University.
She was selected from 29 applicants and is expected to start July 2.
“I feel my 21 years of experience in the classroom and in leadership have given me a solid foundation to support teaching and learning at Northville Elementary School,” Gallagher said in a statement. “I look forward to working alongside the staff and getting to know the students and their families.”
Williams has served as an assistant principal at New Milford High School since 2015. Prior to that, he was a social studies teacher at Bethel High School and Danbury High School, where he was also the head of the social studies department. He earned his bachelor’s degree in education from Western Connecticut State University and his master’s degree in literacy education from the University of New England. He also holds a certificate of advanced studies in educational leadership from Sacred Heart University.
Williams said he was grateful for the opportunities and support he’s received so far in New Milford. He was selected from 21 candidates.
“Eric Williams brings an engaging spirit and a deep commitment to student success to his new leadership role,” Superintendent Stephen Tracy said in a statement. “He knows what quality instruction looks like and he is committed to supporting teachers in their daily efforts on behalf of our children.”
Tracy also praised Gallagher. “We are fortunate to be able to welcome a leader of Mrs. Gallagher’s caliber into our New Milford school family,” Tracy said in a press release. “Her colleagues in Danbury had nothing but high praise for her skill as a teacher and the quality of her leadership at the King Street School.”