The Brookfield Board of Education unanimously selected Rich Napoli to serve as the district’s Interim Superintendent from June 30 to September 7, 2025, and Vonda Tencza to lead the district from September 8 to June 30, 2026.

Mr. Napoli was the acting Dean of Students at Whisconier Middle School for the 2024-2025 school year. He came to Brookfield after a lengthy career as a teacher and administrator in Milford, Stratford, Wallingford, Old Lyme, Willington, and Wolcott. This broad base of experience was a key reason the Board chose Mr. Napoli to lead during this transition period.

“I am honored to support the Brookfield Public Schools during this important transition,” Mr. Napoli said. He added, “My priority is to ensure that all aspects of our schools are well-positioned to provide a safe, welcoming, and successful start to the new school year for our students and staff.” Dr. Wendy Youngblood, chair of the Board of Education, expressed the Board’s gratitude to Mr. Napoli. “We needed a capable leader to take the reins for the summer months. Rich has a strong track record and is well respected for his work as Dean of Students. We are grateful he agreed to apply his talents in this role when the district needs him.”

Mr. Napoli holds a BS from Eastern Connecticut State University. He earned an MS and Sixth Year credentials at Southern Connecticut State University. Mr. Napoli’s term as interim superintendent will expire on September 7, 2025, at which time he will resume the role of Dean of Students at Whisconier Middle School. 

Mr. Napoli replaces Dr. John Barile, who served as superintendent of Brookfield Schools for ten years. Dr. Barile accepted the position of Dean of the College of Education at Central Connecticut State University.

Mrs. Tencza recently retired as the superintendent of the Woodbridge Public Schools, where she led the district for three years. Mrs. Tencza brings many years of experience as an administrator in Seymour and Hebron, and as a teacher in Wethersfield. She earned her BS, MS, and Sixth Year Degree all at Central Connecticut State University. The Board voted unanimously to bring Mrs. Tencza in, citing her focus on healthy communication, relationship building, and keeping ongoing initiatives on track. “Brookfield has such a strong reputation,” Mrs. Tencza explained, “and I’m excited and honored to be working with you all. There is already so much in this district to be proud of.”

First Selectman Steve Dunn signaled his appreciation. “We thank the Board of Education for managing this challenging transition so smoothly, and we look forward to working with the new leaders in the upcoming months.”