School Leadership Updates for the 2026-27 School Year

Good Morning Portland,

I hope this email finds you well.

I’m writing today to share two important updates regarding our school leadership team.

This week, the Portland Board of Education voted unanimously to appoint Joe Santavenere as Principal of Brownstone Intermediate School for the 2026-27 school year. Mr. Santavenere has served as Brownstone’s interim principal throughout this year and has done a remarkable job leading the school community. By naming Mr. Santavenere as the permanent principal, we will provide the stability and continuity needed as we prepare for the exciting opportunities and challenges ahead, including the future consolidation of our elementary schools.

The Board also appointed Mallory Emmons as Interim Principal of Valley View Elementary School for the 2026-27 school year.

Ms. Emmons brings nearly two decades of educational experience to Portland Public Schools. She currently serves as Assistant Principal at Mead Elementary School in Ansonia and previously served as Assistant Principal at Prendergast Elementary School. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to instructional excellence, student achievement, and collaborative leadership.

Prior to entering administration, Ms. Emmons was an accomplished classroom teacher, literacy and mathematics instructional leader, and university supervisor. She holds a Master’s degree in Elementary Education and a Sixth-Year Certificate in Educational Leadership from Quinnipiac University. In 2020, she was recognized as Connecticut’s recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, the nation’s highest honor for K-12 STEM educators.

Ms. Emmons is known for her student-centered approach, her ability to build strong relationships with families and staff, and her expertise in using data to support continuous school improvement. Her experience leading elementary schools, coaching teachers, and fostering positive school cultures makes her exceptionally well-positioned to lead Valley View during the upcoming school year.

Please join me in congratulating both Mr. Santavenere and Ms. Emmons on their appointments. I am confident that their leadership, dedication, and commitment to students will have a positive impact on our schools and community.

Best,

Charles Britton

Superintendent, Portland Public Schools