Special Meeting Called For Next Steps In Darien Superintendent Search

DARIEN, CT — Following the announcement this week that Superintendent of Darien Public Schools Dr. Alan Addley will retire effective in June, the Board of Education has called a special meeting to jumpstart the process for finding a replacement.

According to the agenda for a virtual special meeting slated for Monday, March 31 at 7:30 p.m., the board will hold a discussion and take possible action on "creating a personnel search committee of the Darien Board of Education for the purpose of identifying and recommending an interim and/or successor superintendent."

The agenda notes that there will be a public comment session.

In an email to families and staff on Thursday, 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."

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.

"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," Nelson said in part. "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."

The special meeting on Monday will be available to the public on Zoom. Those wishing to view the meeting only and not participate in public comment should do so through the DPS YouTube channel.