Pomperaug’s Lungarini named executive director of the Connecticut Association of Schools

Pomperaug High School principal Glenn Lungarini has been named the next executive director of the Connecticut Association of Schools, the association announced Friday in a press release. Lungarini will replace Dr. Karissa Niehoff on Aug. 1. Niehoff has led CAS for the past eight years and will be assuming the position of executive director of the National Federation of State High School Associations. Lungarini comes to CAS after serving 19 years in public education as a coach, teacher, department chair, athletic director, assistant principal and principal.

“While the four final candidates were all highly qualified leaders and the decision was a difficult one, we are excited to bring Mr. Lungarini on board to continue and expand on all the great work that Karissa has undertaken and achieved during her eight-year tenure,” said Dr. Rosie Vojtek, CAS President and chair of the selection committee, in the press release. “Mr. Lungarini’s extensive experience as a coach and athletic director make him exceptionally well qualified to handle the challenges of running the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference, our largest and most high-profile division. Additionally, having taught at the elementary, middle and high school levels, he has a deep understanding of the needs of students across the K-12 spectrum. We are thrilled to have him as CAS’ next leader.”

Lungarini began his career in 1999 as a health and physical educator at Cross Street School in Naugatuck and went on to teach physical education at both Rochambeau Middle School and Pomperaug Regional High School in Southbury. In 2007, Lungarini was appointed assistant principal and athletic director of Oxford High School in his childhood hometown. During his five years at Oxford High School, he also served as English department chair, health and physical education department chair, and facilities coordinator. He was named principal of Seymour High School in 2012 and served for two years. In 2014, Lungarini’s educational journey came full circle as he was appointed principal of Pomperaug High School.

“I am honored and excited to accept the position as the next executive director of CAS, Lungarini said in the press release. “Throughout the selection and hiring process, my interest in the work of the association and my passion for its mission have continued to grow. I am eager to start working with fellow practitioners as I carry forward Dr. Niehoff’s commitment to improve opportunities and outcomes for all Connecticut learners. Together, we can push the limits of success to achieve outcomes beyond our current beliefs.”

Lungarini was a standout baseball player at Eastern Connecticut State University, and a first baseman on Eastern’s 1998 NCAA Division III national championship team. He later served as the hitting instructor at Yale.