Simsbury High School Names New Principal

Simsbury High School will have a new principal next year.

On Tuesday, the Simsbury Board of Education appointed Andrew O’Brien to the position of principal at SHS.

The comprehensive process of selecting a principal began in March of 2015 and included a survey and focus groups of students, parents/guardians, and faculty members.

O’Brien served as a teacher for Middletown High School for 13 years and in 2007 was appointed assistant principal at MHS, where he served over four years. He is currently in his fourth year as principal at Nonnewaug High School in Woodbury.

O’Brien earned his B.S. in Biology from Southern Connecticut State University and his M.A. from Quinnipiac University. He also earned his Sixth Year Degree in Educational Leadership from Central Connecticut State University.

In a letter to parents/guardians announcing O’Brien’s appointment, Superintendent Matt Curtis wrote, “Everyone who has worked with Andrew speaks about his impressive skill set, including his strong interpersonal skills, his ability to communicate effectively, and his commitment to working collaboratively with parents, teachers, and students. His extensive knowledge of curriculum and instruction will support the fine programmatic work that is ongoing at Simsbury High School. It was clear throughout the interview process and site visit that Andrew is passionate about high school leadership and puts students at the center of all of his decisions.”

Curtis expressed confidence that O’Brien will be a good match for the high school community and will carry on SHS’s tradition of excellence.

O’Brien will begin his new position on July 1.

Photo courtesy of Simsbury High School.