Branford's newest educators are a stellar group of professionals committed to kids, said Superintendent of Schools Hamlet Hernandez.

"The teachers we have hired and that are now working with our children are truly a phenomenal crop," said Hernandez. "They come to us from all different walks of life, and in some instances, different districts. But I can tell you their one common denominator is their true commitment to children, and that really revealed itself throughout the interview process."

Thirteen new teachers and a new Director of Technology join the staff of Branford Public Schools as new hires.

"We had, in some instances, hundreds of applicants for some positions," said Hernandez. "So they really are a phenomenal crop of individuals which I hope we will keep for many years."

Assistant Superintendent of Schools Dr. Anthony Buono introduced the new certified staff to the Board of Education (BOE) during its regular meeting on Sept. 16 and also introduced new Director of Technology, Donna Mingrone.

The new BPS certified teaching staff members are: Lori DeMilo, Special Education, Sliney Elementary School; Christine Deschaine, Grade Four, Murphy Elementary School; Jacqueline Ham, Special Education, Sliney School;  Christine Jones, Kindergarten, Tisko Elementary School; Jessica Kurpopat-Kachi, Special Education, Branford High School (BHS); Mallory Legman, Band, BHS: Stephanie Liguori, Special Education, BHS; Alicia Loesche , Math, BHS; Sarah Robertson, English Language Arts, BHS; Christopher Smith, Math, BHS; Jennifer Tucker, English as Second Language, BHS; Kathleen Wagner, English Language Arts, Walsh Intermediate School and Bartholomew Wasiolek, Special Education, BHS.