On May 11, 2015, the superintendent of the Westport Public Schools, Elliott Landon, announced his retirement for the 2016-2017 school year. An email with the subject line “Retirement Announcement” was sent out to the “Parents and Members of the Westport Community” by Elliott Landon.

According to his recent announcement, after 16 prosperous years of being the superintendent, Landon is “proud of what we have accomplished together,” referring to the community as a whole and his staff. He said is committed to fulfilling the next 13 months of his contract.

Within the announcement, Landon said, “There comes a time in the life of every successful Superintendent of Schools when one must conclude that it is time to let someone else take the reins of leadership and that time has come for me.”

Staples’ principal John Dodig, who is retiring at the end of this year, supports London’s major decision for 2016. “Dr. Landon has been the superintendent for many more years than most superintendents last throughout America. I attribute his longevity to the fact that he is a visionary and that he hires and surrounds himself with very smart people who share his vision. If you compile a list of his accomplishments, you will be amazed,” Dodig said. “Don’t think for a moment that because next year will be his last that he will cease to find ways to move the district forward. That is simply who he is.”

Staples students also had thoughts on Landon’s sudden retirement announcement.

“Since we have had Elliot Landon ever since we have been in the Westport education system, it will be interesting to see if any major changes happen to the school system,” Carly Chaskin ’17 said.

According to the Monday announcement, the Board of Education will have a full year to find a new superintendent for the Westport Public Schools.