Hello Bellevue Bronco Families,

My name is Danny Brininstool, and I’m proud to serve as Principal of the Bellevue Jr/Sr High School. I take an immense amount of pride with this leadership role as I was a 2001 graduate of Bellevue High School. Bellevue is more than just my hometown; it’s where my values were shaped and where I learned the importance of community, pride, and perseverance.

I began my teaching career on the west side of the state at Hartford High School, where I taught Social Studies and took on multiple leadership roles—as a coach, Model UN club advisor, Class Advisor, and member of the District Leadership Team. In 2018, my family and I were excited to return to Bellevue—to be closer to loved ones and to raise our children in the same community that helped shape my core values.

Having grown up here and now raising a family here, I understand both the strengths and the challenges we face, and I am deeply committed to helping Bellevue thrive. My goal is to ensure every student feels supported, valued, and proud to be a Bronco. Much of what I've become in my life is owed to the experiences I was afforded during my time growing up in this amazing community. I loved my previous work experiences, but in the end Bellevue is home, and “Once a Bronco, Always a Bronco”.

The importance of education and community, and the impact it can have was shown to me early in life — my mother taught in Bellevue for over 30 years, and my family has been involved in the community for generations. I hope my own children have the chance to learn the same meaningful lessons I did growing up in Bellevue—lessons about taking pride in their school and community, and truly valuing the deep loyalty that binds this town together. Time and time again, I’ve seen those who have the least often give the most and are the first to offer help in this community. That’s the heart of Bellevue, and it’s something I want my kids and all Bellevue students to carry with them. I believe in the power of relationships and the importance of community, and I strive to lead with a focus on putting these values at the front of decisions made within our building. 

My family has a passion for seeing Bellevue succeed, and that goal to see Bellevue succeed was my main motivation in taking on this role of Principal at the Jr/Sr High School. Becoming an administrator wasn’t part of my original plan when I entered education, but Bellevue is different—it’s home. It’s that deep connection to this community that drives my commitment to this leadership role. Bellevue deserves leaders who truly understand what it means to be a Bronco—leaders who are dedicated to building a school culture that makes families proud and excited for their children to grow up as part of the Bellevue tradition.

At the heart of that commitment is a belief that has guided me throughout my career: “Students don’t care what you know until they know that you care.” This philosophy guides the interactions I have—not only with our students, but also with staff, families, alumni, and community members. Together, we all play a role in shaping the future of our children and community, and therefore I take pride in developing positive relationships with those within this community. 

Thank you for trusting us with your students. I look forward to partnering with all of you in continuing positive and impactful traditions already established at Bellevue, while also looking to build towards the future with a focus on pride within the school and community, and instilling skills that will guide them in persevering with any challenges they face.

With Bronco Pride,

Danny Brininstool
Principal, Bellevue Jr/Sr High School

“Once a Bronco, Always a Bronco”