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PUTNAM --- Putnam High School assistant principal Joseph Ptaszynski will take the top spot at the school when current principal Paul M. Brenton leaves Aug. 10. A permanent replacement may be made at the Aug. 21 Board of Education meeting.
Brenton resigned to become the principal of The Academy of Aerospace and Engineering, a regional magnet high school in Hartford.
School Superintendent William Hull said, "Although I am saddened by Paul’s departure, I understand with a young family Mr. Brenton’s desire to work much closer to home. I also recognize the opportunities that a smaller new high school affords. Mr. Brenton was part of a wonderful team at the high school. He is an important factor in the renaissance of Putnam High School. This renaissance includes increased test scores, growth of advance placement classes, a resurgence of athletic teams and a renewed focus on academics. The Board of Education and I are grateful for Mr. Brenton’s leadership and wish him well."
He added, " A succession plan for the leadership at the Putnam High School has already been developed." He added the plan will be presented to the Board of Education for its approval at the Aug. 21 school board meeting. Hull said he anticipates a permanent principal will be appointed at the Aug. 21 meeting.
J. Scott Pempek of the Board of Education said, "My hope is that we come out of that meeting with a plan. I’m pretty confident that will happen. There are a few options that we will be looking at. As in doing a search for new principal, or moving a current district employee into the principal position and filling the position that was opened up by that move, it’s all up to the board."
Brenton became principal at Putnam High in 2009.
Asked what he was most proud of, Brenton said, "I am proud of what our students have accomplished. Over 50 percent of our student population is involved in athletics, our music department has won national competitions, and countless students have been recognized as AP scholars over the past three years. I am proud of our staff, who work tirelessly to create a community where every student in Putnam knows they can find a mentor. "
Brenton, in his letter to parents, said, "It has been a pleasure to serve as the principal at this school since May 4th, 2009. I hope all of you know how much I have enjoyed these last three years. I have enjoyed watching our school excel academically, as our CAPT scores improved and our Advanced Placement program grew from three to eight classes. I have enjoyed watching our athletic teams find new success in the CSC, as countless teams and athletes found success on their fields of play.
"There is truly something special about the town of Putnam. It has been my good fortune to experience a wonderful partnership with the students, staff and families in our community. I would like to thank you for the opportunity to serve you, your children and this outstanding school community and hope you know I am especially proud of our students. While I may be leaving Putnam High School, I will always consider myself part of the Putnam Community, and I will always consider myself a Clipper.
"Putnam High School has experienced great success, and this is due to the many individuals who make PHS the community it is: the informed and compassionate school board, who is always advocating for our students; the parents who dedicate countless hours in support of athletics, music and the arts; the alumni, who are constantly giving back to the school; the school faculty, who works tirelessly for our students; and the young men and women of the student body, who are constantly giving us reasons to celebrate their success. To all of these individuals I owe thanks, for making my time in Putnam so enjoyable.
"I am confident that Putnam High School will continue to serve a source of pride for the community of Putnam. I will miss all of our students, and I look forward to hearing great things about their accomplishments as they continue to grow and learn as members of the Putnam learning community."