2 New School Principals Named In Milford

MILFORD, CT — The Milford Public Schools on Friday announced that two long-time educators will be promoted to serve as principals beginning on July 1, 2019.

"I am excited to share with you the appointment of two new elementary principals in Milford Public Schools. Jamie Whitaker is the next principal of Calf Pen Meadow Elementary and Sean Brennan is the next principal of John F. Kennedy Elementary. Please join me in offering our congratulations to Jamie and Sean," said Superintendent of Schools Anna Cutaia.

Cutaia added that both Whitaker and Brennan rose to the top during the interview process.

"I am confident that we will continue to see great things from these two exceptional leaders as they continue their careers in Milford Public Schools," Cutaia added.

Biographical information on both new principals via the Milford Public Schools:

JAMIE WHITAKER, Principal, Calf Pen Meadow Elementary

Jamie Whitaker has been a vibrant member of the Milford Public Schools community for many years – and has collected a vast amount of experience at every level in our district: elementary, middle and high school. This current assistant principal of Harborside Middle School has always made her professional mantra clear: “Is this what is best for students?” This philosophy has continually been reflected in her work at all levels of student interaction.

Mrs. Whitaker received her Bachelor of Science degree in English from Albertus Magnus College in 1985, with a minor concentration in art. After receiving her certification in elementary education, Mrs. Whitaker later completed and received a Master of Science degree in reading from Southern Connecticut State University (1997). She received her 6th year certificate in educational leadership, also from SCSU, two years later.

Mrs. Whitaker's wide range of experience has provided her many opportunities to serve in leadership roles. During her career, she served on various instructional committees for the district including the District Data Team, Secondary Literacy Team, facilitated the Reading For Success program for grades 6 - 12 and the Instructional Framework Committee. More recently, she has served on a variety of school and district committees, such as the district School Safety Committee, facilitator of district Student Assistance Team K - 12, building-based Student Assistance Team at all levels, and the district Truancy Committee. Current ongoing work includes her participation on the district Advisory and School Climate Committee.

SEAN BRENNAN, Principal, John F. Kennedy Elementary

Sean Brennan has served in a wide range of roles in the Milford Public School system as a teacher, department head, dean of students, and now serves as an assistant principal at Foran High School. In his more recent personal academic pursuits and in his work for the district, Mr. Brennan has spent significant time in classrooms at the elementary level.

Mr. Brennan received his Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from Southern Connecticut State University in 2005 with a minor concentration in education. In 2007, he received a Master of Science degree in special education, also from SCSU, focusing on the education of children with autism spectrum disorders. He also received a Master of Arts degree in holistic thinking from the Graduate Institute in 2009. He later received his intermediate administrator certificate in educational leadership 2014 from SCSU.

The opportunity to develop leadership skills was ever-present for Mr. Brennan and he eagerly engaged in this work during the past 13 years. He has extensive experience in writing and revising curriculum, analyzing data, and serving on a variety of school and district-based committees, such as the Student Assistance Team and the district’s Professional Learning Committee. He was involved in planning common learning experiences for all schools in the district, K-12, and is currently a member of the PDEC Evaluation Committee – a group of administrators and teachers who are currently reviewing the district’s teacher evaluation system. As a lead member of the school crisis team, Mr. Brennan is also responsible for overseeing all building/facility issues in times of crisis.

Mr. Brennan is a firm believer in setting the bar high and -- through building an environment of trust, support, and positivity – all will be supported to meet that bar.