The West Haven Board of Education is very excited for the 2024-2025 school year, which will look different from recent years as six schools will feature a new principal. Although these principals may be new to their school, they are certainly not new to education or West Haven Public Schools. Each of them brings a wealth of experience, from within the district, which will keep things fresh and inspire new ideas.
At West Haven High School, many of our students will have a familiar face as Principal Robert Bohan, former Principal at Bailey Middle School, will replace Dana Paredes. Mr. Bohan brings 31 years of education (all at West Haven Public Schools) to the high school.
“I’ve always considered working with West Haven students and their families a privilege,” said Mr. Bohan. The one level that I have not worked at is the high school level. That is about to change, and I could not be happier.
“Most of West Haven High School’s student body knows me from coming through Bailey Middle School. I’m so excited to re-engage with these kids. I look forward to supporting them inside and outside of the classroom as they move forward toward their eventual high school graduation.”
He continued, “I’m also looking forward to working with the talented, supportive, and caring WHHS staff. This staff, WHHS students, and their families will come together to form one family. We will fill it up with our collective celebrations and successes. We will work together to overcome those obstacles that stand in our way. At West Haven High School, one person will be no more important than any other person. Together, we will become West Haven High School.”
Mrs. Paredes, who spent 24 years at WHHS, has transitioned to the central office where she will serve as the Humanities Coordinator. At the high school, Mrs. Paredes taught English, Spanish, and ESL before being promoted to Department Head for World Language/ESL/Bilingual. She was also an Assistant Principal from 2010-2018 and spent the last six years as Principal.
“I am really excited to work with elementary students and teachers,” said Mrs. Paredes. “I’ve spent my career at the high school level, so I’m looking forward to that change.”
Replacing Mr. Bohan at Bailey Middle School will be Principal Taryn Driend. Mrs. Driend has served the West Haven Board of Education for 23 years, working across various schools and grade levels, while gaining a wealth of experience. She was also the Principal at Savin Rock and, most recently, Mackrille.
“I am excited to begin my role as the Principal at Bailey Middle School,” exclaimed Mrs. Driend. “I am eager to work with the 7th and 8th graders along with the dedicated staff, and I am excited to see what we will achieve together. Building strong partnerships with students, their families, and the community is a priority for me. I am committed to fostering a lasting love of learning that will contribute to each student’s academic success while aligning with our district’s goals and vision.
“I see this as the start of an enriching and fulfilling journey. Bailey offers a wealth of activities – both familiar and new to me – that I am eager to engage in, starting this August. This includes collaborating with staff to diversify classroom instruction, planning school events, and helping to ensure a variety of sports and clubs are available to enrich the student’s school year.”
West Haven Public Schools will also have one new Principal this year, as Latanya Watts Joyner will take over at Forest Elementary School. Watts Joyner was formerly the Assistant Principal at Carrigan, and this school year will mark her 26th year in education.
“I am excited to collaborate with the staff, students, and families in the Forest Community,” said Watts Joyner. “I am thrilled to work in partnership to ensure the students receive a wonderful educational experience. It is rewarding to work with the young bright minds of the future. I am anticipating a fantastic school year.”
She added, “During my time in West Haven, I’ve had the pleasure of working with some of the best educators, families, and community members. I have enjoyed each of my positions and I am grateful for all the opportunities.”
In addition to these changes, three elementary school principals will transition to other schools. Thomas Hunt will now be the Principal at Savin Rock Community School (formerly at Forest), Gary Palermo will now be the Principal at Mackrille Elementary School (formerly at Pagels), and Joseph Lucibello will now be the Principal at Pagels Elementary School (formerly at Savin Rock).
Mr. Hunt is entering his 30th year in education, with 19 as Principal, six as Assistant Principal, and four as a teacher. He taught Grade 5 for three years at Molloy, Grade 6 Math at Carrigan for one year, and was an assistant principal at Carrigan for six years. For the last 19 years, he has served as Principal at Forest.
Mr. Lucibello taught for 10 years in West Haven at Molloy, Savin Rock, and WHHS. He was also the Assistant Director of Pupil Services for one year and Director of Pupil Services for 10. For the past three years, Mr. Lucibello was the Principal at Savin Rock. He will be entering his 30th year.
Mr. Palermo is entering his 27th year as an administrator. He worked nine years in the central office as the Director of Pupil Services and was Principal for 15 years, with three years at Savin Rock and the last 12 at Pagels.