The Westport Board of Education tonight appointed Mary Lou DiBella as principal of Kings Highway Elementary School effective July 1.
Mary Lou DiBella: “greatly looking forward” to job. Photo from Westport Schools television
She succeeds Susie DaSilva who earlier announced she would be leaving to be assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction in Darien.
DiBella has been principal of Cabot School in Newton, Mass, for the past five years. Schools Superintendent Elliott Landon said Newton was similar to Westport “in demographics and commitment to education.”
DiBella has been a principal for more than 10 years. She received a bachelor’s degree from Brown University as well as a master’s degree and doctorate from the University of Kansas.
Landon said she has a background in special education, and has worked extensively with autistic children.
“It’s a little nerve wracking when you are thinking of changing jobs and I’ve been in such a wonderful district,” DiBella told tonight’s meeting.
“But I was so excited to see Westport had an opening and did research and every step of the way became more and more thrilled with the possibility of coming here.
“So I thank you very much and I am greatly looking forward to it.”
