Brookfield Superintendent John Barile announced his resignation on March 10. He will be taking a new job as the Dean of Central Connecticut State University’s (CCSU) School of Education.
“I look forward to joining CCSU’s vibrant community as I assume this new leadership role in higher education to develop the next generation of PreK-12 public school teachers, as well as school & district leaders,” Barile wrote in a letter sent out to the district.
Barile has been the Brookfield Superintendent for 10 years. During this time, he oversaw the construction of a new elementary school, implemented new math, English, and world language programs, and developed a new Strategic Plan, according to the Brookfield Public School’s website.
“I want to extend my deepest appreciation to the families for entrusting us with the education and well-being of your children,” he wrote in his letter. “It has been an extraordinary privilege to be part of shaping a strong foundation for their futures. Your unwavering commitment and involvement have played a vital role in creating a thriving and nurturing learning environment.”
He also thanked the administration, faculty and staff in the district for their professionalism, creativity and support for students.
“One of my fondest memories is witnessing the growth of our students and celebrating them during the annual stepping up and commencement ceremonies, where their achievements truly highlighted the impact of our collective efforts,” he wrote.
Anthony Bivona, Barile’s predecessor, was fired after the district overspent its budget by more than $1 million in two years. During this tenure, former School Finance Director Art Colley stole almost $80,000 from the district, which Bivona did not know about. Bivona later sued the district for wrongful termination and received $175,000 in the settlement.
Barile has been credited with restoring trust with the community after that scandal, and helping the district bounce back.
However, during his time as the superintendent, there have been a number of controversies in the district.
In 2022, the mother of a child with special needs was told that the district would pay for her son to be moved to another school district if she stopped talking about the district and the BOE to the press, Inside Investigator reported. And, recently, ninth grader Melanie Corea accused the district of unfairly giving her an in-school suspension, because she recorded secretly a remediation meeting with a student she claimed bullied her. Melanie spoke at the March 5 BOE meeting, as did her father, Andrew, who accused Barile of poor leadership.
“I think this fantastic news,” said Irene Corea, Melanie’s mother. “I think the district is overdue for new leadership… the BOE has a big job finding a replacement. That person has a very big job to do when they come in. There’s a lot of things to fix in my opinion.”
Barile will remain as the Superintendent of the Brookfield School District until the end of the school year.
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