SCHOOL NEWS

Superintendent’s contract renewed

By DANIEL A. KITTREDGE
Posted 4/14/21

By DANIEL KITTREDGE The leader of Cranston Public Schools is set to stay on the job for at least three more years. The School Committee on Monday unanimously approved a three-year renewal of Superintendent Jeannine Nota-Masse's contract, keeping her in

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SCHOOL NEWS

Superintendent’s contract renewed

Posted

The leader of Cranston Public Schools is set to stay on the job for at least three more years.

The School Committee on Monday unanimously approved a three-year renewal of Superintendent Jeannine Nota-Masse’s contract, keeping her in the role she has held since 2015.

“I love being in Cranston. It is my family … Being a part of the city of Cranston means a lot to me,” Nota-Masse said ahead of the committee’s vote.

She added later: “It’s been an honor to be here. I’m grateful for everything.”

A brief executive session on the topic of the extension had preceded the committee’s public meeting. Once the group convened again in open session, several members spoke glowingly of Nota-Masse’s leadership, particularly during the past year under the pandemic.

Committee Chairman Dan Wall of Ward 6 thanked the superintendent for “the commitment you make to the schools every day.”

Ward 4 representative Vincent Turchetta said he has worked with many different students over the course of his years in the educational field.

“You are one of the best,” he told Nota-Masse.

Citywide representative Michael Traficante echoed that sentiment, saying Nota-Masse is “among the best” of the officials he has worked alongside during his many years in local government.

Ward 3 representative Domenic Fusco recalled when Nota-Masse was first under consideration for the district’s top job. He acknowledged at first having “some reservations,” although subsequent conversations with Nota-Masse convinced him she was right for the job.

“You have proved us all correct, especially this past year,” he said, praising the superintendent’s “true leadership.”

Ward 2 representative Kristen Haroian added: “You have been fabulous … We’re very honored to have you.”

The terms of the extension, which were included with Monday night’s agenda, show Nota-Masse’s salary increasing by 3 percent in years two and three of the renewal. Her pay for the first year, 2021-22, would total $183,960, increasing to $191,392 in the final year, 2023-24.

Nota-Masse’s career in education began in 1993 as an English teacher in Providence’s public schools. She first came to Cranston in 2001, when she was appointed assistant principal at Cranston High School East. Then, in 2006, she became the school’s assistant principal for academic affairs.

Nota-Masse left Cranston Public Schools in 2008 to become principal of East Greenwich High School. She returned two years later, however, as executive director of educational programs and services.

In 2012, she was appointed assistant superintendent. In 2015, she was chosen to succeed Dr. Judith Lundsten as superintendent.

At the time, she said she hoped to be with Cranston Public Schools for “many years.” She added: “My role is to be the biggest advocate for this district in this district. My students were, and continue to be, my inspiration.”

Elsewhere during Monday’s meeting:

* Nota-Masse provided a brief update on end-of-year events for this year’s graduating high school seniors, saying district officials are “very optimistic” that proms and graduation ceremonies will be held outdoors at Cranston Stadium.

Graduations are planned for June 10-12, she said, while proms would take place within the same timeframe as “kind of a week-long event” to celebrate the class of 2021.

She did caution that “there are a lot of things that are up in the air” when it comes to the “nitty gritty details,” such as food, COVID-19 testing and other aspects of the events.

“We want to celebrate 13 years of hard work for our kids in the right way,” she said.

Traficante said this year’s outdoor graduation ceremonies would be historic. The last time graduation was held outdoors in Cranston, he said, was 1957.

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