Byron Center — A familiar face in Byron Center, Gregg Bruno has returned to the district to lead staff and students at Marshall Elementary — “M-ah-shall,” as he says with his well-known Boston accent.
“I feel like I’ve been handed the keys to an Aston Martin,” Bruno said about becoming principal at a new building this year.
Though he spent several years in administrative roles at Thornapple Kellogg schools, Bruno’s family ties to Byron Center remained. When considering the later third of his education career, he said his family decided to move back to their former stomping grounds.
SNN gets to know Bruno in this edition of Meet Your Administrators.
Other positions you have held in education: Last year, Bruno served as one of Thornapple Kellogg High School’s assistant principals, after four years as principal at Page Elementary in the same district. He previously was principal at St. John Vianney, Diocese of Grand Rapids in Wyoming; assistant principal and middle school athletic director at West Middle School; and a teacher at Byron Center High School, and Sharon High School and Blackstone-Millville High School in Massachusetts.
He also coached several sports including track, football, baseball, girls’ varsity cross-country and boys JV hockey.
Education/degrees:
- Bachelor’s degree in history, University of New Hampshire
- Master’s degree in teaching and curriculum, Boston University
- Master’s degree in educational leadership, Western Michigan University
Why did you want to become an administrator? “I love interacting with staff and students and being able to do things in the background that are potentially unnoticed, but make it easier for the staff to shine well for the students.”
Describe your leadership style in seven words or less: “A servant leader that leads by serving.”
What would you like to share about your family? Bruno and his wife, Linda, who is a BC graduate, have three children: Lucas, a senior; Evan, a sophomore; and Anna, an eighth-grader. Penny, the golden doodle, is also an important member of the Bruno family.
Name three great things about going into K-12 education: “At Marshall in particular, I am blown away by a couple of things: the wonderful job they do here with literacy, the development of inclusive programs, and Byron Center as a whole doing a wonderful job with focusing on developing academics and the quality of the human beings. They do an amazing job really caring for and developing students so they are well-rounded, have character and strong academics.”
How will you encourage student voices in your building? “My first year will be about learning. There are things for me to learn about the Leader In Me program and how to utilize it to encourage students. Marshall has impressive teacher leadership that develops impressive student leadership to be a voice that amplifies the work that is happening here.”
Are you a dog person or a cat person and why? “Definitely a dog person. We have a dog, Penny, but I also have been told I have ‘golden retriever or labrador energy’ as a person. I’m always running a million miles ahead.”
What book, movie, TV show or podcast have you loved lately? “I love to read, so I’m always reading. There is a gentleman, Steve Magness. I read his books and listen to his podcast and think of how I can use his leadership concepts to be a better principal. My ‘main course’ podcast is focused on how I can be the best version of myself, and my ‘dessert’ podcast is about the New England Patriots.”
What is one thing on your bucket list? “I really want to go skydiving.”
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