Santomauro is the development director at Cornerstone School, a private school that has held classes at several locations around the area for 12 years, but finally has a home all its own. Cornerstone is celebrating the grand opening of its new location at 419 Ridge Road SE on Saturday. Santomauro, who has served in the Air Force, lives on Capitol Hill and has three children.
Who goes to school at Cornerstone?
We have about 200 students and they’re all from either D.C. or Maryland, from pre-K through eighth grade.
What’s the best part of your job?
Definitely the kids and just knowing I’m making a difference in their lives.
What do you like the least?
That we don’t have enough money.
How has your experience in the Air Force affected what you do at Cornerstone?
I actually really enjoyed my time in the military and I think a lot of people would benefit from having that experience, because overall the military teaches you skills and attributes that not everybody seems to have innately. It teaches you a good work ethic and integrity.
Best thing about kids?
One of the things that I’ve noticed is that they’re all really caring and appreciative and nobody has to tell them to be. A lot of times, as a parent, when somebody gives my child a gift I have to remind my kids to say thank you. I’ve noticed that the kids here may not have a lot, materially, so they really appreciate what others do for them.
What is the event on Saturday for?
It’s the grand opening of our new location. Cornerstone’s been around for 12 years so it’s not a new concept, but it’s a new building and it’s first time we’ve had a real school building. We have an actual playground, we have a library, we have a computer lab and we have really big, spacious classrooms.
