Principal Brennan named deputy commissioner of education

Beech Street Elementary School principal Christine Brennan will be sworn in as New Hampshire’s deputy commissioner of education. Her nomination by Governor Chris Sununu was confirmed unanimously by the Executive Council.

Brennan is in her 31st year in the Manchester School District, beginning when she was hired in 1987 to teach first grade at Wilson Elementary School. She was in that role for 20 years, then worked as a literacy specialist there from 2007 until 2010. As an administrator, Brennan served as assistant principal at Wilson and Jewett Street elementary schools before arriving at Beech Street in the same position in 2012. She has been principal of Beech Street since March of 2014.

“Christine has worked with some of our most challenged students with the singular focus of helping them thrive,” said N.H. Commissioner of Education Frank Edelblut. “I and everyone at the DOE look forward to working with her to create more opportunities for our students that meet their individual learning styles and help them reach high levels of achievement.”

Brennan’s time at Beech Street is highlighted by technology improvements, renovations that included putting up walls to close off the open concept classrooms of generations ago, and moving students and faculty into the so-called “academy model” of instruction -- creating small schools within the larger school to enhance personalized learning and relationships.

“As educators, we play a critical part in children’s lives, and all of the dedicated, hard-working professionals in the Manchester School District do a wonderful job of putting kids first,” said Brennan. “Now I have an opportunity to make sure children across the state receive a quality education.”

“We thank Ms. Brennan for her three decades of service to our district,” said Superintendent Dr. Bolgen Vargas. “She will be a great asset to the Department of Education, and we look forward to working with her in a different capacity to serve our students.”

Brennan received her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Bridgewater State College, a master’s in reading and writing from Plymouth State University, and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) in educational leadership, also from Plymouth State University.

Brennan will begin her duties in Concord this month.