To the Editor:

I am writing this letter in support of Dr. Judith Lundsten, with whom I have worked for over 10 years, both in my capacity as a Cranston School Board member and as chairman of the board of the New England Laborers’/Cranston Public Schools Construction & Career Academy.

As mayor of the city of Cranston for 14 years, I had the experience of working with and evaluating a number of school superintendents and, in my opinion, Dr. Lundsten is clearly one of the best! She is extremely knowledgeable about current topics and issues in the urban education environment, and has a management style that is very respectful and inclusive. Whether she is working with the School Committee, administrative staff, teachers, PTOs or our many community groups, Dr. Lundsten is both a consensus builder and a team builder. Her unaffected manner and incredible work ethic make it possible for her to very smoothly bring disparate groups together.

Dr. Lundsten leads by example in attending all school events, including athletic games and tournaments. She continually makes herself visible and accessible to all students, teachers and parents.

Even though Dr. Lundsten is quite adept at negotiating the many legal, contractual and political hurdles placed before her, there is one fact that anyone who knows her is clear about – she loves her students, and every decision is made with their best interest as her top priority!

Michael Traficante

Cranston