Principal

Jo-Anne Gauger became principal of St. Francis School in July of 2002.  Prior to assuming the position of principal, Mrs. Gauger taught Kindergarten, second grade, sixth grade and seventh grade.  She began teaching at St. Francis in 1985.  Mrs. Gauger graduated from Western Connecticut State University in 1974 with a BS in Elementary Education.  She received her MA in Reading from Central Connecticut State University and then pursued a degree in Administration.  Mrs. Gauger's first teaching position was in 1976 at St. Peter School. She taught third grade and sixth grade during her eight-year tenure.  In July 2006, Mrs. Gauger assumed the position of prinicpal of St. Peter/St. Francis School which encompasses two campuses and 172 students.

Mrs. Gauger was elected the first woman to hold the office of State President of the Grand Lodge of Connecticut Order Sons of Italy in America in 1993.  She held this position for four years.  In 1995, she was appointed National Education Chairperson for the Order Sons of Italy.  She had the honor of presenting scholarships to recipients chosen from a very competitive nationwide competition.  This event was held in Washington D.C. with 700 people in attendance, many of whom were high profile politicians.

Mrs. Gauger also served as the President of the Torrington Boys Parents Soccer Association in 2002 and 2003.

Mrs. Gauger is also a member of St. Francis Women's Club and St. Ann Society

Mrs. Gauger's vision for St. Peter/St. Francis is to continue the tradition of academic excellence and place emphasis on morals and gospel values.  The school stresses the importance of family and service to the community.  Both of Mrs. Gauger's children, Nicole, 27 and Wes, 23 graduated from St. Francis School.

Mrs. Gauger's other interests include traveling, reading and shopping.