By Rob Forleo
Special to the Voice
West Haven Public Schools has appointed Raffaela Fronc as the next Assistant Superintendent, succeeding Assistant Superintendent Judy Drenzek, who will be retiring at the conclusion of the 2025–2026 school year after five years in the role.
Fronc was born in the United States and moved to Italy at the age of six, where she completed her early education and high school. After graduating, she returned to the United States and attended Quinnipiac University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology. She later earned a Master of Science from the University of New Haven and a Sixth Year Certificate in Educational Administration (092) from Southern Connecticut State University.
Fronc began her career in West Haven Public Schools in 1997 as a science educator at West Haven High School. She later served as Department Head, NEASC Chair, and Acting Assistant Principal for six months before transitioning to Central Office in 2008 as the district’s Science and STEM Coordinator. Over time, her responsibilities expanded to include oversight of World Languages and the Multilingual Learner programs.
In Central Office, Fronc has worked in curriculum development, professional development planning, grant writing, budget management, and instructional leadership. She has also supported hiring, mentoring, and evaluation of staff, facilitated departmental work, and contributed to academic planning and scheduling across programs.
A strong commitment to meeting the needs of all students across the district has been a central focus of her leadership, with oversight of the work led by a team of dedicated and hardworking educators. Significant growth in the district’s multilingual population has been highlighted, reflected in improved performance on state assessments and the elimination of achievement gaps. Responsibility for Science & STEM initiatives has also been a major focus, including the district’s Yale Pathways to Science partnership, which has provided students with opportunities to participate in programs and activities, including fully paid internships at Yale. In addition, oversight of the STEM Program Project Lead the Way at the high school level has helped prepare students for careers in engineering and biomedical science.
Fronc highlighted her commitment to students and belief that all learners should have access to the support and resources needed to succeed. She also noted her pride in the growth of multilingual students across the district and the expansion of opportunities in science and STEM education.
In her statement on her appointment, Fronc said, “I am honored and excited to have been appointed as the next Assistant Superintendent for the West Haven School District and am excited to continue serving our students. I am always grateful for any opportunity I have to support our students, staff, and families. I am confident that my new role will allow me to further support teachers, improve systems, and create educational opportunities for our students across all disciplines. I am eager to begin this next chapter together.”
She also added, “I would like to thank the West Haven Board of Education members for giving me this opportunity. I would also like to thank Superintendent Neil Cavallaro, not only for his support but also for always giving me opportunities that allowed me to grow in my educational field. I am grateful to my husband and my children for always being there and providing moral support. I also want to thank the entire staff of the West Haven school system. I feel very fortunate that, after almost thirty years, I still wake up each morning loving my job.”
Superintendent Neil Cavallaro said, “While this district is fortunate to have many outstanding educational leaders, there is no one better prepared to assume the role of Assistant Superintendent than Raffaela Fronc. In addition to the knowledge and experience she has acquired over the years in curriculum development and the delivery of high-quality instruction, she possesses a genuine passion for bringing out the best in every student.”
West Haven Board of Education Chairwoman Cebi Waterfield said, “Raffaela is an exceptionally strong candidate for Assistant Superintendent of West Haven Public Schools. She brings decades of experience as an educator and district leader, with extensive expertise in curriculum development, STEM education, bilingual and multilingual programs, grant management, strategic planning, and staff development. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to student achievement, educational innovation, and collaboration with teachers, administrators, families, and community partners. Her long record of leadership within the district, combined with her understanding of West Haven’s students and schools, makes her highly qualified to serve in this important role.”
Fronc’s appointment represents the continuation of her long-standing service to West Haven Public Schools, reflecting a career dedicated to supporting students and strengthening instructional programs across the district. Her career progression within West Haven Public Schools positions her to continue making a meaningful impact in this role.