Stonington Superintendent Announces Resignation

STONINGTON, CT — Stonington Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Van W. Riley has resigned after nine years on the job, according to a Facebook post from the district. Riley plans to stay in the position until a permanent replacement is found.

"It has been an honor to serve the families and students of the Town of Stonington," Riley wrote in a letter to the Board of Education.

He added that the district faces important challenges, "not the least of which is the COVID-19 pandemic." He wrote that his goal was to open schools successfully prior to announcing his retirement.

Riley's contract was set to expire in June 2022, according to The New London Day.

A board performance evaluation released last year noted that Riley "meets but seldom exceeds expectations."

Riley had been criticized for his handling of the sexual harassment accusations against former high school teacher Timothy Chokas.

See related: Stonington Schools Fired Coach For 'Inappropriate' Comments