Brooke Bastian selected as new principal of Elbridge Elementary

Former Elbridge Elementary teacher and Jordan-Elbridge Dynamic Intermediate School principal intern Brooke Bastian was selected as the new principal of Elbridge Elementary on June 3. To watch an introduction video, click here.

Bastian – who will enter her 18th year in education – will replace R.J. Hartwell who will assume a position as the district’s business official. She said some of the most significant responsibilities of the position include creating and nurturing positive relationships with students, families, faculty and the community.  

“I want people to feel that I am approachable, transparent, and visible. This is a particularly tumultuous time for schools and I will be working to build relationships, trust, and cultivate mutual respect with all stakeholders,” she said.

“I feel that one of the most important roles of a principal is that of instructional leader. I want to support student achievement by being actively involved in instruction.”

As the JEDIS principal intern, Bastian worked with teachers on best instructional practices, built positive relationships with students using the school’s SOAR program, and led a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) committee that worked with students in small groups and individually. She also partnered with families to support student growth both in and outside of school.

In 2017, she was awarded Elementary Teacher of the Year by the Cayuga-Onondaga School Boards Association.

Bastian said the position offered her a chance to see the four seasons through the principal perspective, and allowed her to grow professionally because she was trusted to take chances. In the new position, she says she’s looking forward to supporting students and staff, and implementing the district’s mission to cultivate the best in personal growth and achievement.

She wants the school community to know that her core values are “connection” and “courage,” and she always leans on those in her life.

"Connection is all about relationships. I value building trust through cultivating positive relationships with people, and courage is about showing up and letting yourself be seen. I will bring these values with me as I start my new position,” she said.

“I love the small town community experience that you get at JE. I also love that I can continue to support and watch students flourish as they get older. This is a community that commits to bringing the best out in each other, and that is very special.”