Danbury teacher John Webber has been selected as the new principal for the Alternative Center for Excellence (ACE) beginning July 1. He will replace veteran Danbury educator Sandra Arconti Atanasoff, who is retiring.

Webber began his 14-year teaching career as a biology teacher at ACE, earning the district’s Teacher of the Year award for 2016-17.

“John has made enormous contributions to the success and readiness of our ACE students year after year because he cares so passionately about them,” said Superintendent Dr. Sal Pascarella. “He makes deep connections with students, with members of our community and with his colleagues, creating the solid foundation upon which ACE continues to grow and thrive. We are confident that, with John’s leadership, ACE will continue to provide exactly what our students need to be successful in their next chapters.”

A DHS graduate, Webber earned a bachelor of science degree in Forest Conservation from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, a master’s degree in Secondary Science Education from the University of Bridgeport, and a sixth-year degree in Education Administration from Sacred Heart University.