Stamford High Names Interim Principal in Wake of Teacher Sex Case

As two former administrators are embroiled in controversy for allegedly failing to report a student-teacher relationship, Stamford High School has named an interim principal to take over day-to-day operations.

Stamford Public Schools announced Thursday that Tony Pavia will serve as interim principal at Stamford High School while the search is underway for a permanent replacement. Pavia is taking over for Rodney Bass, who has been heading up the school since October.

According to a news release from the Stamford superintendent's office, Pavia's tenure at Stamford High School – effective Feb. 23 – is a homecoming of sorts.

Before accepting his most recent position as president of Trinity Catholic High School, Pavia served as principal of Stamford High from 1996-2002 and assistant principal from 1992-1994. He previously worked as a social studies teacher at Stamford High.

“Stamford High School holds a special place in my heart and has been an integral part of my life and my career. I welcome the opportunity to work with the students, faculty and staff and will work hard to serve the school and the community with integrity and purpose," Pavia said in a statement Thursday.

Stamford superintendent Dr. Winifred Hamilton publicly thanked Bass in Thursday's news release.

“I’d also like to recognize and thank Rodney for his leadership during this difficult time,” she said.

Former school principal Donna Valentine and assistant principal Roth Nordin are accused of violating a law that requires them to report any suspected relationship between a student and adult at the school.

English teacher Danielle Watkins, 32, was charged with sexual assault in July and authorities said Valentine and Nordin knew about her sexual relationship with an 18-year-old student but did nothing to stop it.

The former administrators were granted accelerated rehabilitation in November.

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