After Arrest Of Teacher, Darien Public Schools To Review Hiring Policies, Advocate For State Legislation

DARIEN, CT — Following the arrest of a Darien High School math teacher last month, Darien Public Schools plans to review its hiring policies and employee training, while advocating for state legislation to enhance disclosure laws regarding school employees.

Sean Boardman, 59, of Westbrook, was arrested on Jan. 30 and charged with risk of injury to a child, according to police.

Boardman is accused of inappropriately touching a student during a pre-school math review session on Nov. 21, 2025, his arrest warrant says.

DHS administration reported the incident to police that morning, and immediately placed Boardman, who has been employed by DPS for four years, on administrative leave

The arrest warrant also detailed incidents reported at Boardman's previous schools, which were referred to the Connecticut Department of Children and Families and ultimately not pursued. Boardman has no criminal history, the arrest warrant stated.

Darien Board of Education Chair Robin Nelson, a member of the town's Operations Planning Committee, said Tuesday night she could not go into detail or issue a formal statement on the matter, citing an ongoing personnel matter and an active investigation by the school district.

However, she noted how the school district plans to respond, and said "a key issue that came to light was our current Connecticut state laws restrict the information that is provided to public schools, which limits our ability to get full information during the hiring process."

As a result, Nelson said, the school district is going to review in detail its policies, procedures and training for all employees, "with the goal of identifying where we might be able to make necessary improvements."

The Operations Planning Committee meeting is available to watch on demand on Darien TV.

School officials are also working with state Rep. Tracy Marra (R-141), who has submitted new proposed legislation to enhance disclosure laws regarding school employees.

Notably, the legislation would introduce stronger reporting requirements, mandating that relevant misconduct findings or serious allegations about job applicants be shared with future school employers.

"Currently the state laws do not necessarily let a superintendent or a district know of certain allegations if there were charges that were made, but that were dismissed," Nelson said.

Additionally, Nelson noted that Marra put forward legislation that would protect student privacy in the media.

"We are working with Rep. Marra to try and get these things changed, because unfortunately this is a situation that limits the amount we can do during our hiring process. This is something the board really feels strongly about," Nelson said, noting she was speaking on behalf of her fellow board of education members.

Earlier this month, DPS Superintendent Dr. Eric Byrne noted the district's plan to review standards, policies and procedures, and training for employees, and he also commended Marra for her work on the proposed legislation.

"Modifying current law to require that districts be notified of arrests and investigations is essential to our mission of ensuring the safest possible learning environment for our children and the best way to prevent serious breakdowns in the hiring process," Byrne wrote. "I would also like to recognize First Selectman Jon Zagrodzky who is working to bring our full State delegation on board and support the legislative change effort. I will share further updates as they become available."

Byrne said input and feedback from the community are "invaluable as we move forward together."