Prospect Hill Principal Dr. Richard Limato Announces Retirement

From Prospect Hill Elementary School: Long-time Prospect Hill Elementary School Principal Dr. Richard Limato has announced plans to retire from the Pelham Union Free School District effective June 30, 2017.

“It is challenging to say goodbye, yet the time has come for me to transition to a new chapter in life,” Dr. Limato said. “I do so with heartfelt gratitude for my years of service at Prospect Hill School, and fond memories, these years have been the most professionally rewarding of my career. I could not reflect on my twenty years in Pelham without honoring those of you, and the long line of Prospect Hill families who have brightened my life in countless ways.”

Dr. Limato began his 21-year career as Principal of Prospect Hill in 1996.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Peter Giarrizzo said, “Dr. Limato has been a fine principal for many, many years. His ability to lead and connect with the students, staff and the community is remarkable and he will be sorely missed by the District.

“The Board of Education and I extend our best wishes and sincerest thanks to Dr. Limato and his family as they embark on this exciting new chapter.”

The School District and Board of Education will immediately begin a nation-wide search for the school’s new principal and will engage the community as well as faculty and staff in the process.

Dr. Giarrizzo will soon meet with the Prospect Hill faculty and the PTA and will then survey the community at-large to pinpoint the desired traits for prospective candidates. With this input, the District will develop a “leadership profile,” which will serve as a guide during the recruitment and interview process.

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Personnel, Dr. Steven M. Garcia, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services, Rosemary G. Matthews, and Dr. Giarrizzo will screen resumes and then collaborate to review and select a slate of top candidates.

Those candidates will then meet separately with committees of teachers, parents and community members, and administrators before finalists are interviewed by Dr. Giarrizzo, who will recommend a final candidate to the Board of Education.

It is anticipated that the new Prospect Hill principal will be announced by early May, allowing time to transition with Dr. Limato.

“The hiring of a principal is a critically important task,” Dr. Giarrizzo said. “A strong principal sets the tone for excellence and high expectations for teaching and learning in a caring and supportive educational environment. Prospect Hill is a very special school, and I am excited about selecting a new leader that will partner with our community to continue the tradition of excellence.”

Photo courtesy of Prospect Hill Elementary School