Darien Public Schools Superintendent Announces Resignation

DARIEN, CT — Superintendent of Darien Public Schools Dr. Alan Addley on Thursday announced his resignation, effective June 30 "or on a mutually agreed upon date."

In an email to families and staff, Addley said he plans to step down after 41 years in education, which includes 17 years as a superintendent, "to spend quality time with family and pursue other endeavors." He joined DPS in 2019.

"It has been a tremendous privilege and honor to serve as Superintendent of Darien Public Schools and to have provided continuity of leadership during the past six years," Addley wrote. "I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I have had to work with such dedicated staff, Board members, public officials, parents, and students. Together, we have navigated some unique challenges and developed meaningful programs, practices and projects that have benefited all of Darien's students and staff."

Addley went on to call DPS "an exceptional New England School district." He said he is "committed to assisting the Board in the transition to new leadership."

"For some life events, you go on but never really move on," he added. "As I look forward to retirement with excitement and anticipation, I know a wee part of me will always be part of the Blue Wave family and much like the tree in my favorite children's book, The Giving Tree - the tree was happy!"

Addley thanked the community and staff for their "unwavering support of education and care" for the students over the past six years.

Last summer, the Darien Board of Education voted to extend Addley's contract by a year through June 30, 2027. As part of the extension, Addley's base salary was $329,584, a 3 percent increase over his previous salary of $319,984.

Before coming to Darien in 2019, Addley was the head of the Granby Public Schools District for 11 years.

Addley replaced interim DPS Superintendent Elliot Landon, who took over for Dan Brenner.

Brenner resigned the previous year to take another job out of the district.

A native of Northern Ireland, Addley was a professional soccer player at one point and began his 41-year educational career as a mathematics teacher.

Board of Education Vice Chair Robin Nelson, who is serving as acting chair this week since Jill McCammon is away, issued a statement to Patch regarding Addley's impending retirement.

"The Board of Education sincerely thanks Dr. Addley for his six years of leadership and dedicated service to the Darien Public Schools," Nelson said. "During his tenure, Dr. Addley guided our district through unique challenges, including the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, while developing meaningful programs that have benefited all of our students and staff.

"Dr. Addley also oversaw the successful new construction of Ox Ridge Elementary School and has helped guide the ongoing renovations of Holmes, Hindley and Royle elementary schools. His leadership helped maintain Darien Public Schools as one of the top-ranked districts in Connecticut.

"We wish Dr. Addley all the best in his retirement and future endeavors. The Board is committed to conducting a thorough and transparent search for our next superintendent and will provide updates as the process progresses."