The principal of a Southington-based Catholic school has been tapped to become the new principal of St. Lawrence School. James Messina will assume his new duties at the beginning of the 2024-25 school year in July. The announcement was made via letter to parents and parishioners by the Rev. Jose Mercado, pastor of the St. John XXIII parish.
Messina takes over following the announced retirement of Frank Arnone, who has been at the helm for the last two years.
The search committee was formed following the announcement and comprised of: Dr. Joan Venditto, School Council Chairman, Parishioner of St. John XXIII Parish, retired Education Professor, and Director of Education Programs at Albertus Magnus College; Suzanne Patry, School Council Secretary, Parishioner of St. John XXIII Parish, retired Catholic School
teacher; Frank Paolino, School Council Member, Parishioner of St. John XXIII Parish, retired Public School Principal; Tom Lague, Parishioner of St. John XXIII Parish, retired long-time public-school educator.
“I am deeply grateful to each of them for their collaborative work in assisting me during the search process and providing their consultation in ensuring a highly qualified and effective leader for St. Lawrence School. It was unanimous that one candidate rose to the top,” Mercado wrote to the parents.
Messina earned his Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, CT and a master’s degree in Reading from Southern Connecticut State University, and a 6th Year Certificate in Educational Administration from the University of Connecticut in Storrs.
He is currently the principal of St. Luke Catholic School (PreK 3 to 8th Grade) in Southington and Adjunct Professor of Special Education & Reading (undergraduate and graduate levels) at Southern Connecticut State University. He has experience as a classroom teacher, literacy coach, middle and high school instructional supervisor, graduate school professor, and administrator.
“He is also a lifelong resident of the City of West Haven and parishioner of St. John XXIII Parish, where he received all his sacraments<” Mercado wrote.
Mercado said meetings with students and their families, as well as parishioners are planned to discuss the transition.
“I once again, thank the Principal Search Committee for their vital participation in this very important process. With their help, we have selected an excellent leader to continue the 107-year legacy of “Shaping the Leaders of Tomorrow” in St. Lawrence School in West Haven,” Mercado said finally.