Elorza keeping Lusi as superintendent

MAYOR JORGE O. ELORZA said he will keep Susan F. Lusi in her position as superintendent of Providence public schools. / COURTESY PROVIDENCE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
MAYOR JORGE O. ELORZA said he will keep Susan F. Lusi in her position as superintendent of Providence public schools. / COURTESY PROVIDENCE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

PROVIDENCE – Susan F. Lusi will continue to serve as superintendent of Providence schools, Mayor Jorge O. Elorza said.

Elorza, who announced his decision to retain Lusi in a statement, said the schools have made progress in the four years that she had led the district, pointing to an increase in graduation and attendance rates, and a decrease in dropout and chronic absenteeism rates.

He said the Providence schools also are beginning to see improvements in reading proficiency for younger students and English language learners. Last year, Lusi introduced a strategic plan for the district’s 39 schools focusing on improving customer service and closing gaps in academic achievement.

Elorza said, “Dr. Lusi shares my vision of reforming the role of central administration and directing all available resources to our classrooms, and my commitment to engaging the community, raising academic achievement in every school and creating a school department that just works for all students and families.”

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Lusi was appointed superintendent in May 2012 after serving as interim superintendent for most of the 2011-2012 school year. She previously led the Portsmouth school district for seven years. And, from 2001 to 2003, Lusi was chief of staff in the Providence School Department.

“I am excited about staying to continue the work in Providence Schools,” she said. “I know that with the leadership and support of Mayor Elorza and his administration, we will dramatically improve the education of each and every child in Providence.”

Her contract, which will expire in June, will be extended through the 2015-2016 school year.

In addition, Elorza said Lynne McCormack will continue to serve as director of art, culture and tourism and Adrienne G. Southgate will serve as acting city solicitor. Southgate has been with the city solicitor’s office since 2003.

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