You’ve been at other schools…what made you stay at BDS? The people by far.  All the students, families, and teachers care so much and want to work together to do what is best for success. 

October is designated as National Principals’ Month, which offers an opportunity for district leaders, elected officials, parents, students, teachers, staff, school leaders, and communities to celebrate and honor principals’ transformational leadership and tireless pursuit of success for each student.

As a smaller, tightly connected school, BDS is fortunate to have very personal, accessible to our staff, administrators, and our Principal.  Mr. Brozene has worked his way through the educational system, gaining experience at each level which has enabled him to lead through that experience.

With all of that being said, Principal Brozene took some time to talk with us, allowing a little insight into what makes him tick.  He humbly responded:

Are you from Baltimore? No, I’m originally from Birdsboro, PA (near Reading).

What brought you here? After my sophomore year in High School my dad got a new job and moved us to Maryland.  I’ve been here ever since.

While he seems to be at the school 24hrs a day, Brozene works hard to maintain a work/life balance and goes home to his wife, two kids, and “a bunch of animals (dog, fish, geckos, and hermit crabs)”. 

Brozene demonstrated a strong work ethic from early on, as a student. “I was a straight ‘A’ student throughout high school where I graduated #2 in my class and college where I graduated #5” said Brozene.  He was interested in going into the legal field, however after consulting with the members of his family who were teachers, he decided to jump at an opportunity to teach. Brozene became a Social Studies teacher and worked for 12 years at Forest Park H.S.  He came to BDS in 2017 where he served as Assistant Principal for three years before undergoing a rigorous process to be selected as Principal by a panel of students, parents, teachers and members of the BDS Board of Trustees.  He was admired for his commitment; giving his best effort to get the job done, and maintaining a level of accountability that contributes to his success.

What is the hardest thing to deal with in your position? Motivating others and balancing the various wants, desires, and interests of students, staff, and families.  

What do you lean on when things get hard? 
 A wall because it doesn’t move…lol [Mr. Brozene is well known for his corny sense of humor].    

Taking on the role as interim principal during COVID meant things did get hard.  But Principal Brozene is a strategist, and focuses on finding solutions.  He always presents an optimistic outlook. “There really is no time for negativity”, he says.  “Staying positive is infectious and it builds the relationships necessary to attain goals and dreams.”  His motto when things are challenging is best said by Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu:  “The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.”

You’ve been at other schools…what made you stay at BDS? The people by far.  All the students, families, and teachers care so much and want to work together to do what is best for success. 

Principal Brozene looks forward to coming in to work each day, motivated by being able to see “students engage with learning, and the creative ways they embrace the challenges put forth by teachers.”