Superintendent Kevin Skelly announced in an email to Palo Alto parents that former Assistant Principal Kimberley Diorio will be taking over as the principal for the 2013-2014 school year. Diorio will replace Marilyn Cook, who became interim principal following the resignation of Phil Winston. Winston resigned from the position earlier this summer due to health concerns.

Here is the email Skelly sent to parents:

Dear Parent/Guardian:

I am extremely pleased to inform you that I will recommend to the Board of Education the appointment of Mrs. Kimberly Diorio as Principal of Palo Alto High School. As you may know, Mrs. Diorio presently serves as an assistant principal at Paly.

Mrs. Diorio began her career in Pennsylvania and Connecticut schools where she counseled and led programs for eight years. After moving to the Palo Alto Unified School District in 2005 to counsel students at JLS Middle School and Gunn High School, she has spent the past six years serving as Assistant Principal at Palo Alto High School.

Mrs. Diorio is an outstanding leader who is committed to the success of all students. The selection committee made up of students, parents, Paly staff and district office officials was unanimously impressed by her focus on learning and dedication to the school, staff, and parents and her professional growth over the past six years. I am extremely pleased to recommend Kim to the Board and look forward to working with her in this new role.

I hope you will join me in congratulating Mrs. Diorio on her new position and support her as she begins her important work.

Sincerely,

Kevin Skelly, Ph.D.
Superintendent