03.21.25 - Community Newsletter
Dear Brunswick School Community:
I write today for a few reasons. First, I want to acknowledge and thank all of the talented and passionate teachers, ed techs, administrators, support staff, nurses, social workers, counselors, custodians, groundskeepers, food service staff, drivers, substitutes, coaches, tutors, advisors, and volunteers who work tirelessly every day with almost 2,500 students and over 450 staff members. Our students are fortunate to have every one of you.
Second, I want to thank the parents for entrusting the community’s most important resource - its students - to the schools. The faith and support you exhibit daily by putting your students on a bus or dropping them off at school is humbling.
Third, I want to discuss who we are as a school district. When I agreed to become Brunswick’s Superintendent five years ago, I conducted a thorough listening tour. My goal was to learn what the staff, parents, and community members valued and wanted from their school district. This information has guided my daily decision-making. It has also supported major initiatives, including superintendent's committees, consistent communications across all schools and the district, and the development of Brunswick Believes, our strategic plan and vision. Our strategic plan serves as our roadmap, and our vision (below) serves as our North Star in all our decisions:
Brunswick schools are welcoming, inclusive, and safe learning communities where all
students are held to high expectations as they develop skills necessary to thrive in a
diverse and ever-changing world.
The Strategic Plan’s Core Values are:
Safety - Brunswick schools are physically and emotionally safe learning and working
environments where all students and staff seek to understand, support, and
include one another.
Belonging - Students and staff of all identities, from all backgrounds and experiences are welcomed, accepted, and valued.
Equity - All students are able to access comprehensive, rigorous and relevant academic and nonacademic programs that support their individual learning, growth, and achievement.
One consistent and overarching goal in all our work is to ensure that every member of our school community feels a genuine sense of belonging. This vision has been championed by a dedicated network of committees, work groups, and task forces that have kept this goal at the forefront of their efforts. Their work has reinforced our commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging—principles often referenced by the acronym DEIB (we educators do love our acronyms!). Through these efforts, we have cultivated a culture of solidarity where everyone is valued, supported, and empowered to thrive, no matter their background or identity.
Recently, shifts at the federal level have raised concerns about potential funding changes that could impact our ability to fully implement our Brunswick Believes vision. These federal funds are essential for literacy and math interventions, special education services, professional development, and student meals. However, while these funds are valuable, they do not dictate our core mission or our unwavering commitment to our students and staff.
Let’s be honest: We are living in complicated times. The term DEI has become a flashpoint in national and local conversations, even though, in my experience, Brunswick has always embraced the fundamental principles of inclusion and equity—treating all people with respect and ensuring everyone has access to opportunities. Still, language evolves, and terms can take on meanings beyond their original intent.
That’s why, after five years of intentional work, the Brunswick School Department is actively refining our approach to ensure that every member of our school community knows they Belong. While the terminology may shift, our commitment is stronger than ever.
Let me be absolutely clear: The Brunswick School Department is not retreating. We are not abandoning our mission. Instead, we are deepening our commitment to our students, ensuring they are prepared for a future that aligns with the Brunswick Believes strategic plan. Our vision remains: to hold all students to high expectations while equipping them with the skills to thrive in an increasingly diverse and ever-changing world. No matter who they are, where they come from, or how they identify, in the Brunswick School Department, everyone belongs.
Next Steps:
- We will review and refine our policies, procedures, and practices to ensure that they reflect our purpose—not just the methods we use to achieve it.
- We will continue fostering an environment where every student, staff member, and parent knows they belong and that their voice matters.
- Later this year, in alignment with our strategic plan, we will launch surveys for students, staff, and parents to gather valuable input. Your feedback will be instrumental in helping us strengthen our practices.
Please know that my commitment to every student and employee in our community remains steadfast. I want to assure you that the Brunswick School Department will continue to uphold our legal and ethical responsibilities while nurturing a spirit of unity and shared purpose. I will keep you informed with regular updates as we move forward together. Your input is always valued—I welcome your thoughts, and my door is always open. You can reach me anytime at ppotenziano@brunswicksd.org.
Thank you for your dedication and support. Brunswick is a special place, and our strength lies in the values we share and the community we build together.
Remember: YOU BELONG.
Sincerely,
Dr. Potenziano
The Town of Brunswick is thrilled to partner up with Mere Point Oyster Co., Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust (and more!) for the 4th annual Coastal Cleanup event, taking place right here in our beautiful community! Join us Saturday, April 4th, from 10am to 12pm – alongside Paul’s Marina, Merrymeeting Shellfish Co., Smith’s Boatyard, and Flight Deck Brewing – as we roll up our sleeves in celebration of Earth Day and to help restore the natural beauty of our beloved coastline.. but we need your help to make a difference! See directions below or refer to the attached poster for more information; please feel free to share with anyone you think may be interested!
EVENT INFORMATION
- Date: Saturday, April 5th | rain date April 6th
- Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Meet-Up Locations: To be announced via email 3/27 w/ additional volunteer instructions
HOW TO VOLUNTEER
- Click here to RSVP via the Google Forms sign-up sheet by 4/1 – let us know if you’d like to be a team leader!
- All Ages Welcome! Bring the whole family and join in the fun. Our engaging scavenger hunts and shell decorating station will ensure that children have a blast while making a positive impact on our environment.
- Please note: We'll organize volunteers into different groups to cover the most shoreline effectively. If you have recruited friends or family, please list everyone in your group so that all are accounted for when we finish. For agility level, please base this on the lease agile member of your group for safety reasons.
What better way to celebrate our hard work than with a reward? After a day of dedication and teamwork indulge in freshly shucked oysters, compliments of Mere Point Oyster Company, before joining the rest of the cleanup volunteers at Flight Deck Brewery in Brunswick. Let's make waves, Brunswick! Together, we can preserve the pristine beauty of our coastal ecosystem for generations to come. For more information, feel free to reach out to the event’s organizers, Kelly Punch at Mere Point Oyster Co. (kelly@merepointoyster.com or (978) 793-1242) or me! (the Town’s Environmental Planner | acharleson@brunswickme.gov, 207-721-4025).
Open Employment Positions:
- Long Term Substitute: BHS Music Teacher (Choral) - Brunswick High School
- Long Term Substitute: Social Studies Teacher - Brunswick High School
- Functional Life Skills Ed Tech - Brunswick High School
- Co-Ed Tennis JV Coach - Brunswick High School
- Co-Ed Track Asst. Coach - Brunswick High School
- Pre-K Special Education Ed Tech - Kate Furbish Elementary School
- Part-time School Psychologist - District
- Long Term Sub Speech Therapist - Brunswick Junior High School
- School Psychologist - District
- Mechanic
- School Bus Drivers - 2 Positions Open!
- Apprentice/Ed Tech I & Bus Aides
- Substitute Teachers, Bus Drivers, Van Drivers, & Custodians
- ...And MORE!
We're hiring for multiple positions. Visit our website to view
all current employment opportunities!
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