TRUMBULL – Mark Ribbens, Ed.D. has been selected to succeed Diane Wheeler as the principal of the C.E.S. Regional Center for the Arts (RCA) and Open Choice coordinator.  He will assume his new position upon the retirement of Mrs. Wheeler on June 30.

Announcing the appointment of Dr. Ribbens, Evan Pitkoff, Executive Director of C.E.S. said, “Dr. Ribbens is both a seasoned Fairfield County school administrator with a reputation for promoting excellence in student achievement and a music teacher/performer with a strong appreciation for the arts.  These talents make him the right match for the needs of our students at RCA.”

The principal of Weston Intermediate School since 2004, Dr. Ribbens has also been a cooperating principal in the Open Choice program.  Prior experience included being assistant principal at Cider Mill School in Wilton, and holding teaching positions (music) in elementary, middle and on the undergraduate level.  He holds degrees in music performance, music education and educational administration.

“I am absolutely thrilled to be the new principal,” stated Dr. Ribbens.  “With my background as a performer, I’ve known of RCA for a while…What I really appreciate about RCA is that it brings kids who have a passion for the arts from all over Fairfield County to a superior performance arts program in a highly diverse population, creating a truly unique learning atmosphere.”

The Regional Center for the Arts has been a C.E.S. school since 1998.  The program has grown from a student population of 20 to more that 240.  A state-of-the-art facility was completed in 2007 and is located in Trumbull.