New Superintendent Named for Somers

SOMERS, CT — The Somers Board of Education on Tuesday unanimously appointed Brian Czapla as the new Superintendent of Schools.

He is scheduled to begin July 1 and will be replacing Maynard Suffredini, who is retiring after 10 years as the Somers Superintendent.

Czapla emerged as the top candidate from a field of 25 applicants, officials said.

“Out of all the candidates, Brian was the clear choice to lead Somers Public Schools," Somers Board of Education Chairman Bruce Devlin said. "He has extensive leadership experience, the ability to develop collaborative relationships in a kind and thoughtful manner, and a student-focused philosophy that will ensure Somers Public Schools continues to build on all its successes while providing our students with a high quality education.”

Czapla has been an administrator in the Glastonbury public school system for 18 years and has served as the director of educational technology for the past dozen.

In the role, he has been responsible for coordinating the development of the district budget, fiscal management, technology integration, policy and governance, curriculum, professional development, program administration, strategic planning, data analytics, and community programming, Devlin said.

He has facilitated "numerous impactful instructional strategies" including one of the first one-to-one technology initiatives in Connecticut, Devlin said.

He is known as an effective leader who establishes respectful partnerships with staff and the community in support of student learning.

Glastonbury Superintendent Alan Bookman had high praise for Czapla.

“Brian has been instrumental and influential in numerous academic and operational projects," Bookman said. "He has been performing the duties of an assistant superintendent the past 12 years without the formal title. Somers is very fortunate to have such a dynamic Superintendent. We will miss him terribly.”

Czapla said he is “honored, excited and humbled” to be joining Somers Public Schools.

“Somers has a rich history of excellence, innovation, high standards and public support,” he said. “I eagerly look forward to working with this exceptional team of students, staff, parents, Board of Education and community members as we continue the Somers tradition of excellence.”

Czapla received his bachelors degree from Providence College and his masters and advanced degrees from Central Connecticut State University.

He started his career as a high school math teacher in Region 8 and taught in Hartford and Bristol. Hisfirst administrative role was in Windsor Locks as a middle school assistant principal.

Czapla has received numerous awards and recognition including the National Districts of Distinction Award, Connecticut Assistant Principal of the Year, Central Connecticut State University Outstanding Alumni Leadership Award, Connecticut Association of School Librarians Administrator Award, and the Connecticut Quality Improvement Award.

He is also active in state and national initiatives such as Future Ready Schools, CREC Technology Council, and the Connecticut Commission for Educational Technology Data and Privacy Council.

Photo Credit: Somers Public Schools