Vumback Promoted to Principal at Lincoln Middle School

Dianne Vumback, former assistant principal at Lincoln Middle School, was named the school’s new principal during the Meriden Board of Education meeting Tuesday night. She takes over for Leo Lavalle, who left shortly before the school year began to become principal of the Waterbury Arts Magnet School.

In announcing the appointment, School Superintendent Dr. Mark Benigni praised Vumback for her positive attitude and strong work ethic and described her as a professional who “will always put students at the forefront.”

“I’m excited to work at a middle school with such a strong focus on academics that also incorporates the arts,” Vumback told the board.

She acknowledged the school’s knowledgeable and caring staff and said she is thankful for the guidance she received from former Platt High School Principal Donna Mik. Vumback was a marketing teacher for several years at Platt and completed her administrative internship under Mik, who recently became Director of Pupil Personnel Programs for the Meriden Public Schools.

“I’m so proud of her,” Mik said of Vumback. “She’s a very energetic and committed educator.”

Education is a second career for Vumback, who lives in Northford. She started out in marketing. She became involved in the classroom when her offspring were young and found she enjoyed working with children. This led her to teaching.

Vumback eventually moved into administration because she “wanted to have more of a global impact,” she said. She is currently pursuing a superintendent certificate and doctorate in educational leadership at Southern Connecticut State University.

Vumback characterizes her administrative style as “collaborative” and calls herself lucky to be working with quality teachers who are so committed to children’s success. When asked what she is most looking forward to in her new role, she replied, “Working with teachers to help them be the best they can be.”

In closing her remarks before the school board, she thanked her husband of 25 years for supporting her dreams and insisted, “I love coming to work every day.”