A familiar face was tapped to lead the Marblehead Community Charter Public School as its head of school, succeeding Peter Cohen, who resigned last year.
Stephanie Brant, who has been the school’s interim head of school for 11 months, was appointed to the full-time post by the charter’s board of trustees last week. In a statement, the board praised Brant’s collaborative leadership approach for creating a strong sense of teamwork among the school’s community.
Brant joined the charter school as its dean of students in August 2022 and was named assistant head of school in February 2023. She was appointed as interim head of the school in March 2023. Before joining the school, Brant spent 17 years as the clinical director of the Child Protection Unit for the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office.
“Stephanie is known for her fairness in decision-making, ensuring equitable opportunities for all students. She believes in an open-door policy, encouraging open communication and fostering a supportive environment where everyone’s voice is heard and valued,” the board said in the statement. “She prioritizes project-based learning, celebrates our diversity, and embraces community outreach… Most importantly, she makes sure every child who walks through the door feels seen and valued.”
Under Brant, the school’s students and staff are “more engaged than ever” about teaching and learning, the statement said. It added that she has focused on upholding academic rigor and ensuring all students have an equitable experience at the school, while also implemented “innovative solutions” to raise the bar for student achievement.
“Her passion for excellence will continue driving our school to new heights,” the statement said. “We are confident that under her leadership, our school will continue to flourish and provide an outstanding educational experience for all students.”
Brant has also worked as a middle school program coach; a district liaison for social, emotional, and behavioral intervention; and an out-of-district coordinator for Chelsea Public Schools. In addition, she served as a special education administrator for Salem Public Schools and took on roles with the Shore Education Collaborative.
Brant graduated from Simmons University, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in human services and later a master’s degree in social work. She is a licensed clinical social worker and holds licensure with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education as a school counselor/school adjustment counselor, special education administrator, and school superintendent.
A resident of Marblehead, Brant is a mother of three.
“She is rooted in the Marblehead community and committed to ensuring the success and well-being of every student at MCCPS,” the statement said.