Staff Testimonials
The Brewster Central School District is a great place to work and send your child to school. We are a community of staff members who are committed to student success not just at their grade level but post-graduation. Each year, team members work toward the collective goal of providing students with engaging and enriching academic and extra-curricular experiences.
- Donna Pryce, Dean of Students, Special Education Teacher,
H.H. Wells Middle School
BCSD is a community of hardworking and caring professionals who strive to give students the best education. I've been lucky to be a part of developing Brewster's Dual Language Program. Seeing how our program has expanded throughout the years and continues to nurture multilingual and multicultural learners is one of the highlights of my career.
- Trisha Nugent, Bilingual Interventionist,
JFK Elementary School
Brewster has been an amazing experience from the day I first stepped foot in a classroom. The administration trusted me to establish a new curriculum and gave me everything I needed to succeed both professionally and for my students. I was honored to be asked to design a classroom, map out its content, and have the opportunity to move up with the program. BCSD values the experiences we bring as educators and involve us in their vision for our district. Administrators give feedback and guidance, but they trust you as a teacher when you come to them with an idea and a plan you feel will make a difference for the students. I have found my home here. The community is warm and inviting. I love sharing my passion with my students and the community. When you enjoy what you do and where you do it, it never quite feels like work.
- Glenn Palmieri, Carpentry Teacher,
Brewster High School
Brewster is a special place with special people. The teachers and staff in this school district genuinely care about every single student and each other. People go above and beyond to help others, create a sense of belonging, and make every student feel seen. Students are challenged every day to grow as learners and as people who are part of a community. They learn the importance of responsibility, empathy, and accountability. It is absolutely incredible the way the Brewster community gathers around each other to show support not only in the best of times but during hardships as well. The Brewster community is filled with kind, reliable, and hard-working people. There is nowhere else I would rather be.
- Maggie DePaoli, 4th Grade Special Education Teacher,
C.V. Starr Intermediate School
Brewster has been my work home for 14 years. The culture at BCSD is professionally stimulating, with the latitude to innovate and create with support from the School Board and Administrators.
- Cathy Hancock, Director of Child Nutrition Services
Teachers and staff in each school truly care for their students and go out of their way to make lessons and experiences really meaningful. Sometimes this is just said but when you work here you see it every day. When it comes to working in any job you want to work hard and do well in your position no matter where it is but when you are also working for the same school district that your children attend school in you are working for your own community which is a big responsibility but also a great honor.
- Jennifer Lynch, Assistant to the Principal,
Brewster High School
Brewster Central School District provides strong academics, academic support, and diverse coursework in a nurturing, family-like environment, fostering a strong sense of community. Parents are actively involved through initiatives such as Parent University, and teachers are dedicated, often staying until retirement. The district values open communication and embraces its rich history and diversity.
- Carlos Rodriguez, Principal,
H.H. Wells Middle School
BCSD had a tremendous support system set in place to help teachers craft their art and support students in multiple ways. I am now in my third year of teaching at CV Starr, and I am so happy to be working with such a supportive and caring administration, staff, and community. It has been an honor and joy to return to the district and community that shaped and molded the person I have become. I wanted my children to be a part of this special learning community, so my wife and I made the decision to move back to Brewster. I value that my children will have the opportunity to pass through the same halls as I did, and elated at the many social and academic opportunities that they will encounter in their years within the BCSD.
- John King, 5th Grade Teacher,
C.V. Starr Intermediate School
What I find most rewarding about living and working in Brewster is the community's strong bonds and the relationships that have grown through the years. I am delighted to contribute to a positive school climate and cultivate relationships with our youngest learners.
- Mary Pfiel, Teacher’s Aide,
JFK Elementary School
I have to say that Brewster Central School District is a great place to work. I am fortunate to work with great colleagues and administrators who share ideas and look forward to accomplishing many goals. I feel valued and appreciated for all of my efforts and I am genuinely blessed to be able to work here for over 15 years.
- Michele Kolhosser, Payroll Clerk
I am proud to be a part of the Brewster Central School District because the administrators are incredibly supportive, fostering a positive and empowering environment for both teachers and students. The strong emphasis on teacher collaboration helps us continually improve and share best practices. Additionally, the district provides meaningful opportunities for all students, including English Language Learners, ensuring everyone has the chance to succeed and thrive.
- Jessica Zhinin, Dual Language Teacher,
Brewster High School
Being a Brewster graduate myself, I’ve seen firsthand through the years the care and dedication from both the faculty and staff that is still going strong today. Brewster pride comes quickly and naturally to anyone who joins the Bears family. Whether you’re looking for a school district to send your children or amazing career opportunities, Brewster Central School District is a great place to call home.
- Timothy Wiltshire, Operations & Maintenance
The BCSD prides itself in putting its students first. As an alumni, I experienced that. As a teacher, I practice that. As a Brewster resident, I appreciate that. We are the grass that is greener on the other side.
- Antonio Franze, Teacher,
Brewster High School
What I love best about working in the Brewster Central School District is the respect I have been shown throughout my career, both personally and professionally. Even as a new teacher 38 years ago, I have always felt that my input was valued in making decisions, and those decisions have the best interest of the entire Brewster School District community in mind. We are always pushing to do better by considering the needs of the whole child and their K-12 experience with us.
- Deborah Romaine, 8th Grade English Teacher
