SWAMPSCOTT — Emily Zotto has been named the new principal at Swampscott High School (SHS), effective July 1, according to incoming Superintendent of Schools Jason Calichman.
For the last three years, Zotto has worked as Assistant Principal of Swampscott Middle School and served as the director of guidance at SHS from 2009-2022. She will take over for Dennis Kohut after he announced on March 1 that he wouldn’t seek to renew his contract.
“Emily is the consummate team player and has played a critical role in establishing an incredibly positive culture at the middle school,” Calichman said. “She is a dynamic educational leader who focuses on supporting teachers, engaging students, and connecting with families.”
Zotto graduated from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. She worked in sports marketing for about five years. After that, she went on to earn her master’s degree at Boston University in 2009.
Calichman added that he thinks Zotto is an incredibly intelligent and caring person. “She is going to do amazing work at Swampscott High School.”
Zotto said her previous experience at SHS will serve her well in her next role.
“Having insight, knowledge and experience gives you context on how systems have developed over time,” Zotto said. “I have many relationships there that will be constructive. We want to develop a vision for a culture of excellence so that we can be one of the top schools in the Commonwealth on a sustainable basis.”
The ambition with this transition is to continue to give students a positive experience that prepares them for their next steps in life, according to the press release.
“We want to cultivate a culture of excellence,” Zotto said. “We embrace the idea of everyone having their own path, and we support a diverse school environment. Our job is to provide access and help students achieve individual success.”
When Zotto began her work in the guidance department of SHS, she noticed the school suffering from a perception issue that she felt needed to be addressed. “The perception was that our department was not serving students effectively, or communicating with parents well,” Zotto said.
She continued, “We needed to do a better job. We had to lean in and listen. I will use the same approach as principal.”
She has roots that run deep in Swampscott. Her grandfather was a graduate of SHS, and she lived in town until the sixth grade, at which point her family moved to Switzerland.
Zotto plans to continue her hands-on style of administration when she takes over as SHS principal.
