Ox Ridge Interim Principal Resigns, Search For Replacement Underway

DARIEN, CT — Melissa Kay, interim principal for Ox Ridge Elementary School, announced her resignation Thursday in an email communication to families.

Kay's last day in the school district will be Nov. 22.

"It is with a heavy heart that I am writing to share that I have resigned as Interim Elementary School Principal for personal and professional reasons," Kay said. "It has been a pleasure to get to know the students, teachers, and parents of Ox Ridge. It is evident from their engagement, warmth, and inquisitive nature that these children are well cared for and love being members of this school community."

Kay added that she will be as helpful as possible through the leadership transition.

Superintendent of Darien Public Schools Dr. Alan Addley followed up with an email to staff and families thanking Kay and outlining next steps.

"We thank Mrs. Kay for her service and leadership during this year’s opening of the new Ox Ridge Elementary School," Addley said. "The administration and Board of Education will work together expeditiously to secure the appointment of an experienced interim principal, assist with any immediate needs for the school community, and to oversee the search process for a replacement interim principal. The search process has already commenced."

The school district will keep the Ox Ridge community updated as the process moves ahead with "the priority of providing as smooth a transition as possible for our families, staff and students," Addley said.

Kay was announced as the interim principal of Ox Ridge in July after the resignation of Dr. Luke Forshaw, who left the district for a job at Cooperative Educational Services.

Kay started her teaching career in 1994 at an elementary school in Westport. Her career has included administrative positions in New Canaan; Stratford; Rome, Italy; Grand Cayman; and Johannesburg, South Africa.