Watson school will be headed by Sheila Palombo

By Kristine Gill

kgill@vindy.com

Austintown

Sheila Palombo is no stranger to Austintown schools. She’s worked in the district for the past 14 years, first as a teacher, then as a math coach and now as principal of Watson Elementary School.

“Austintown is just an awesome district,” Palombo said. “I get to now give back what the district gave to me. It’s a real team and a family.”

Her familiarity with the staff and ability to work easily with children made the transition to her new position a smooth one. Jim Carchedi, who retired as principal after 17 years, stayed through the month of June to show Palombo the ropes.

Palombo did her student teaching at Watson after graduating from Youngstown State University with her master’s degree in early childhood education. Her career has come full circle as she fills the shoes of her first boss, Carchedi, who was principal during her years as a student teacher.

“It’s a total privilege to be here,” she said.

Before her role as math coach, Palombo was a traveling kindergarten teacher who worked with principals Larry Kagle, David Philibin, Anthony Russo, Peter Morabito, Thomas Basista and Carchedi.

“I’ll miss working with small groups of children,” Palombo said of her job as a math coach. “But I get to be with more children now, so it’s more of a gain.”

Most students at Watson know Palombo as the math coach and knew of her new role last year.

“A third-grader asked me, ‘what kind of a test did you have to take to get this job?’” Palombo said. “I said there were lots of tests and hard work.”

Palombo graduated in November with a degree in administration from Westminister College. Soon after, she heard of the principal job at Watson.

“It was a calling and a blessing when this position opened up,” Palombo said.

Palombo has a daughter, two sons and a stepson and lives with her husband, Patsy.