Ellington Elementary Principal Departing For Killingly

ELLINGTON, CT — Another school administrator is leaving Ellington for another town, as Crystal Lake Elementary School Principal Sue Nash-Ditzel has been hired as assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction by the Killingly public schools.

Nash-Ditzel has been at Crystal Lake since the 2018-2019 school year. She began her career teaching elementary school and serving as a reading specialist in New Jersey and Connecticut from 1999 to 2005. She worked in higher education as an associate professor for Brookdale Community College in New Jersey. Prior to Ellington, she was principal of Ledyard Center School.

"It has been an honor to serve the families, students, and staff of Crystal Lake School," Nash-Ditzel said. "Positivity permeates every corner of the building and wraps around you as you walk the halls. I leave the Ellington Public Schools with such gratitude in my heart for all I have learned."

Center School Principal Mike Verderame said, "In speaking for both Principal Jennifer Hill and myself, it has been an absolute pleasure working alongside Dr. Nash-Ditzel. Sue helped lead our elementary administrative team to work as a collaborative unit to align our schools. Dr. Nash-Ditzel was influential in our recent work to positively impact all Ellington elementary students by realigning the math and literacy specialists, as well as the reading consultants and special education staff. Sue's collaborative leadership style, calm influence, and wealth of knowledge will be sorely missed. Her appointment as an assistant superintendent is well deserved."

Superintendent of Schools Scott Nicol said, "Three years ago, Ellington was fortunate to have hired such an experienced educator who led with class and grace, especially during the pandemic. Sue’s relaxed and calm intensity is rare and coupled with her dedication to serve others is a recipe for bringing people together. Although the Ellington family wishes she could remain at Crystal Lake, her talents are needed elsewhere in which she is well-prepared to be a highly effective assistant superintendent."

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