By Katy Savage
Two teachers from Rutland county have been named principals of the year by the Vermont Principals’ Association (VPA).
Christy Coloutti of Northwest Primary School in Rutland and Debbie Alexander of Lothrop Elementary School in Pittsford were among four principals recognized for their leadership.
The honorees were nominated by their peers and chosen by the VPA executive council.
“It’s a huge honor and you can’t win the same honor twice,” VPA Executive Director Jay Nichols said.
Coloutti was named the National Association of Elementary School Principals of the year.
Coloutti has been on the job for less than a year, but has already made a big impact.
“She’s a superb educator,” Rutland City Public Schools Superintendent Bill Olsen said. “She has high expectations for her staff and students but she’s extremely supportive of everybody in her building.”
Coloutti took over last July for Loren Pepe after spending 10 years as principal of Proctor Elementary School. But, Rutland Northwest, a K-2 school with around 158 students and 11 classroom teachers, was familiar to her.
Coloutti started her education career at Rutland Northwest 25 years ago, as a student teacher at age 22. She was first a special educator before she got her administrative license as director of special ed.
Coloutti was encouraged to become a principal and found the job suited her outgoing personality.
“I love people, I love being around people,” she said. “I love talking to people and this is a very social career. Being principal, I feel like I have a greater impact on the building as a whole.”
Coloutti has focused on creating a supportive environment. She’s tried to get to know everyone in the building. While most children fear the principal’s office, she’s made her office a place for students to go for “positive breaks.” She has Legos for students to play with and she has
