EAST PROVIDENCE — Superintendent Kathryn Crowley took a novel, comedic approach while urging employees to support the construction of a new East Providence High School at the district’s annual employee convocation event held Monday morning, Aug. 27, at the current EPHS Elmasian Auditorium.

Donning a hard hat, a bright yellow reflector vest, denim jeans and pink steel-toed work boots while driving a BobCat bulldozer onto the stage, the superintendent added the “surprise” element to her yearly address on the eve of the 2018-19 term. Among other items, the event included a presentation by planners and contractors of the proposed new $189.5 million high school.

“I’m always trying to challenge myself, challenge the staff. And I like to have a little fun with it,” Superintendent Crowley said of using the gags. “It’s about getting better, setting goals for ourselves. And also about giving a little plug for the construction as well.”

The superintendent, of course, engaged in a bit of levity and used the props to encourage all district employees to spread the word about and back construction-related bond referenda items placed on the upcoming November election ballot. Then, residents of the city will be asked to approve the borrowing of $189.5 million to build a new high school to replace the 65-year-old current structure. As well, those voters in East Providence and around Rhode Island will be asked to approve a separate bond item to borrow $250 million for school repairs throughout the entire state.

(Corrected/updated, August 30, 1 p.m.) As it stands currently, East Providence would be reimbursed by the state 54.5 percent on about $135 million to build a new high school. However, if certain Department of Education project mandates are met, elements which are included in the EPHS construction plans, the city could received upwards of 20 more percent funding on the remaining $50 million for the project, bringing total state reimbursement for it to some 74.5 percent.

Superintendent Crowley is an unabashed supporter of both bond items and the new EPHS project. She is one of the public faces of the proposal, routinely engaging residents not only at school functions, but at other communal events like the recent East Providence Arts Festival.

“Everybody will benefit from a new high school,” Superintendent Crowley said. “It’s not just going to be the high school teachers. The City of East Providence as a whole will benefit. The real estate market will benefit. Everyone will have access. It’s going to be a community school.”

Besides highlighting the new high school campaign, the superintendent emphasized the administration’s focus on so-called “restorative” discipline for students pertaining to social-emotional development matters.

“We’ve seen an increase in students coming into the system with issues due to poverty, because of their home life, with developmental learning issues that haven’t been addressed. And those things affect a child’s ability to learn,” the superintendent explained. “We’re trying to spot these issues sooner, which is why we started the Pre-K program. We want to provide the necessary services to the students who are affected.”

Through grant monies, Nicole Bucka has been hired for the 2018-19 term to serve as social-emotional development coordinator. Ms. Bucka will work with assistant principals, deans of discipline, nurses and guidance counselors in all buildings on disciplinary matters as well as to help create a more inclusive, less disruptive atmosphere in some classrooms.

“The discipline can’t always be punitive,” Superintendent Crowley said. “There has to be an understanding between the student and the adult. And it also will help us with safety. Hopefully, we can spot any potential problems earlier.”

In addition, the superintendent lauded staff for their roles in creating several new curricula to be instituted in time for the 18-19 term and recommended a book by Todd Rose, a faculty member at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, titled “The End of Average.” The tome attempts to deconstruct the “average-size-fits-all model” for education.