Ox Ridge Principal Resigns; Darien Public Schools Seeks Replacement

DARIEN, CT — Dr. Luke Forshaw, principal of Ox Ridge Elementary School, has resigned from his position to accept a new job as director of professional development with Cooperative Educational Services, according to an announcement from Superintendent of Darien Public Schools Dr. Alan Addley.

Forshaw will begin his new role effective Aug. 1.

Addley made the announcement "with mixed emotions" in an email to the school community on Wednesday morning.

Forshaw began his career in Darien 20 years ago as an elementary school teacher at Hindley, Addley noted. He was appointed as the school district's techniology integration specialist in 2006 and became the PreK-12 coordinator of instructional technoligy in 2009.

In 2010, Forshaw was named assistant principal at Ox Ridge and was later appointed as principal in 2012.

Most recently, Addley said, Forshaw helped the Ox Ridge school community navigate the COVID-19 pandemic while simultaneously overseeing the design and construction of the new Ox Ridge.

"Luke has been a dedicated and exceptional elementary school principal and District administrator whose passion, expertise and skilled leadership have been instrumental in making good things happen at Ox Ridge Elementary School and across the district," Addley said in his letter. "We thank Dr. Forshaw for his exceptional service, distinguished leadership and we wish him much success in his new educational endeavor as CES Director of Professional Development Services."

The search for a replacement principal has commenced, Addley said. The Ox Ridge commuity will be updated as the process moves along.

Addley said the proprity is to provide "a smooth transition for our families, staff and youngest learners."