Danbury Schools Names Interim Head Of Westside Middle School Academy

**News Release Submitted by Danbury Public Schools**

The Danbury Public Schools is excited to announce Michael Flynn as the Interim Principal of Westside Middle School Academy (WSMA) Mr. Flynn is a 28-year veteran of the Danbury Public Schools as a teacher, administrator and now Middle School Principal. He attended Danbury Public Schools from grade three onward, graduating from Danbury High School in 1988.

“I feel very fortunate and humbled to be selected for this Principalship,” said Flynn. “Westside has so many great leaders, veteran teachers, and counselors that make this school so exceptional. It’s a tremendous team to lead that is truly capable of transforming learning and ensuring Westside remains one of the best schools in the region.”

Superintendent, Dr. Kara Casimiro, stated: “Mike Flynn is a true instructional leader. He taught in a Blue Ribbon School and hit the ground running when he began working as Assistant Principal at WSMS.”

The results speak for themselves. Over the last two years, Westside has had the greatest growth in English Language Arts Scores in the school's history. Flynn made an immediate impact as an instructional leader by cultivating positive relationships with all staff, students and families, and creating a culture that shared best instructional practices.

“It is always great to promote internal candidates,” said Superintendent Casimiro. “It’s a credit to the organization’s ability to build capacity in our future leaders. Mike puts students at the forefront of all his leadership decisions, and we expect great things in the 2024-2025 school year.”

Flynn honed his craft as a teacher under the leadership of Dr. Smith-Davis, a Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) Elementary Principal of the Year and Blue Ribbon Principal for Great Plain Elementary School. Flynn taught under her leadership as a 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grader teacher. “Mr Flynn is truly a visionary leader, with a keen ability to inspire staff and students while creating a partnership with the community,” said Smith-Davis.

“He is the consummate instructional leader, who prioritizes student success and understands the causal relationship between high-quality professional learning and positive student outcomes. Moreover, he knows that by building a climate and culture of transparency and support, WSMS will soon become a School of Distinction.”

Mr. Flynn is already beginning in his role, preparing for the new school year that will welcome staff and faculty back on August 22nd.