Maya McFadden Photo
Ann Brillante: Coming home.
Ten years after she left Metropolitan Business Academy to become an assistant principal at Wilbur Cross, Ann Brillante will return in two weeks to helm the Water Street interdistrict magnet high school.
The Board of Education voted 6 – 0 Monday evening to approve Brillante’s appointment.
The board voted at Ross Woodward School, a new meeting location as it continues to move its gatherings periodically to different neighborhoods.
Brillante will take over as Metro principal from veteran school leader Sequella Coleman, who took on the Metro principalship in 2021. Coleman will transfer to a new role as supervisor of student transfers and transportation.
At Monday’s meeting, Brillante said she will rely on her Cross connections to further improve Metro through collaborations between the high schools.
“I’m looking forward to making a return to Metro,” she said. “We’ll ensure that Metro can continue to graduate students who have essential skills, pronounced care for the city, and look back on a high school experience of deep learning and joy.”
Brillante will step into the new role March 11 with a starting salary of $157,434.
Superintendent Madeline Negrón described Brillante as a seasoned educator. Board members praised her leadership skills and creativity.
Brillante began with New Haven Public Schools (NHPS) as a social studies teacher in 2003.
She has since gone on to learn curriculum writing and professional development skills.
While at Metro she worked under former Principal Judy Puglisi, then moved on to to work on former Cross Principal Edith Johnson’s team a decade ago.
While at Cross Brillante pioneered the development of the school’s international academy, which is focused on directly addressing instructional needs of newcomer students. She also supported the transitions of Cross principals.
“We’re not going to allow you to fail,” Negrón told Brillante.
Brillante with former interim Cross Principal Kermit Carolina during school's leadership transitions in 2022.
This is a good choice by the Superintendent. It's good she's hiring from talent within NHPS. Brillante will get MBA back into shape, which it badly needs especially after the last couple principals were not a good fit.