DARIEN, CT — After a nationwide search that generated nearly 70 applicants, Darien Public Schools (DPS) has hired a new assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction.
The school board on Tuesday evening voted to approve the hiring of Dr. Amy Fedigan for the position, which opened up after it was announced that Dr. Christopher Tranberg would be leavingDarien to become superintendent of schools in Branford.
Fedigan will begin working in Darien in July.
Also on Tuesday, the board voted to approve the permanent appointment of current interim Royle Elementary School Principal Natasha Torre.
“I’m delighted to welcome Dr. Fedigan and members of her family. Amy comes to us with a wealth of experience, a wealth of teaching experience. She’s a highly-respected assistant superintendent in the area, and we’re delighted to have her,” said DPS Superintendent Dr. Alan Addley.
Fedigan comes to Darien from Milford Public Schools, where she currently serves as the assistant superintendent of teaching and learning, a position she’s held since 2018.
During her tenure in Milford, DPS said Fedigan led the development of the Vision of the Lerner, and “brought coherence to curriculum, instruction, assessment and professional learning.”
She also developed a PK-12 curriculum revision cycle, a balanced assessment system and implemented practices for effective learning environments in the preschool and kindergarten settings, the district said.
Fedigan spoke briefly after the board voted, and said she’s excited to get working.
“I’m very confident that the district values are in line with my values as an educator, and as a parent of four young children,” she said. “I know when I begin my work here, I will be very inspired with my work when I meet all of the students. I know they’ll be inspiring, as well as I’m sure the talented staff of teachers and administrators… I just can’t wait to join the Blue Wave.”
Fedigan received a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Saint Michael’s College in Vermont, as well as a master’s in special education, a sixth year degree in educational leadership and her doctoral degree, all from Southern Connecticut State University.
DPS conducted focus groups with various stakeholders prior to interviewing candidates for the position. The interview committee, which consisted of teachers, administrators, Addley, and several board of education members, interviewed seven candidates and selected two finalists for an additional interview and work with the school board, the superintendent and his cabinet.
Board of education members David Brown and Tara Wurm abstained in the vote to approve Fedigan.
Natasha Torre has been with DPS since August 2006.
She worked as a Scientific Research-Based Instruction specialist at Holmes for three years before her appointment as assistant principal of Royle Elementary School in 2011, a position she held until the 2021-2022 school year when she was named as the interim principal.
Torre was permanently appointed principal following a full search that took place this spring that involved teachers, parents and other administrators.
Brown abstained, and Wurm voted against her appointment Tuesday night.
“It’s wonderful to have one of our own come up through the ranks,” Addley said Tuesday of Torre. “We’re delighted for you this evening, we’re delighted for our staff, we’re delighted for the kids and the Royle community.”
Torre began her career as an elementary school teacher at Public School 11, William T. Harris School in New York City in 2002. She taught in New York City for four years prior to joining the teaching staff at Holmes Elementary School in Darien as a first grade teacher.
Following her official appointment, Torre spoke briefly and thanked the board for the opportunity to continue to lead Royle.
“Royle is an amazing place with amazing faculty, staff, students and families. I am grateful for and confident in the Royle team, and know we will continue to work together as a community to support our students and each other,” she said. “I look forward to sharing our Royle successes with all of you in the near future.”
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