Zaldivar Named Chamberlain Principal

The New Britain Board of Education has named Chamberlain Elementary School Interim Principal Manuel Zaldivar as the school’s new Principal.

The Consolidated School District of New Britain announced that the Board of Education voted on May 16, 2020 to elevate Zaldivar to lead the school on the city’s East Side beginning July 1st.

Superintendent of Schools Nancy Sarra, who had recommended Zaldivar’s appointment, said that, “He has a genuine heart and wonderful ability to make meaningful connections and create the kind of inclusive environment for all students, families, and staff that defines the Chamberlain community.”

Prior to serving as Interim Principal at Chamberlain, Zaldivar had been Chamberlain’s Assistant Principal. He was appointed Assistant Principal in 2018.

Sarra said that, ““Mr. Zaldivar is a gifted educator who has done an incredible job leading Chamberlain Elementary School during this school year.”

The school district says that Zaldivar has served for twenty years as an educator, including eight in New Britain. “This includes time as a first grade English Language Development teacher at Smalley Elementary School and as a second grade bilingual teacher at DiLoreto Elementary & Middle School,” the school district says, adding,

Zaldivar earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Systems and Management Applications at Fordham University in 2004, a Master of Science in Childhood Education at Lehman College at the City University of New York in 2007, and Administrator Certification at Sacred Heart University in 2016.

“His commitment to his students’ success and ability to inspire makes Mr. Zaldivar the perfect person to lead Chamberlain into an exciting future,” Sarra added.