By Kyle Brennan, Citizen’s News
NAUGATUCK — For the second time in a year, Naugatuck High School will search for a new athletic director.
Gianni Perugini, who was hired last November and started in January, resigned from his position last week to accept a job as an assistant principal at Thomaston High School. Perugini’s last day at Naugatuck was July 17.
“I have worked with amazing educators, coaches and leaders,” Perugini wrote in his letter of resignation. “I am extremely grateful for my professional achievements and growth during this period of my educational leadership career.”
Perugini recently completed his sixth-year degree after previously earning a bachelor’s degree in physical education and a master’s degree in educational leadership. The Litchfield resident was formerly a teacher and soccer coach at several schools in Waterbury.
In his time at Naugatuck High, Perugini oversaw an athletics program that brought home the first Naugatuck Valley League boys basketball championship in more than a half-century, secured a $10,000 donation from Ion Bank for new scoreboards in the gym, and worked toward aligning sports with the district’s “Vision of the Graduate” program.
More recently, Perugini worked with the school’s COVID-19 advisory board to implement procedures that allowed fall sports programs to begin summer conditioning work.
The position also includes oversight of the district’s extracurricular activities and curriculum for physical education and health.
“I enjoyed interacting with everyone and will not forget the warm welcome that I received by such a strong and passionate community,” Perugini wrote. “I will always be proud of my time as a Greyhound and would like to wish the families, students, and staff that make up this awesome district all the best in the future.”
The search for Naugy’s new football coach will go on without Perugini. District administration convened a committee to begin sorting through applicants, and Perugini asked not to be involved because he knew the process would extend past his resignation date. Dave Sollazzo resigned this summer after three years leading the Greyhounds.
