CONNEAUT — Dawn Zappitelli is excited for the chance to fill some pretty big academic shoes as the newest principal at Conneaut High School.

Zappitelli, a veteran administrator and teacher in the Conneaut Area City Schools district, is very familiar with CHS' impressive track record: For five straight years, the school has received an excellent rating on the Ohio Department of Education's annual state report card, and also has earned multiple "School of Promise" accolades from the state.

The leadership torch has been passed, and Zappitelli is anxious to carry on the winning tradition.

"We're going into this with the aspirations of excellence, and we want to maintain that excellence, not only in the classroom but with sports, music — every facet (of CHS)," she said.

She is no stranger to the school's commitment to excellence. Last year, she served as CHS' athletic administrator, overseeing the sports programs as well as other duties. Prior to that, she worked as assistant principal at Gateway Elementary School and sixth grade teacher at Conneaut Middle School.

Superintendent Kent Houston said Zappitelli will thrive at CHS.

“She’s got tons of potential and she’s very, very versatile,” he said. “She’s someone with a presence, which is so important at the high school level. She’s got it all covered.”

Zappitelli said she relishes administrative work. "I've always enjoyed a leadership role and a good challenge," she said.

Capable co-administrators, Assistant Principal Rita Maslovsky and Joel Taylor, who took Zappitelli's old job, have helped the principal ease into her new role.

"We enjoy working together," she said. "We pull together and support each other. And being here last year made it easier to transition."

An Ashtabula native, Zappitelli has worked 13 years in the Conneaut district, and as a result is no stranger to many CHS students.

"A lot of these kids I've known since middle school," she said. "At (the middle school) you see the potential they have. Now at CHS I can see them fulfill that potential."

A familiar face in the principal's office is probably a welcome thing at CHS. Zappitelli is the district's fourth high school principal in as many years. She succeeds Gordon Hitchcock, who succeeded Doug Wetherholt who succeeded Kent Houston, now Conneaut superintendent.

The class of 2010 has had a different principal each of their four years at the school. The constant shuffling creates a strain for students and staff, she said.

"They're in desperate need of stability," she said. "Each year you have to get used to a new style."

Zappitelli oversees a school of more than 650 students, upwards of 45 certified employees and many classified workers. Asked to describe her management style, Zappitelli answers quickly:

"I'm a situational leader," she said. "I look at a situation, decide what's best for the kids and deal with it that way. Different situations call for different responses."

Even though flexibility is important, Zappitelli said it's important not to waffle on policy. What's good for one is good for all, she believes.

"Consistency is the key," Zappitelli said.

The new principal arrives at a busy time for the school. Budget cuts eliminated busing for most CHS students this year, meaning they have to find other ways to attend class. Six weeks into the school year, kids are making their way to school in good numbers, Zappitelli said.

"Our attendance is about the same," she said. "We're maintaining our attendance level."

In the months to come, Zappitelli will be working on a course description guide for the 2010-2011 school year. At that time, subjects offered at CHS will be evaluated.

"I'll be collaborating with our teachers and guidance staff," she said.

Zappitelli's new role obliged her to step down as a volleyball coach in the district, but she plans to fill the void by volunteering to coach one of the city's Recreation League team and perhaps other non-scholastic sports squads.

"I'm starting to miss the competition," she said.

Zappitelli and her husband, Mike, have three children: A 2-year-old, a seventh-grader — and a freshman at CHS. It is tough on the ninth-grader to have your principal as a mom?

"She's making the adjustments," Zappitelli said, laughing. "She's got a pretty strong personality."

Zappitelli said she comes to CHS at an exciting time. The school's academic success has laid the foundation for future achievements, she said.

"Last year I dealt primarily with athletics," Zappitelli said. "Now I'm dealing with the whole gamut of school activities. I'm getting to know the kids from an academic point of view.

"There's a lot of good things going on," she said. "We are involved in so many things. It's remarkable what these kids are accomplishing.