Leadership

As I reflect on the past 16 years serving Brighton High School as a teacher, coach, Dean of Students, Assistant Principal, and Athletic Director, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside so many outstanding students, dedicated staff members, and supportive families. Brighton High School is a truly special place, built on a rich tradition of excellence, pride, and community. It is a school where students are encouraged to dream big, work hard, and believe that anything is possible.

As we begin another exciting school year, I encourage every Bulldog to embrace new opportunities, set meaningful goals, and strive for excellence in everything you do. Whether you are competing in a sport, performing in the arts, participating in a club, or focusing on your academic pursuits, know that your effort, commitment, and attitude matter.

To our parents and families, thank you for your continued partnership and support. Your encouragement plays a vital role in the success of our students and our school community. Please know that my door is always open, and I encourage you to reach out if I can ever be of assistance.

I am honored to serve this incredible school and community and look forward to another year of celebrating the achievements of our students. Here's to a fantastic year filled with growth, success, and Bulldog pride.

Go Bulldogs!

David Smith

Assistant Principal, Brighton High School

dsmith@sd27j.net

Bulldog Students, Parents, and Community,

I am incredibly grateful and excited to be part of the Brighton High School Bulldog community!  A Bulldog at heart, I was raised in Brighton and graduated from BHS in 1996, having walked the same halls as today’s students and grown up enjoying being part of our long-standing Bulldog community traditions.  I feel deeply connected to our school through years of family attendance and personal history. 

I have spent the majority of my career in 27J Schools as both a teacher and a school leader, with positions at South Elementary and Northeast Elementary prior to making the move to Brighton High School in the spring of 2025.  In my role at BHS as an Assistant Principal, I support our 9th grade students as well as the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), our Culturally and Linguistically Diverse courses and planning, the ACES (Advanced Courses for Every Student) support systems, World Languages, and Social Studies departments. 

I am a longtime member of the Brighton community, living locally here in Brighton and am a proud parent multiple BHS alumni as well as current BHS students, which further cements my investment in our school’s legacy and positive impact on all of our BHS students and the important roles they will play in the future of our community.  I deeply appreciate BHS's community partnerships and am grateful for the strong connections Brighton High School has to the people, businesses, and greater community of Brighton. Away from school, I enjoy playing golf with my husband and kids, traveling, baking, reading, gardening, and cheering on my children during sporting events and dance performances.  

I believe strongly in the BHS mission of sparking curiosity that drives academic excellence while uniting our community through respect and kindness and the work we do to support our students in finding success.  I hope to bring to BHS a meaningful and impactful blend of school loyalty, community commitment, and educational leadership in my new role.  Please reach out to me if I can be of support in some way in your connection to Brighton High School.  I am eager to serve our BHS students and community.

Go Bulldogs!

Mrs. Kristen Puzio

Assistant Principal, Brighton High School

kpuzio@sd27j.net

I am honored to serve as the Athletic Director, Activities Director, and Career and Technical Education (CTE) Administrator at Brighton High School! As a proud Colorado native, I have dedicated 15 years to education, serving as a project manager at the Colorado Department of Education (CDE), classroom teacher, Dean, Assistant Principal, and now in a leadership role supporting opportunities that help students grow, discover their passions, and prepare for their futures. My background includes teaching Business, Computer Science, Personal Finance, AVID, and elementary education. Experiences that have strengthened my passion for creating meaningful pathways for students.

Athletics and activities have always been a significant part of my life. I was a student-athlete at Pueblo South High School, where I had the honor of winning multiple conference, regional, and individual championships, state 3-point basketball championship, and I continued my athletic career playing basketball at the collegiate level. For 24 years, I have coached volleyball, basketball, and tennis, experiences that have shaped my belief in the power of teamwork, perseverance, leadership, and character development. Founded Pirate Youth Sports as a non-profit organization to offer low cost athletic programming to the Englewood community.  I have also had the privilege of working with the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA), helping facilitate regional and state tournaments in volleyball, basketball, tennis, football, and wrestling, while serving on multiple sport committees.

As Athletic Director and Activities Director, I am committed to the Bulldog culture centered on excellence, sportsmanship, belonging, and student success. I believe athletics, activities, and CTE programs provide students with invaluable opportunities to develop skills, explore interests, and prepare for life beyond high school. I am excited to support our coaches, advisors, staff, students and parents while continuing to expand opportunities that allow every Bulldog to find their passion and thrive. Outside of school, I enjoy exploring Colorado’s mountains and trails with my husband and our Australian Cattle Dog, crafting, watching and playing sports, and learning new skills, including dancing. I look forward to partnering with the Brighton community as we continue to build a proud tradition of Bulldog excellence.

Go Bulldogs!

Go Bulldogs!

ejames@sd27j.net

I am thrilled to be serving as Assistant Principal at Brighton High School, home of the Bulldogs!

I started my career in education as a classroom teacher and quickly discovered how much I love building relationships with students, staff, and families. Over the years, I have worked as a teacher and instructional coach, supporting educators in creating engaging, student-centered learning environments. These experiences have shaped my belief that every student deserves a safe, welcoming space where they can grow, take risks, and discover their strengths.

At Brighton, I am here to support our students in achieving their goals, our teachers in creating dynamic classrooms, and our community in building a strong school culture. I am passionate about helping students find their voice, stay connected to school, and leave with the skills and confidence they need for whatever comes next.

When I am not at school, you will probably find me running, hiking Colorado trails, reading, spending time with family, or cheering for a local team. I am proud to be a Bulldog and cannot wait to see all we will accomplish together this year!

ltuck@sd27j.net

Bulldog Students, Parents, and Community:

My educator philosophy is centered around the whole child. I firmly believe that every student has the ability to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. My leadership style is focused on collaboration, partnership, and the idea that everyone matters. 

This year I will be overseeing Brighton High School’s: Mathematics and Science departments. Other roles I oversee are Safety and Security, Conferences, Gifted and Talented, Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Graduation, and 12th graders (Seniors). These programs amongst so much more that Brighton has to offer gives students their best opportunity to be successful not only today, but in life. 

A little about myself, I’m a Colorado native. I got my undergraduate degree at The University of Northern Colorado and my masters at Regis University. I love everything sports and still play in adult soccer leagues. This will be my 10th year in 27J Schools and can’t imagine ever leaving. 

I feel honored to be part of the Brighton High School team. Finally, I look forward to helping students to be their best selves and be a part of the team that prepares them for what the world has to offer.

Sincerely,

Mr. Anthony D’Alanno

Assistant Principal, Brighton High School

adalanno@sd27j.net

Hello BHS Community, 

I am experienced educational leader with more than 13 years in K–12 education, serving as a teacher, dean, instructional leader, and administrator. I am  passionate about creating positive school cultures, supporting student success, and building strong relationships with students, staff, families, and the community. I'm committed to leading with integrity, collaboration, and a student-centered approach while developing systems that promote academic achievement, extracurricular excellence, and a safe, inclusive learning environment. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, following athletics, and giving back to his community. 

Go Bulldogs 

Sincerely,

Mr. Anthony (Tony) Saulino

Dean of Students, Brighton High School

asaulino@sd27j.net