New Principal Named To Ridgebury Elementary School In Ridgefield

RIDGEFIELD, CT — Ridgefield Public Schools has named a new Ridgebury Elementary Principal.

Mary Scalise comes to Ridgefield from the Darien Public Schools, where she has worked since 2006 as an assistant principal, department chair for Special Services, and a school psychologist in elementary and middle schools.

RPS Superintendent Susie Da Silva cited Scalise’s wide variety of experiences as central to the search committee’s hiring decision, calling her "uniquely qualified to lead Ridgebury Elementary."

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.