The Association of Wisconsin School Administrators has named Andy Farley as its 2023 Wisconsin Secondary Principal of the Year.

Farley (an East alum himself) has served as principal of Brookfield East High School in the Elmbrook Schools for the past nine years. During that time, he has built a school culture rooted in positivity, opportunity, collaboration, relationships, and a commitment to the growth of students and educators as learners and leaders.

This process started about eight years ago, when teachers, staff, and administrators came together to define the school’s mission, vision, and core values. They focused on commitments to maximizing the impact on students, learning, teamwork, service, and providing relevance for student success at Brookfield East and beyond.

"Mr. Farley has had a tremendous impact on staff, students, and families at Brookfield East for nearly a decade,” said Superintendent Mark Hansen. “Through a strong school culture built on academic and human excellence, Brookfield East is flourishing.”

To ensure the school continues its path of excellence, a ​​Principal's Cabinet made up of approximately 60 students regularly reviews the core values to develop ideas and action plans to ensure Brookfield East is meeting the needs of all learners. The cabinet played a leading role in the school’s adopting of a daily resource period to help students manage their stress and workload.

Under Farley’s leadership, the school has also aligned systems, structures, and priorities to ensure all students are college, career, and life ready. This has led to 85 percent of students selecting a two- or four-year technical college or university pathway after graduation. 

“On behalf of AWSA, I am honored to recognize Andy Farley with the Wisconsin Secondary Principal of the Year Award,” said Jim Lynch, executive director of AWSA. “During his time at Brookfield East, Mr. Farley has fostered an incredible school culture. This award is a reflection of his outstanding efforts to constantly improve teaching and learning throughout the school.”

Farley received a master’s degree in educational leadership from Marian University and a bachelor’s degree in secondary education/history from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He also has previous experience as an associate principal and social studies teacher.

Congratulations to Mr. Farley on this well-deserved recognition!

(Pictured L to R: 2 AWSA Representatives, Andy Farley, Mark Hansen)