In an announcement that surprised many, Superintendent of Schools Tom Scarice informed the community that he accepted another position as superintendent of Westport Public Schools, and will be leaving his job in Madison effective July 1.

In the April 2 letter addressed to community members, Scarice opened with a lengthy statement thanking first responders, teachers, support staff, and those in the medical field, as well as the “tireless support” of parents as the schools launched its remote learning program just this week.

Scarice went on to reveal that “well over a month ago,” he had received “an unsolicited professional opportunity.” He said he was offered the position “just about a month ago” and accepted, though he asked to defer “the entire process” until April, and have his start date be pushed back to July.

“Serving as superintendent in Madison has been a great honor and the most rewarding eight years of my career,” the letter reads. “I feel a deep connection to the community, so much so that my wife Kerry and I decided to move our family and raise our kids here.”

Board of Education Chair Katie Stein told The Source in a statement on behalf of the board that they will “engage in a thorough and thoughtful recruitment process that will maintain strong educational leadership in Madison.”

Stein thanked Scarice for his eight years of service to Madison, saying he was “a true thought leader and advocate who pushed to develop robust social emotional learning and ensured our district educates the whole child- things that will have a lasting and positive impact on our district even after his departure.”

Deciding to accept the new job during the ongoing pandemic crisis, which is unprecedented and has resulted in numerous massive structural changes regarding how the schools operate, was a “personal struggle,” Scarice said in the letter.

“I want to assure each of you that my commitment over the next three months will not wane,” he said. “I will continue to demonstrate the same commitment to our students and families as I have over the past month, during this crisis.”

The Westport Board of Education approved Scarice’s hiring at a special virtual meeting on April 2. Westport BOE member Youn Su Chao said at the meeting that Scarice checked all the boxes, and was both a “safe and exciting” candidate.

Westport BOE Chair Candice Savin told Scarice at that meeting that they would be “working together in advance of your official start date.”

Scarice told the Westport BOE it was “incredibly humbling” to come to Westport. He also acknowledged “how sobering our world is right now,” saying that this was a time when there is “a greater need for leadership, and for communities to pull together and find the best in each other.”

“These are challenging times,” Stein said. “I am pleased Tom will be with us until July 1 and will continue to guide us through the challenges in education we currently face.”

At press time, The Source had been unable to reach Scarice for comment.