Interim Superintendent Of Schools Appointed In Darien

DARIEN, CT — The Darien Board of Education on Tuesday unanimously voted to appoint Dr. Eric Byrne as interim superintendent of schools, effective July 1.

Byrne will lead Darien Public Schools for the 2025-2026 school year while the school board searches for a permanent replacement. Byrne will take over for Dr. Alan Addley, who announced his impending retirement in March.

"Thank you very much to the board for this opportunity and your confidence. I look forward to collaborating with all of you in service of the children and families of Darien," Byrne said in brief remarks following his appointment. "I look forward to working with the faculty, staff and administration also in service of the schools."

Byrne thanked Addley for his support and guidance over the last few weeks.

"I look forward to continuing to call you a lot and relying on your incredible experience here in Darien," Byrne told Addley.

Byrne recently retired after serving as the superintendent of the Rye City School District in Rye, N.Y. since 2017.

A product of New York City public schools, Byrne began his career in education in New York City before transitioning to Westchester County.

Prior to his superintendency, Byrne served as an assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, elementary school principal, assistant principal, and high school science teacher.

Byrne holds a doctor of education in educational leadership and administration from Fordham University.

"We are thrilled not only to be working with him, but also that he would step up into this role," BOE Chair Jill McCammon said Tuesday.

The school board had formed a personnel search committee to find a replacement for Addley.

In an announcement Wednesday morning, the BOE said it has hired School Leadership, LLC to facilitate the permanent superintendent search.

School Leadership will commence the search by engaging the Darien community through surveys, focus groups, and interviews, the school board said. They will gather input from board members, teachers, staff, students, and the wider community in early fall.

"The board extends its sincere gratitude to Dr. Alan Addley for his six years of dedicated service to the district. Dr. Addley’s tenure began just six months before the onset of COVID and included championing the construction of the new Ox Ridge Elementary school; launching the renovations of Hindley, Holmes and Royle Elementary schools; and marshalling the district through the difficult but necessary change in K-3 Literacy Instruction," the school board said Wednesday.

"We thank Dr. Addley for his leadership and deep care for students throughout his time in Darien. He will continue to serve as Superintendent until June 30th, working closely with Dr. Byrne to ensure a smooth and seamless transition of leadership."

During the school board meeting, McCammon said she'll have more to say about Addley and his service to the school district as his departure date gets closer. For now, she said, there's still more work to do before the school year concludes.