Veteran Educator Leaving Darien Public Schools

DARIEN, CT — A veteran Darien educator is leaving town.

After working 16 years in the Darien Public Schools, Mary Scalise has accepted a job as principal of Ridgebury Elementary School in Ridgefield.

Scalise has worked in the Darien school system since 2006 as an assistant principal, department chair for Special Services, and a school psychologist in elementary and middle schools.

Scott McCarthy, program director for Special Education and Student Services for Darien Public Schools praised Scalise as "a consummate educational leader."

"She is respected and adored by the many families and colleagues with whom she works, and her ability to be a system-based thinker and leader while compassionately addressing the unique needs of every learner is unparalleled," McCarthy said. "The Ridgebury Elementary School community has won the principal jackpot."

Scalise said she was "excited and humbled" by the appointment.

"Through the comprehensive interview process, it became clear that the Ridgefield Board of Education, District leadership, building-based staff, and community value social and emotional learning, supporting all learners, and ensuring academic rigor. My professional interests and beliefs align with these values," Scalise said in a statement.

Scalise will assume her new responsibilities on Aug. 1.