New Canaan First Selectman Rob Mallozzi on Tuesday issued the following statement in response to the news that Dr. Mary Kolek, superintendent of schools, would retire following this academic year:
“I received a call earlier this morning from Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mary Kolek letting me know about her pending retirement.
“I was quite surprised by her decision and selfishly expressed my personal sadness about her leaving. I also conveyed the magnitude her absence would bring to our community. Mary has had such a positive and lasting impact on our schools, children, teachers and the entire Town over these past ten years; it’s hard to imagine her not being central to the further success and achievements of our schools. I have worked closely with Mary over the past three years and will truly miss this special person.
“I am comforted to know that our Board of Education has seen fit to promote from within the District and believe we have talented educators in place that merit serious consideration for succession. This is just another legacy Dr. Kolek will leave us with.
Please join me in wishing Mary all the best in her retirement.”