On Wednesday, February 4, Superintendent Dr. Winifred Hamilton announced that another longtime administrator, Tony Pavia, will be taking Rodney Bass’s place as interim principal. Bass has served as interim principal at Stamford High School for the past several months, following the arrest of Principal Donna Valentine.

Bass, an administrator in Stamford for many years, was pulled out of retirement to help the district after the scandal, contracted on a day-to-day basis. He never intended to stay as long as he has, and is reportedly looking forward to enjoying his retirement in Florida.

Bass’s final day will be the Thursday before February break, and Pavia will fill his position beginning on February 23. As a veteran principal who served Stamford High from 1996-2002, many look forward to Pavia’s return. History teacher Tiffany Clark was a student when Pavia was principal and said, “life will be dandy” with him here. She admitted that she will be doing “happy dances.”

Music teacher George Beratis echoed Clark’s opinion: “I am very excited to have Mr. Pavia back as a Black Knight! He was my principal while I was in high school and my experience at SHS was incredible. I remember every year Mr. Pavia would come in our history classes and teach a lesson and we all looked forward to it.” Beratis continued, “I am eager to now be his colleague, but I also want to thank Mr. Bass for all of the great work he has done. SHS has been in great hands.”

The response from the Stamford High community seems positive and hopeful for a fresh start. Nonetheless, staff members express their sadness for Bass’s “re-retirement.”

Stamford High wishes him all the best and thanks him for stepping in and performing in a way that exceeded our expectations.

Check back for more information on Tony Pavia and his upcoming role as interim principal.