Update on the Hiring Process for the Next Principal of Bristol Central High School

Dear Bristol Community,
I am writing to provide an update on the hiring process for the next principal of Bristol Central High School. We know this position matters deeply to our students, families, staff, alumni, and community members, and we have heard you.

We recognize that many of you are disappointed that Ryan Broderick is not the candidate being recommended. Your feelings are valid, and we do not take your concerns lightly. Mr. Broderick is highly valued in this community, and we understand why so many championed his candidacy. Because there has been discussion and confusion about how this decision was made, we want to explain the legal and policy framework governing administrative hiring in our district.

In alignment with Connecticut General Statutes §10-151 and Board Policy P2151, the Superintendent, as the district's chief executive officer, has the authority to lead the administrative hiring process and to recommend candidates to the Board.

The selection committee, composed of community members, staff, and administrators, fulfilled its role by identifying and forwarding qualified candidates for the Superintendent’s consideration. The Superintendent then conducts final interviews of those qualified candidates and exercises her independent professional judgment to nominate the single candidate she believes is in the best interest of the school and district. The Superintendent’s selection from among qualified finalists reflects careful deliberation by a trained educational leader entrusted by the Board with this responsibility because of her expertise and commitment to our students.

Under Board Policy P2151, the Superintendent nominates a single candidate to the Board to fill the vacancy. It is important for community members to understand the distinction between governance and administration in this context.  The Board of Education serves a governance function, setting policy and providing oversight, while the Superintendent serves an administrative function, managing day-to-day operations including personnel decisions. The Board's role in the hiring process is therefore to review and act on the Superintendent’s recommendation, not to select or interview multiple candidates, within the timeframe established by policy.  If the Board does not approve the Superintendent's recommendation, that decision does not result in the automatic appointment of any other candidate. This structure preserves the Superintendent's professional authority and ensures personnel decisions remain grounded in the judgment of the district's educational leader.

Additionally, the formal nomination of a candidate to the Board occurs only after all required employment documentation and pre-employment requirements have been satisfactorily completed. Until those steps are finalized, the Superintendent’s recommendation is not formally presented to the Board for action. Once the nomination is formally submitted, the Board must act within 14 calendar days, as established by Board Policy P2151.

Throughout this process, confidentiality is required to preserve the integrity of the hiring process, encourage candid participation, and protect all candidates' privacy and professional standing. We recognize that when information is shared outside of established processes, whether intentionally or inadvertently, it can create confusion and misunderstanding that does not reflect the full picture of the deliberation. We understand that this can be frustrating, and we ask for your patience and trust that this process has been, and will continue to be, conducted with integrity and in accordance with all applicable legal requirements.

As we move forward, our focus remains on supporting students and staff and ensuring a successful leadership transition at Bristol Central High School. We are confident the district will continue to benefit from the dedication of its outstanding educators and administrators, including those who participated in this process.  Thank you for your continued commitment to Bristol's schools and students. This community's engagement is a source of strength, and we remain committed to transparency, fairness, and excellence in everything we do.

In partnership,
Iris White
Superintendent of Schools