Sedgwick Middle School Names New Principal

WEST HARTFORD, CT — For Sedgwick Middle School's next principal, leading the school will represent a full-circle moment.

Juan Melián, who takes the reins on July 1, started his career as a Spanish teacher at Sedgwick 25 years ago, and he has also served as the school's assistant principal.

A West Hartford resident, Melián is currently the principal of Charter Oak International Academy, and has also served as principal of Smith STEM School. Earlier this month, Sedgwick school officials announced that he would become the school's next principal.

In a letter to parents, officials said Melián "appreciates the unique nature of the middle school years, while having a love for this special place."

"Juan Melián has been an inspirational and collaborative principal in West Hartford, and was excited by the opportunity not just to return to his roots here, but to take on the challenge of leading Sedgwick Middle School as we move out of the pandemic," officials said the letter.

Melián will replace Sedgwick's current principal, Andrew Clapsaddle. Clapsaddle, who has been principal since 2014, will become East Hartford's supervisor of fine and performing arts on July 1.

"We are all so very thrilled that Juan will be staying in West Hartford, and will continue to build the family and school relationships that have been his hallmark as a leader," the letter reads.