Ronald DiPillo
SARASOTA – Venice High School Assistant Principal Ronald DiPillo has been selected at the new principal of Oak Park School, one of two Sarasota County School District schools dedicated entirely to exceptional student education. He is scheduled to succeed Dan Parrett, who is retiring in January, 2010.
DiPillo, 43, is a native of Youngstown, Ohio. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics and economics from Youngstown State University. He also studied educational leadership at the University of South Florida and is scheduled to receive a doctorate in education from Argosy University in Sarasota in 2010.
DiPillo worked as a financial services representative in Sarasota and Englewood before beginning his career in education as a math teacher at Venice High School in 1996. He also taught Mathematics as an adjunct professor at Manatee Community College from 1997-2004. In 2003, he began working as a data coach and master scheduler at VHS. In that capacity, he worked with teachers and administrators to use achievement data to improve mathematics instruction.
He was promoted to assistant principal in 2004. As an administrator he helped expand professional development programs for language arts and art department teachers. He also is involved in scheduling, budget development and staffing.
DiPillo was certified in 2000 by the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards and has appeared in Who’s Who in America’s Teachers from 2004-2009. During his tenure at VHS, he has coached girls’ softball and weightlifting and initiated the school’s Advanced Placement Probability and Statistics course.
He said he is excited by the prospect of following Dan Parrett as principal of Oak Park. “The success of Oak Park School is a district priority and I am very proud to be selected to follow such a great leader,” he said.
“I believe that the students of Oak Park deserve the same access to an enriched instructional environment as all other Sarasota students. I hope to emulate Mr. Parrett in many ways and to maintain the momentum that he has created. Open and continuous communication with parents and community service organizations will be a high priority as I begin this journey. I am very excited about the opportunities ahead.”
Sonia Figaredo-Alberts, the Sarasota County School District executive director of pupil support services, said DiPillo displays a strong conviction that all students should receive access to the highest quality of educational service. “He has expressed a real passion for maximizing the performance of every child based on his or her individual needs,” she said.
Stephen Cantees, the Sarasota County Schools executive director of high schools, said he is very pleased with DiPillo’s appointment. “Ron has established himself as one of our top assistant principals,” Cantees said. “He is intelligent, hard working, caring and has a true gift for building relationships.”
Sarasota County Schools Superintendent Lori White said DiPillo has demonstrated sensitivity and skill in leadership and staff development during his service at VHS. She said is very confident that Oak Park will continue to provide exemplary services to the district’s exceptional students under his leadership.