Derby Board of Education appoints new principal of Irving School

Marc Russo

DERBY - The Derby Board of Education recently appointed Marc Russo as principal of Irving School.
Russo came to the Derby Schools on Feb. 8, 2018 as Dean of Students at Derby Middle School. 

In August of 2019, he moved into the role of Elementary School Dean of Students serving both Irving and Bradley Schools. He has collaborated with principals to create a safe and supportive environment and establish deep-rooted community relationships.

Russo earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Providence College, a Masters of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of New Haven and a 6th Year in Educational Leadership from Quinnipiac University. Prior to his move to Derby, he taught Language Arts and Math in North Haven for 18 years while coaching baseball, softball, and football.

Russo said, “I am humbled and honored to be able to renew my service to Derby Public Schools as the principal of Irving School. My focus is centered on advancing student progress, fostering social-emotional wellness, and nurturing and growing the Irving School community. I believe building relationships, embodying kindness, and answering these three questions in collaborative decision-making: Did we do the right thing? Did we work to the best of our abilities? And, did we show people we care? Irving Wildcats will continue to show respect to ourselves, to others, and to our school!

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matthew J. Conway, Jr. said, “We are thrilled at Mr. Russo's appointment to the position of Principal at Irving School. Mr. Russo brings his years of experience, relationship building and support for students, staff and families to his new role as principal. In Mr. Russo's 3-year tenure as Dean of Students for Irving and Bradley schools he has developed into a leader earning the respect of many students, staff and family members. With this type of experience in the school and district, he will hit the ground running. We were very fortunate to have had a highly competitive pool of candidates and Mr. Russo rose to the top throughout the process.

Board chairman Jim Gildea said, “Marc has a wealth of experience working with our students and staff both at the middle school and at the elementary school levels. Marc did an outstanding job in a very competitive hiring process and garnered strong support amongst all of the relevant stakeholders; parents, staff, administrators and board members, all whom were represented on the hiring committee. As Marc was the type of administrator, who rolled his sleeves up and jumped right in, he will offer a strong sense of continuity and I am confident that the school will continue to excel and maintain the close-knit family atmosphere that exists there.”

This is a press release from Derby Public Schools.