Niles schools superintendent will leave Aug. 1

February 27, 2015 at 12:00a.m.

NILES

Saying it is “time to retire and time to step back,” schools Superintendent Frank Danso announced his resignation effective Aug. 1 when his current contract expires.

The board of education accepted his decision Thursday, and members had nothing but praise for his performance.

“We’re losing a great guy,” said Chris Doutt, a board member. “Thanks for all you did.”

Board President Tony Perrone said Danso’s hiring in October 2012 came “at a critical time.” His predecessor, Mark Robinson, had resigned after only 14 months on the job, shocking the board and the community.

“You allowed our education community to heal, and you always put our children first,” Perrone said before the board’s vote accepting the superintendent’s resignation.

Danso, 62, had retired only months before as superintendent of Southington Local schools but agreed to take over on an interim basis. His position was made permanent by the board 10 months later.

His salary is nearly $98,000, far below the $120,000 that was being paid to Robinson.

In an interview with The Vindicator, Danso said he has relied on a “family- oriented approach and a great working relationship with the community.” The superintendent said he is most pleased with the “improvement in the [test] scores” of the district’s students.

“I had to guide and direct, but the hard work is being done by our staff,” he said. “It’s all about the accomplishments with the kids.”

Perrone said the board will work with the Educational Service Center as adviser in its search for Danso’s replacement.

“We’ll set up a time line for posting the position, and we hope to have a decision made by the third week of May,” Perrone said.

Danso, who lives in Cortland, said he does not have any specific plans for his future after Aug. 1.

“I think it will be time to sit back and enjoy my family and community,” the superintendent said.