Dr. Joseph Raiola began as Principal of Paul L. Dunbar Elementary School at the start of the 2024 - 2025 school year.  Most recently he served as Principal of Bassick High School.  During his six-year tenure at Bassick, the school experienced improvements in the school climate, expansions of pathway programs, reductions in chronic absenteeism and improvements of students on track to graduation.  Dr. Raiola helped with the design of the new Bassick High School and supported multiple grants that led to improvements in student achievement.  A particular highlight was the introduction of the aviation careers pathway where students worked alongside numerous industry mentors and built an airplane, providing students with real-life experience and post-secondary opportunities in careers and college. 

Dr. Raiola has over twenty years of educational experience and has served the Bridgeport community for over fifteen years.  He served as an Assistant Principal at Warren Harding High School, Department Head at Bullard Havens Technical High School and Technology Education Teacher at Shelton High School.  Dr. Raiola has a focus on student engagement, instructional rigor and college and career readiness.   Dr. Raiola is dedicated to the to the community he serves and prides himself in being accessible with his open-door policy. 

Dr. Raiola completed the Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) executive leadership program, leading to Superintendent Certification, earned a Ph.D. in Technology Management from Indiana State University, a Sixth year in Educational Leadership from Southern Connecticut State University, a Master of Science in Technology Education from CCSU and a Bachelor’s of Science in Industrial Technology from CCSU.  He became a certified teacher in 2004 after completing the State of Connecticut Alternate Route to Teacher Certification, prior to this he was employed as a Construction Project Engineer.  His research focuses on employment skills and competencies for technical careers and how best to support underrepresented populations in STEM careers.  He has served as a presenter at American Society of Engineering Education, Associated Schools of Construction and local conferences.   

When not working, Dr. Raiola is enjoying time with his wife and two children.  Just this past year they welcomed Gabriela into this world and Joey will be 4 in October. They are considered a part of his extended Dunbar family.