Dana Brown, Malden High School, Selected as Massachusetts Principal of the Year (2016)
Mr. Dana Brown, Principal of Malden High School has been selected as Massachusetts Principal of the Year by the Massachusetts Secondary School Administrators Association (MSSAA). This program annually recognizes principals who demonstrate exemplary skills in instructional leadership, supporting a safe learning environment and fostering a collaborative culture of decision making among members of the school community. Mr. Brown will receive the 38th Bertram H. Holland Award at the annual MSSAA Leadership Institute at the Hyannis Resort and Conference Center on July 27, 2016.
Mr. Brown has created a collaborative culture at Malden High that bases all decision-making on a simple question; “Is it good for students?” Youngsters come to Malden High with a variety of learning styles. In addition, some come as parents, part-time workers or newly immigrated. Attending to all students takes creativity, hard work and patience.
Mr. Brown and his staff have displayed all three characteristics in their quest to make learning “personal” to each of their 1800+ students. They started with expanding course offerings, added flexible hours, and created on-line learning opportunities.
The Alternative School program was relocated to its rightful place in the main building. This change in environment for at-risk students paid immediate dividends as participation in extra-curricular activities increased, discipline referrals plummeted and graduation rates increased.
In partnership with Bunker Hill Community College, over 150 students are enrolled in BHCC courses as they get an early start on their post-secondary education. In addition, a small number of moderate to severe special education students are enrolled in BHCC’s Culinary Certification Program.
Mr. Brown has been at the forefront of an ever expanding social-emotional curriculum for youngsters. In April of 2015, a vision of his came to fruition with the first annual state wide“Teen Mental Health, Depression and Suicide Conference. “ This day-long event included 12 workshops hosted by over 10 noted practitioners from the New England area.
During Mr. Brown’s 13 year tenure his influence has ranged far beyond the campus ofMalden High. As a result, he has been honored by community service groups such as the Malden Rotary, Triangle, Inc., the Chinese Culture Connection, and the North ShoreBlack Women’s Association, to name a few. In addition, he has presented at the
- National Advanced Placement Conference
- Communities for Restorative Justice Annual Board Meeting
- America’s Promise Alliance Annual Meeting and at Tufts University Graduate School of Education.
Mr. Brown lives with his wife Marie and they are the parents of Dana Marie, a teacher in the Malden Public Schools and Jacqueline, a staff trainer for Jet Blue.
The Massachusetts Secondary School Administrators Association represents and supports the interests and needs of 1,500 middle and high school administrators throughout the Commonwealth
maldencitizensunited 