Saffioti has served as the Rondout Valley Junior High School principal for the last six years, and as the assistant principal for three years prior to that. Between her institutional knowledge of Rondout Valley and the Middle School building and her previous experience as an assistant Principal at Dutchess BOCES and a school principal at Devereux, Saffioti will be bringing a strong foundation of leadership, continuity, and student-centered focus to her new role, Superintendent Dr. Paul Spadaro suggested. 

“Her deep familiarity with the District, combined with her proven ability to support both staff and students, positions her well to guide the successful transition to a unified Grade 4-8 Middle School this fall,” he said. 

Saffioti is looking forward to the opportunities that will come with the new configuration while remaining in the same building. “I’m especially excited to reconnect with students and staff in Grades 4-6,” she said. “When I previously served as assistant principal for Grades 4-8, it was incredibly rewarding to watch our students grow over time, and I’m eager to experience that again.” 

Currently, the Intermediate School (Grades 4–6) and Junior High School (Grades 7–8) operate as two separate schools within one building. The transition to a unified Middle School reflects the District’s commitment to providing the best possible student experience, responding to enrollment trends, and supporting long-term academic and fiscal planning. This new structure will allow the District to better support students academically, socially, and emotionally. 

In her free time, Saffioti enjoys playing hockey for the Saugerties Nightmares women’s hockey team, and spending time with her family. 

She was officially appointed at the Board of Education meeting on May 5, and will begin her new role on July 1, 2026.