Darien's Da Silva Named Superintendent Of Schools In Ridgefield

DARIEN, CT — The Ridgefield Public Schools Board of Education has named Susie Da Silva as the next superintendent of schools, following a special meeting on Thursday. Da Silva is currently the assistant superintendent of schools for curriculum and instruction in Darien.

Da Silva replaces Interim Superintendent JeanAnn Paddyfote, who took over at the beginning of the summer after Superintendent William Collins went out on medical leave and then resigned due to medical complications. She will assume responsibilities of the office April 1.

Before taking her current position in Darien, Da Silva was principal of Kings Highway Elementary School in Westport and Woodrow Wilson School in Waterbury. Before becoming an administrator, she taught in Fairfield, Bridgeport, and Waterbury. Da Silva has also served as an adjunct professor at the University of St. Joseph in West Hartford and the University of Bridgeport.

"Dr. Da Silva is known to be an outstanding administrator who builds strong relationships and works collaboratively with her teams to accomplish district goals while keeping students at the center of the work," said Margaret Stamatis, chairwoman of the Superintendent Search Committee and Board of Education, in a news release.

Da Silva earned a doctorate degree in education from Central Connecticut State University, where she also earned a Bachelor of Science in elementary education with a concentration in Spanish, and a master's in Reading.

"It is clear that children are at the heart of the Ridgefield community and I will work tirelessly, alongside my colleagues to ensure that we provide Ridgefield students the best learning experience possible," Da Silva said. "By all measures Ridgefield’s staff is incredibly talented and I look forward to getting to know each of them this coming spring."

The search for the new superintendent was facilitated by consultants from Cooperative Educational Services in Trumbull. Da Silva was chosen from a pool of 17 applicants.