Dr. Kristy Zaleta Named K-12 Chief Of Schools For Danbury Public Schools

DANBURY, CT — Danbury Public Schools has appointed Dr. Kristy Zaleta as its new K-12 Chief of Schools, the district announced Thursday.

Zaleta, a 22-year veteran of the district, most recently served as principal of Rogers Park Middle School for seven years. Under her leadership, the school recorded one of the most significant increases in student achievement scores in the state. She was named Connecticut Middle School Principal of the Year in 2024.

Her tenure at Rogers Park was marked by a data-driven approach to instructional leadership, with a focus on targeted interventions, team-based teacher planning, restorative practices, and Positive Behavior Interventions. Zaleta has also emphasized culturally responsive teaching and community engagement to address the diverse needs of students.

“Dr. Zaleta’s skills as an instructional leader, her dedication to the students of Danbury, as well as a passion for transforming schools, will be a tremendous asset to the Danbury central office administrative team,” said Superintendent Dr. Kara Q. Casimiro in a statement.

Before entering education, Zaleta worked for eight years as a research scientist. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Montclair State University, a master’s degree in education with a concentration in instructional technology, and a doctorate in instructional leadership from Western Connecticut State University, where she is also an adjunct professor.

She succeeds Christopher Roche, who is leaving the role to become superintendent of Woodstock Public Schools. A search for a new principal at Rogers Park Middle School is underway.