West Hartford Superintendent Paul Vicinus has nannounced that Ryan Cleary is leaving his role as principal of Morley Elementary School.

By Ronni Newton

After more than 14 years at Morley Elementary School – the past dozen as principal – Ryan Cleary has announced that he will be leaving West Hartford and taking on a central office role in another district, becoming director of Human Capital and Leadership Development for Rocky Hill Public Schools.

Cleary notified the Morley community via email on Friday, noting that it was with a “heavy heart” that the timing did not provide him with the opportunity to make the announcement in person prior to the last day of school. He said he had accepted the new position on Thursday night. Had he been able to make the announcement earlier, however, “this conversation would have likely been a distraction from what the last few weeks of school are supposed to be about; celebrating the year’s hard work and accomplishments of our students and teachers,” Cleary said. “So, in a way, this worked out for the best because everyone’s attention has been focused on our awesome students, dedicated teachers, and supportive families.”

Superintendent of Schools Paul Vicinus emailed the Morley community on Monday morning, stating in his letter that while Cleary’s impending departure is “certainly bittersweet, I am excited for Ryan as he embarks on this well-deserved opportunity to apply his talents in a broader leadership role.”

“Bittersweet” was a term Cleary also used to describe his plans to leave Morley, especially when he considers how his own family has grown up during his tenure. “While I am excited for this new opportunity and the professional growth it represents, I am equally aware of how difficult it is for me to say goodbye. When I came to Morley School in 2012, my wife and I had a 3-month-old baby, and now we have two children who will be in 6th and 9th grade this fall. I mention this because as I reflect on my time here, I see that my family grew along with all of yours. So much of my own parenting, how I interact with my family, and the priorities I have come to develop as a father and husband are modeled after the interactions I have had in this community.”

Looking back, he said he is also grateful for how teacher-family partnerships have impacted instructional practice and social and emotional support at Morley – and his own development. “This community, filled with tradition, pride, and joy, has created its own success and not just left a mark on me, but rather has literally shaped who I am as a person and a professional. That is a debt I will never be able to repay, but will always remember with tremendous gratitude.”

Vicinus praised Cleary for his “extraordinary legacy of leadership and service to both West Hartford Public Schools and the Morley community.” During Cleary’s tenure, Vicinus noted, “Morley was twice recognized as a Connecticut School of Distinction, placing among the top-performing schools in the state for student achievement. Equally important, Ryan cultivated a genuine culture of belonging, partnership, and care that has made Morley a special place for generations of students, families, and staff. His unwavering belief in the potential of Every Child, Every Day  has shaped the lives of countless students and will continue to be reflected in the school’s culture for years to come.”

A “thoughtful and inclusive search process” for Morley’s next principal will begin shortly, Vicinus said. “Representatives from the school and the Human Resources Department will engage members of the Morley community to gather input on the leadership qualities and priorities that will best serve our students, staff, and families.”

Ensuring a smooth transition and continued support for the Morley community will be a priority as well, said Vicinus.

In his letter, Vicinus congratulated Cleary on his new opportunity and thanked him for his remarkable impact. “As Ryan begins this next chapter of his educational leadership journey, he leaves behind a community enriched by his dedication, compassion, and commitment to excellence. We are deeply grateful for his service and wish him every success in his new role,” he said.

Cleary said he will remain at Morley through the end of June, and welcomes the chance to connect with families during that time – as well as in the “grocery store, at basketball, baseball, and soccer games, and in the Center.”

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