October is National Principals Month, and we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the amazing principals who lead our schools. Their dedication, passion, and commitment shape the educational experiences of our students and foster positive school cultures.
Deborah Rotolo’s journey as a school leader began in 2007, and since then, she has become a cornerstone of the charter school community. As she enters her fourth year leading Constellation Schools: Westpark Community Middle (CSWCM), her passion for education remains as strong as the day she first began. With 14 years of leadership experience prior to joining CSWCM, Rotolo’s dedication to making a difference in the lives of students is the foundation of her leadership philosophy.
For Rotolo, the path to education wasn’t always clear. It was during a sleepless night, caring for her first son, that inspiration struck. “When I had my first son, I was up all hours of the day and night. I was watching some movie about someone who went into an inner-city school and transformed it into something incredible for the kids,” she recalls. “I knew that’s what I wanted to do.” That moment of clarity led her back to college, and she’s never looked back. Since then, she has been on a mission to make a lasting impact on the lives of students, guiding them toward a brighter future.
One of the aspects Rotolo treasures most about her role is the energy and fulfillment that comes from working with children. “I love the sense of accomplishment that comes from helping the kids and giving them an education they wouldn’t receive elsewhere,” she shares. “I love seeing them do well and being proud of themselves.”
As a leader who lives in the same neighborhood as many of her students, Rotolo frequently encounters them outside of school, strengthening the bonds she’s built with both the students and their families.
“I had one student that had a lot of behavioral issues and trauma in his life. His dad was in and out of prison, but his mom was always there and kept pushing him to be successful and do well. Years later, I was out and about one day and ran into his mom. She told me he became a firefighter and EMT and thanked me for everything I had done. She told me without us, he wouldn’t be who he is today. That really stuck with me.”
Working in charter schools has shaped Rotolo into a versatile and resilient leader. The high staff turnover rates and constant need for innovation have fostered a strong work ethic and sharpened her leadership skills. “You’re constantly reinventing the wheel and helping people become better teachers,” she says. “It’s made me a better instructional leader, mediator and facilitator.”
Rotolo’s days at CSWCM begin early. Arriving at 7 AM, she prepares the school by handling small but essential tasks, from putting out cones to making sure the school is ready for the day. After conducting the morning announcements via the school’s broadcast link, she dives into her routine, which includes walkthroughs of the classrooms, checking on students and teachers, and providing support where it’s needed most.
“I like to interact with the kids as much as possible,” Rotolo emphasizes. Her presence in the classrooms helps her build trust with students, and her support of teachers is just as important. Rotolo makes it a priority to visit more challenging classrooms daily to lend a hand, ensuring that teachers feel encouraged and backed by their leadership.
One of Rotolo’s proudest moments as a leader has been seeing the school community rebound after the challenges brought on by the pandemic. When she first arrived at CSWCM, the school faced issues with attendance, behavior, and student engagement.
“I came in right after Covid. We had a lot of kids out in the hallways wandering around and getting angry, demanding to call home,” she recalls. “Since then, it really has gotten so much better. This success comes from policies, procedures, and teachers having say in what they want to do in their rooms.”
With behavior under control, the school has experienced rising academic scores, increased enrollment, and strengthened trust from parents – outcomes that Rotolo takes immense pride in. Having started her teaching career at CSWCM back in 2003, she finds it particularly special that some of her former colleagues are still at the school, creating a shared sense of commitment and continuity.
As Rotolo looks to the future, her vision for CSWCM remains ambitious. “I want to get the attendance above 93% and close our gap,” she says. “Attendance is getting better every year post-Covid, but I want it to keep improving. There’s a Covid mentality still going around. We’re making some strides towards emphasizing the importance of showing up and understanding how important coming to school is.”
In addition to attendance, Rotolo aims to create a more rigorous academic environment that will prepare students for success in high school and beyond. This rigor, she explains, is about creating structure rather than simply increasing the workload.
Rotolo’s advice to new school leaders is simple but powerful: “Support your staff and form relationships with the students.” She emphasizes the importance of being in the classrooms, fostering a collaborative atmosphere, and pushing the rigor.
When she’s not at school, Rotolo is an outdoors enthusiast. She enjoys camping, hiking, kayaking, and biking. She frequently cycles into downtown from her home. She also enjoys attending concerts and baseball games. But above all, spending time with her three children and three grandchildren is what brings her the most joy.
As she continues to lead, Deborah Rotolo remains committed to making a difference in the lives of both students and teachers. Her dedication, compassion, and vision for the future ensure that Constellation Schools: Westpark Community Middle will continue to thrive under her leadership.