Somers Superintendent Announces Imminent Retirement

SOMERS, CT — After five years as superintendent of Somers Public Schools, Brian Czapla has announced he will retire at the end of the current academic year.

Czapla announced his intention to retire at Monday's Board of Education meeting. He said, "It has been my honor to spend the past four and a half years of my professional career in a community that values education and places a high priority on providing its children with the best opportunities to succeed."

He officially began working in Somers on July 1, 2017, replacing Maynard Suffredini, who retired after 10 years as superintendent. He had been an administrator in the Glastonbury public school system for 18 years, including a dozen years as director of educational technology.

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. His first administrative role was in Windsor Locks as a middle school assistant principal.

He received numerous awards and recognition during his career, 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.

Czapla's complete message from Monday's meeting is below.

This evening I informed the Board of Education that I intend to retire at the end of this school year. It has been my honor to spend the past four and a half years of my professional career in a community that values education and places a high priority on providing its children with the best opportunities to succeed. While the last two years have brought on significant challenges, I truly believe that the school system is well-positioned to continue growing, improving, and thriving. The Board of Education will begin to engage in a search process for the new Superintendent. This process will most certainly involve parent focus groups and input. When the process is finalized, the Board will communicate this to the Somers community. Thank you for your support and confidence. I wish you and your family continued health, safety, and success.