Board appoints new vice principal at Carson Middle School

Carson Middle School will have one of its own fill the vacant vice principal position.

"This is something I've been looking forward to," said Sam Santillo, who served this year as the interim vice principal. "I've been working very hard to get the position."

The Carson City School Board approved Santillo for the position Tuesday at the board meeting.

Tom Badillo, principal of the middle school, was on the committee that recommended Santillo to the board.

"He just has a great attitude," Badillo said. "He's done a really good job for us."

Santillo is already very familiar with the school district.

He started in Carson City as a second-grader and graduated from Carson High School in 1982.

"I'm a product of this system," Santillo said.

He has worked in the district for nine years as a teacher. He also served as interim vice principal of Eagle Valley Middle School as well as Carson Middle School.

Badillo said he was impressed with Santillo's performance.

"We have over a year of actual experience to base our decision on which is nice," Badillo said.

Santillo said he is looking forward to working with Badillo in a full-time capacity.

"Mr. Badillo is one of the best, if not the best, administrator to work for in the state," Santillo said. "He's a great mentor."

Santillo said the best part of the job is working with parents and staff to help students become successful.

He said he enjoys seeing a positive change in students' lives.

"We try to get kids to buy into the fact that they need to be responsible for their behavior," he said.

Safety is also an important goal for Santillo.

"I want to provide a learning environment that is safe for all students and staff," he said.

He said it is not only his goal but the goal of the entire Carson Middle School staff.

"It's not just me, it's a team package," Santillo said. "We all come together."

The board also:

- Recognized retiring employees.

- Heard a yearly summary of activities of the elementary at-risk counselor.

- Began initial work on the bond election question. The final question should be ready by June 27.