Good Morning, BPS Community:

Last month, Russell Anderson resigned from his position as Board of Education Commissioner. Last evening, at the City Council meeting, Mr. Robert Parenti was appointed to fill the vacancy on the Bristol Board of Education. Mr. Parenti’s appointment is effective immediately, and his first meeting as Commissioner will be tonight at the Finance and Operations Committee meeting.
Mr. Parenti brings more than two decades of experience in educational leadership, special education, business operations, and organizational management across public, private, and regional educational settings. His career reflects a deep commitment to improving academic, social, and emotional outcomes for students while ensuring strong fiscal and operational stewardship.
Currently serving as a Special Education Teacher in West Hartford Public Schools, Mr. Parenti provides specialized instruction to students in grades K–8 and collaborates closely with families, educators, and administrators to ensure students are educated in the least restrictive environment. He also serves as a team leader, mentors new educators, and assists with budget development and planning.

His prior leadership experience includes roles as Director of Teaching and Education at Oak Hill School, Director of Business Operations & Special Services at EdAdvance, and Director of Special Education & Pupil Personnel for Plymouth Public Schools. Throughout his career, he has managed multimillion-dollar budgets, overseen large teams, strengthened compliance with state and federal mandates, and built strong collaborative relationships with school districts and community partners.

Mr. Parenti holds a Master of Business Administration from Sacred Heart University, a Master of Arts in Special Education from Saint Joseph University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Central Connecticut State University. He also holds Connecticut certifications in Comprehensive Special Education (K–12), School Business Administration, and Professional Administration.
In addition to his professional work in education, Mr. Parenti has served the Bristol community as City Treasurer, overseeing the city’s retirement pension fund in collaboration with the Comptroller, and as a Board Member for Friends of Feeney, supporting children and families who have experienced trauma.

Please join me in welcoming Mr. Parenti to the Bristol Board of Education. I look forward to working with him in support of our students, staff, and community.

In partnership,
Iris White
Superintendent of Schools