EAST PROVIDENCE — Superintendent Kathryn Crowley is secure in the knowledge that she’ll be employed by the district come the opening of the new East Providence High School for the start of the 2021-22 term and through its completion, but just barely.

The School Committee at its meeting Tuesday night, Jan. 14, voted by a slim 3-2 margin to rollover Superintendent Crowley’s contract through the entire 21-22 term.

At-Large member Joel Monteiro, Ward 4 rep Jessica Beauchaine and Ward 3’s Karen Oliveira voted for the measure. As has been their wont under similar circumstances previously, Committee Chairman and Ward 1’s Charlie Tsonos along with Ward 2’s Tony Ferreira cast their lots against.

Asked after the meeting about his tally, Mr. Tsonos said, “I think it’s about the need for an extension, and I think Kathy’s committed to us and we’re committed to her. In my estimation it was unnecessary, but the majority of the committee felt the other way.”

Mrs. Crowley, who was hired to the position in November of 2015, is in the midst of her fourth full term as superintendent. The committee has twice already granted her an additional year on her pact with the district at or about the same terms, which compensates her on a package approximating $155,000 annually.

“I feel the extension was necessary because I want to complete the project with the high school and when I say that I mean through to the demolition of the old building and the creation of the new (athletic) fields, which will take place the following year (2022),” Mrs. Crowley explained of her desire for the additional year. “And it’s about continuity. Before I got here the leadership has been sporadic. By that time (the end of the contract) it will have been seven years I’ve been here and the leadership will have been stabilized.”

One of the key reasons why Mrs. Crowley was brought to the district was due to her work in helping to initiate the construction of a new school at her previous stop in Little Compton. Her tenure in city has included the push to build the new EPHS, which voters approved in 2018 and is currently underway. For her efforts locally, Mrs. Crowley was chosen by the state superintendents association as the 2020 Superintendent of the Year.

“I would like to congratulate the superintendent on her year extension on her contract and thank her. Again in my almost eight years here, and before that our history of choosing, working with superintendents in a proper manner has not bode well for the district, has cost the district millions of dollars in the past,” Mr. Monteiro said after the vote late in last week’s meeting.

He continued, “So, despite any differences, and there will always be differences, that’s why this is a check-and-balance system, I think that where we are today is a testament to the administration team led by the superintendent. So, I appreciate that she puts her whole heart into this, and I congratulate her on a well-deserved superintendent of the year (award) as well as a year extension on her contract.”

New CTC director
Richard Small, a long-time district employee who has risen through the ranks of building administration, has been chosen to take over the  position as director (principal) of the East Providence High School Career and Technical Center. He replaces principal Karen Mellen, who retired during the just past holiday season.

Mr. Small is an EPHS graduate and one-time physical education/health teacher in the district and a former assistant EPHS football coach. He is currently the dean of students at Martin Middle School, having served in the role for the last seven years. Mr. Small, however, is in the midst of earning his principal’s certificate and cannot take over the CTC position quite yet. He will earn his credentials at the completion of the spring collegiate semester in May.

He will enter the job initially as assistant CTC director under the auspices of Superintendent Crowley, who is performing the leadership duties temporarily. Mr. Small still has responsibilities at MMS for the rest of the year and will split time between the two buildings. His position at Martin will be posted to be filled permanently for the start of the 2020-21 term.

“I’ve liked Richard since I met him. And he interviewed well. He was well-prepared. He did a lot of research. He had questions. He knows his own shortcomings and is willing to be mentored,” Superintendent Crowley said of Mr. Small’s hire. “He’s got an even temperament, which is good for a principal. He’s a very bright young man and he has 18 years in the district. And we’re promoting from within, which I think we should do when we can. I think we need to nurture, mentor people who want advance in the district.”

Contract subcommittees
Of note as well last week, the committee decided whom among its ranks would represent the body on subgroups during the district’s upcoming contract renegotiations with its four collective bargaining units. Those three-year deals are set to expire at the end of the city’s current fiscal year on October 31.

Mr. Monteiro threw his own name into the hopper and initially that of Mrs. Oliveira, but then amended to that of Ms. Beauchaine, to serve as the committee’s representatives during upcoming contract negotiations with the East Providence Education Association, the union of city teachers. Mr. Monteiro served the same role three years ago. It’s Mrs. Beauchaine’s initial foray into teacher contract discussions.

Mr. Tsonos was voted to be the point person from the committee during similar talks with the district’s administrative assistants. Mrs. Oliveira was selected to serve on the secondary sub-committee in those discussions.

Mr. Ferreira was chosen to be the committee representative on the custodial employees contract talks. And for the paraprofessionals, Mrs. Oliveira was picked as the committee point person.

Retirements
District Human Resources Director Cheryl Mammone also updated the committee on personnel matters aside from Mr. Small’s CTC appointment, including the upcoming retirements of three long-time employees, effective at the end of the 19-20 term.

Paula Chase, now a reading specialist at Francis Elementary School, is stepping away from the district after 32 years. She began her career as a first grade teacher at the former Burgess Elementary School then later spent the bulk of her tenure as a third grade teacher at Kent Heights Elementary. She next moved to Martin Middle School before heading to Francis where’s she’s been for the last several years.

In addition, Dennis Nobrega, a Chemistry teacher at EPHS, will soon leave after 13 years in the district and nearly 50 years in the profession while Mary Jean Mahoney, a reading specialist at Riverside Middle School, in retiring after 20 years in the system.