Derby administrator selected as CT Middle School Principal of the Year

Rachael Caggiano

DERBY - Derby Public Schools has announced that Derby Middle School Principal Rachael Caggiano has been selected as the 2023 Connecticut Middle School Principal of the Year. 

The Connecticut Association of Schools has awarded this prestigious honor to Caggiano in recognition of her outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment to excellence in education.

Caggiano has been with Derby Public Schools since 2011, and has served as the middle school principal since 2018. 

During her tenure, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to creating a positive learning environment for all students and staff, fostering a culture of inclusion and promoting student and staff success both in and out of the classroom.

Under Caggiano's leadership, Derby Middle School has seen improvements in student achievement, particularly in the areas of literacy and math education. 

Of the 16 schools across the state in the Commissioner’s Network of schools, Derby Middle School students had the highest percent of target achieved in both English language arts and mathematics scores. 

Derby Middle School Students also had the highest English Language Arts year over year growth from 2018-2019 to 2021-2022 with a 5.5 point gain. She has also implemented innovative programs to support our Positive Behavior Intervention and Support program such as  school-wide RISE Rallies and a KickBoard Store.

Most recently she was recognized by Harvard’s Graduate School of Education for her part in creating an in-school Learning Lab for staff and kids to collaborate, share, create and learn. "Principal Caggiano is an exceptional leader who has made a significant impact on the lives of our students, families, and staff," said Matt Conway, Superintendent of Schools. "Such a well deserved recognition and we are beyond proud to have her as part of our Derby Schools, this great city and the Derby Family. Principal Caggiano not only builds relationships, she builds the capacity of everyone around her. She makes us all better."

Caggiano said, “I am incredibly honored and humbled to receive this recognition. I am grateful to work with such a dedicated team of educators who are committed to providing our students with a high-quality education and a positive school experience. This award is a testament to our hard work and the incredible students we have the privilege of serving.”

Board Chairman Jim Gildea said, “This is just one more example of the amazing school system that we have here in Derby. Rachael is just that shining star who operates at an extremely high level. For those of us who work with Rachael day in and day out, this certainly comes as no surprise. She is easily able to connect with all of the various stakeholders that she must work with, whether it is the community, parents, staff and most importantly the students who are placed in her charge each and every day. Rachael forms deep and meaningful bonds with whomever she works with and it is evident in the relationships that she builds and the outcomes that she achieves. On behalf of the Derby Board of Education, we congratulate Rachael on this outstanding accomplishment."

Luke Camara, Derby Middle School Student Council President and National Junior Honor Society President said," I am very proud of Mrs. Caggiano for receiving such a remarkable title. Over the years I've attended Derby Middle School, Mrs. Caggiano has treated myself and others with the utmost love and respect. I am not surprised by any means that she has won this award, because she works day in and day out to make sure every single one of her student's has an enjoyable learning experience. This award not only reflects who Mrs. Caggiano is, but our school district as a whole. I cannot stress how happy I am for Mrs. Caggiano.”

As the Connecticut Middle School Principal of the Year, she will be recognized at the CAS Annual Conference in October 2023.

This is a press release from Derby Public Schools.