New WHS Assistant Principal Appointed
At its first regular public meeting for the 2024-2025 academic year on August 27, the Westfield Board of Education approved the appointment of Brett Curtis as Westfield High School assistant principal, effective August 1, 2024. Curtis succeeds James DeSarno who was appointed in May as Director of Athletics / Supervisor of K-12 Physical Education and Health.
Curtis joined the Westfield Public School District in 2013 as a social studies teacher at the high school, a position he has held since. Over the past year, Curtis participated in a field-based leadership internship during which his activities included co-founding a Wellness Council which is devoted to promoting staff wellness and community engagement at the high school, assisting in the preparation and implementation of state testing, developing master schedules, and collaborating with department supervisors to craft 5th grade historical context lessons on the Holocaust for the historical fiction novel, Number the Stars.
“Mr. Curtis is highly regarded by his colleagues and administrators,” says WHS principal Mary Asfendis. “I have observed and worked with Mr. Curtis throughout his time at Westfield High School and know him to be a professional, collaborative staff member who is driven to provide quality educational experiences while also supporting the whole student. He is driven and dependable and will be a great asset to our leadership team.”
Curtis, who also has served as coach of the freshman boys basketball team for the past 9 years, earned Master of Arts degrees in Educational Leadership from Ramapo College and in Teaching from Monmouth University. He was awarded a Bachelor of Arts in History from Rutgers University in 2011.
In 2018, Curtis received the PTSO Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award by the Westfield High School parent community. As a social studies educator who taught AP U.S. History, AP Government and Politics, and U.S. History I and II, he differentiated instruction according to student skill level.
“My vision for education aligns with the continuous improvement expected at Westfield High School. I believe in equipping students with critical skills like creativity, problem solving, and media literacy for success in an evolving world,” says Curtis, adding that his vision aligns with the district’s five-year Strategic Plan. “I believe in instilling character traits like respect, accountability, a love of learning, and resilience and identifying and building upon each student’s unique potential to cultivate confidence and strong character.”
“I am delighted to welcome Brett to our leadership team as the new assistant principal at Westfield High School,” says Superintendent Dr. Raymond González. “Brett’s commitment to innovative educational approaches and inclusive learning environments make him an excellent fit for his new position.”
Photo Credit: Westfield Public Schools