This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

09/23/2015 09:39 AM

BPS New Hires Committed to Kids


At back, Branford Board of Education members Joanne Borus, Susan Wharfe, Superintendent of Schools Hamlet Hernandez, BOE Chair Mike Krause and members John Prins, Dr. Kate Marsland and Judy Hotz greet new school staff, including (front, l-r): Lori DeMilo, Sarah Robertson, Jessica Kurpopat-Kachi, Donna Mingrone and (back, l-r): Christopher Smith, Bartholomew Wasiolek, Christine Jones, Alicia Loesche. New staff not available for photo: Christine Deschaine, Jacqueline Ham, Mallory Legman, Stephanie Liguori, Jennifer Tucker, Kathleen Wagner.Pam Johnson/The Sound

Branford's newest educators are a stellar group of professionals committed to kids, said Superintendent of Schools Hamlet Hernandez.

"The teachers we have hired and that are now working with our children are truly a phenomenal crop," said Hernandez. "They come to us from all different walks of life, and in some instances, different districts. But I can tell you their one common denominator is their true commitment to children, and that really revealed itself throughout the interview process."

Thirteen new teachers and a new Director of Technology join the staff of Branford Public Schools as new hires.

"We had, in some instances, hundreds of applicants for some positions," said Hernandez. "So they really are a phenomenal crop of individuals which I hope we will keep for many years."

Assistant Superintendent of Schools Dr. Anthony Buono introduced the new certified staff to the Board of Education (BOE) during its regular meeting on Sept. 16 and also introduced new Director of Technology, Donna Mingrone.

The new BPS certified teaching staff members are: Lori DeMilo, Special Education, Sliney Elementary School; Christine Deschaine, Grade Four, Murphy Elementary School; Jacqueline Ham, Special Education, Sliney School;  Christine Jones, Kindergarten, Tisko Elementary School; Jessica Kurpopat-Kachi, Special Education, Branford High School (BHS); Mallory Legman, Band, BHS: Stephanie Liguori, Special Education, BHS; Alicia Loesche , Math, BHS; Sarah Robertson, English Language Arts, BHS; Christopher Smith, Math, BHS; Jennifer Tucker, English as Second Language, BHS; Kathleen Wagner, English Language Arts, Walsh Intermediate School and Bartholomew Wasiolek, Special Education, BHS.