“COMMUNITY AND CARING”: New Littlebrook Principal Luis Ramirez looks forward to making connections with students, teachers, and the larger community. Princeton Schools Superintendent Steve Cochrane described him as “a caring, energetic, and truly visionary instructional leader.” (Photo courtesy of Littlebrook School)

“I believe what stood out most to people who interacted with Mr. Ramirez throughout the search process is that he is a champion of children,” said Princeton Public Schools Superintendent Steve Cochrane in announcing his choice for the next principal of Littlebrook Elementary School.

Starting with more than 175 applications, Mr. Cochrane and his search committee narrowed the list down to Luis Ramirez, principal of Parsons Elementary School in North Brunswick, for the Littlebrook leadership spot to succeed Annie Kosek, who has moved to the central office as assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction.

Mr. Cochrane described Mr. Ramirez as ”a caring, energetic, and truly visionary instructional leader.” He continued, “Luis served as an elementary school assistant principal in Millstone Township where I had the honor to work with him closely. I know him to be a person of character, intelligence, and humor.”

Mr. Ramirez also worked in West Windsor as technology specialist, elementary teacher, and instructional support teacher. He began his career as a bilingual teacher at a middle school in Philadelphia.

Mr. Ramirez described himself as “a hands-on principal.” He looks forward to spending time in the classrooms, meeting often with students and teachers.

“My priority,” he said, “is making sure all the students’ needs are being met, making sure academic programs maintain their excellence.”

After his first week on the job, Mr. Ramirez commented on the positive atmosphere at Littlebrook. “What I am most impressed with is the sense of community and caring,” he said. “I have been visited by several staff members, PTO executive board officers, district personnel, and students. Everyone has been so welcoming and helpful since my arrival.”

A classroom teacher for most of his career, Mr. Ramirez, 48, was persuaded five years ago to get his principal’s certification and was hired as Millstone Township assistant principal.

“Much of my teaching has been as a general education teacher in inclusion classes,” he said. “I know how to reach certain types of learners in different classes. I always told myself I would never want to lose touch with the students.”

He continued, “A big focus for me is also differentiated instruction, and I love helping teachers to home in on their craft with the infusion of technology. But I always told myself I would never want to lose touch with the students.”

Expressing his excitement at the opportunity to become more of an educational and instructional leader, Mr. Ramirez noted, “what drew me to Littlebrook was the diversity, the garden program, and the movement toward going green.” His to-do list, he said, included meeting the needs of the diverse population, making sure the program is challenging for all, and improving racial literacy, “as we all work together toward the common good.”

Mr. Ramirez and his wife Jennifer have two daughters, Brieanna, 23, and Alexis, 21.