Steve Woznicki is stepping down as principal of the West Hartford Elementary School.

Braeburn Elementary School. Photo courtesy of West Hartford Public Schools

By Ronni Newton

Superintendent of Schools Tom Moore has announced that Steve Woznicki has unexpectedly chosen to step down as principal of Braeburn Elementary School, and Jeffrey Sousa will replace him as interim principal for the 2015-2015 school year.

Moore said that Woznicki’s decision to step down was made for personal reasons. Woznicki has been principal of Braeburn since July 1, 2013, when he took over for Natalie Simspon who retired.

“While the timing of this so close to the school year is not ideal, we are fortunate that we have an excellent replacement, who I am sure will be welcomed with open arms by the entire Braeburn community,” Moore wrote in a letter to the Braeburn community.

Sousa, who has been an assistant principal at Sedgwick Middle School for three-and-a-half years, is already known to many Braeburn families. He also has experience teaching at the elementary school level – beginning his career as a kindergarten teacher and also teaching first and fifth grade.

Moore said that Sousa “is approachable, a fixture at school events, and he believes strongly in the potential of every child.”

Sousa is a Connecticut native, with a bachelors degree in science and Spanish from Southern Connecticut State University as well as an MA in school health education and a 6th year degree in educational leadership, also from Southern. He has three young children.

“I assure you that Braeburn is in great hands, and I am excited for the future there under Mr. Sousa’s leadership,” Moore said.

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