Branford's Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Anthony Buono, exits the district at the end of the school year to join Westport Public Schools as an Assistant Superintendent, according to a press release issued from the office of Branford Superintendent of Schools Hamlet Hernandez on April 24.

The release states Buono was awarded the position following an "extensive search" and will begin the next chapter of his career on July 1, 2018.

The press release further notes, "Dr. Buono has served the Branford Public Schools with distinction for fourteen years. His proven track record of leadership, curriculum development, instructional expertise, and professional development is known throughout the state. Anthony is a child advocate who has provided exemplary leadership to his colleagues and the district. We wish him the very best and thank him for his dedicated service to our district."

Providing leadership and instructional support for the district's personnel and administration, Buono has served Branford as Assistant Superintendent since July 2015. Before that, he served the district as Associate Superintendent (July 2013-July 2015), arriving from his former post as Principal at Mary T. Murphy Elementary Schools. Buono served Branford Public Schools as a principal for eight years (2005 - 2013) after serving over three years as an Assistant Principal with Groton Public Schools.

According to his biography, Buono also currently teaches graduate courses in school leadership at Southern Connecticut State University, including working with doctoral candidates in the Ed.D. program. The biography also describes his passion for "...educating our countries youth and fostering the continuous improvement of the public school system."

Westport Public Schools confirmed Buono's selection on April 24 with an announcement stating, in part, "Dr. Buono is an exemplary educational leader who thrives on cultivating leadership skills in those he works with and empowering teachers to boldly contribute to the mission of the work. In his new role in Westport, he will oversee the PreK-12 academic program and serve as an integral part of the executive leadership team of the District. His commitment to excellence and his dedication to every student's success are hallmarks of his approach to his work."