Litchfield board approves new principal and assistant principal for Verrado middle school

The Litchfield Elementary School District governing board on Tuesday approved Christie Sartiano as principal and Cassie Boatwright as assistant principal at Verrado Middle School following a multi-stage selection process and a unanimous vote.

District Superintendent Dr. Carter Davidson told the board the district received 13 applications for the principalship and used an application screening, rubric-scored inbox activities and a full-day panel interview to narrow candidates to a final two before recommending Sartiano. For the assistant principal position the process began with 10 applicants and concluded with Boatwright as the recommended finalist.

"I am Christie Sartiano. I am currently the Canyon View Freshman Academy principal. I have been an AP at Canyon View for the last 4 years," Sartiano told the board, summarizing her 18 years in education and experience as an assistant principal and middle-school teacher. Board members said Sartiano’s familiarity with the Verrado neighborhood and feeder patterns informed their support.

Board member Miss Moran moved to approve item 8.1 as presented; Miss Wallace seconded. The board voted unanimously: Miss Wallace, Mr. Mikes, Mr. Owens, Miss Moran and President Zidemann voted yes and the motion passed.

The district described the selection panels as including certified and classified staff, teachers from Verrado and other campuses, a parent and human-resources representation. Dr. Doozie (presenting as part of the cabinet) and others said the process used rubrics and multiple review stages to reduce the candidate pool before final interviews.

Board President Zidemann welcomed Sartiano and Boatwright and the district said it will proceed with onboarding and any required administrative steps.

The approval was recorded as a formal board action on the district agenda; no conditions or amendments to the personnel appointments were recorded in the meeting transcript.