News

Mallozzi on Kolek: ‘Positive and Lasting Impact on Our Schools’

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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.

News

BOE Chair on Retiring Superintendent: ‘Leader, Visionary, Motivator’

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New Canaan Board of Education Chair Hazel Hobbs issued this statement following Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mary Kolek’s decision to retire effective June 30, 2014. Kolek made her decision public on Tuesday. “On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Mary Kolek for her ten years leading the district’s efforts to create a 21st Century educational program that prepares our students to be scholars, leaders, and global citizens. While she has been Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent here, New Canaan has benefitted from Dr. Kolek’s keen intellect, high energy level, strong commitment, and deep knowledge of the field of education. She is a leader, visionary, motivator, and accomplished professional.

News

New Canaan Superintendent of Schools Kolek To Retire

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Update 2:20 p.m.

Just in from the district’s public information and communications specialist:

New Canaan Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mary Kolek Announces Her Decision to Retire

New Canaan, Connecticut – March 11, 2014 – Dr. Mary Monroe Kolek, Superintendent of the New Canaan Public Schools, has announced her retirement effective June 30, 2014. Following is Dr. Kolek’s letter, which was presented to the Board of Education. Dear Mrs. Hobbs,

After much deliberation and extended discussions with family, my husband and I have decided to relocate to North Carolina and, as a consequence, after 38 years as a CT public educator, with the last 10 spent in the proud service of the New Canaan community, first as Deputy Superintendent and currently as Superintendent, I plan to retire effective June 30, 2014. As you might imagine, the decision to transition from a career and community that I love and to which I am deeply committed has been difficult. It has, however, been made easier because of my understanding that the New Canaan Public Schools is, by design, a system; one whose strength lies not in any few individuals but in the collective power generated and sustained by a culture and set of structures and processes that reflect a long standing commitment to excellence, dedication to service and an abiding respect for learners and learning as the community’s most valuable asset and key strategy for success. I will always be grateful for having had the opportunity to work with and for some of the finest human beings ever amassed under the umbrella of any district, including Board members, educators, staff members, students and volunteers.

Around Town

School Board’s Decision Timely with Snow Expected

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It’s early yet, but March is proving the old adage true here in New Canaan: “In like a lion and out like a lamb.”

The National Weather Service is calling for snow after 4 p.m. today and overnight, up to six inches by the time is stops around 1 p.m. Monday. For parents, the Board of Education’s decision at its Feb. 24 meeting to allow New Canaan Public Schools to reduce its total planned classroom days, if needed, from 182 to 180 (the state minimum requirement) is a blessing. The move was designed to provide more cushion to the district, which only has two days left in June before snow days would cut into April break. For residents seeking salt to handle the storm’s icy aftermath, Weed & Duryea has been a steady provider already 2014.

Schools

New Canaan Public Schools Closed Friday, Library on Delay

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NEW CANAAN – With “poor overnight conditions” caused by additional snowfall and freezing rain, New Canaan Public Schools will be closed according to the NCPS website. New Canaan Public Schools Superintendent Mary Kolek announced last night that with Friday already scheduled as a half-day, any potential delay would necessitate a cancellation. The closing now pushes the last day of school to June 18. There are currently two snow days left in the academic calendar. Anything after that will be taken out of April vacation.