Dr. Danielle S. Tormala
WSD Names Next Superintendent of Schools
The Wentzville School District has selected Dr. Danielle S. Tormala as the District’s new superintendent beginning July 1, 2022. Dr. Tormala replaces Dr. Cain, who has served the WSD as superintendent since 2013 and has accepted a role as superintendent in the Rockwood School District.
Dr. Tormala will serve as the District’s 19th superintendent. She will be the first woman to fill this role in the WSD.
The announcement follows a national search conducted by the Missouri School Boards' Association (MSBA). The search was based on the input of District stakeholders including staff and community members.
Dr. Tormala currently serves as the associate superintendent of curriculum and instruction at the City of St. Charles School District, where she has worked since 2006 and has served as second-in-command since 2008. As Dr. Tormala assumes the role of superintendent of schools for the 2022-2023 school year; she will also begin her 20th year in school district administration.
“I am thrilled to join the Wentzville School District by continuing to serve students throughout St. Charles County,” said Dr. Tormala. “As the Wentzville superintendent, I look forward to working alongside the staff and community by building upon WSD’s strong foundation to ensure that Wentzville becomes a recognized leader of excellence in education for strong educational programming and the ability to meet the unique needs of our students and community.”
During her 23 years in public education, she has served students at both large and medium-sized school systems. She prides herself on making informed decisions that are student-centered, focused on student achievement, data-driven, considerate of all points of view, and are fiscally responsible through strategic, transparent, and visionary planning.
Prior to her current role, she has held various administrative roles including the assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction at the City of St. Charles Schools, the assessment specialist at Francis Howell School District, and also served as the early childhood director at the City of St. Charles Schools for eight years in addition to her associate superintendent duties. She has also taught as an adjunct professor at Maryville University and Lindenwood University and was an elementary teacher at the Hazelwood School District.
“Dr. Tormala brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our District,” said Betsy Bates, WSD Board of Education president. “She has a proven history of driving student achievement in her current role, and we look forward to seeing her grow that vision on a larger scale. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Tormala to the WSD family.”
She holds Doctor of Education and Educational Specialist degrees in educational leadership and policy analysis from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, has a Master of Arts in educational leadership from Maryville University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education in the College of Public Service from St. Louis University. She also holds a superintendent certification, principal certificate (K-8), and elementary teacher certificate (K-8) from the Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education.
Dr. Tormala is a board member of the St. Charles County Boys and Girls Club, sits on the STEMSTL executive board, and is a member of Care to Learn-St. Charles Chapter, Greater St. Charles Chamber of Commerce Public Policy Committee, SSM St. Joseph and LSL Board of Advisors, Economic Development Council of St. Charles County Partners for Progress Education Committee, and the St. Charles Crime Stoppers. She is the City of St. Charles School District Foundation administrative liaison and previously served as president of the St. Charles City-County Library Foundation.
“I want to thank Dr. Cain for his many years of exemplary leadership and look forward to carrying on the example of excellence that he has established within the district, state, and nation,” Dr. Tormala said. “I can’t wait to begin serving the Wentzville students, families, and community.”
Dr. Tormala is married to Nathan Tormala who works for St. Charles County Government. They are longtime residents of St. Charles County. They have two elementary-aged daughters. Dr. Tormala enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, boating, and interior decorating including home renovation projects.