Fortunato named R.I. Superintendent of the Year

LINCOLN – Georgia Fortunato, Lincoln public schools superintendent, is the Rhode Island Superintendent of the Year.
She was selected by the R.I. School Superintendents’ Association at its general membership meeting on Aug. 19.
The award recognizes outstanding achievement in school district leadership, dedication to the education of all children, commitment to the community and service to RISSA, according to a news release from the organization.
Fortunato received the award from Barry Ricci, Chariho Regional School District’s superintendent, and winner of the 2014-2015 award.
R.I. Education Commissioner Ken Wagner was the event’s guest speaker.
Fortunato has served as superintendent in Lincoln since 2007 and previously served the district as special education teacher, transition coordinator and director of student services.
She is chairwoman of the Northern Collaborate Board of Superintendents, a member of the Rhode Island College Alumni Board of Directors and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges’ advisory committee, as well as a guest lecturer at the Community College of Rhode Island, Providence College and Rhode Island College.
Under her leadership, Fortunato directed infrastructure efforts for her district with a $2.2 million technology initiative, $2.3 million facility upgrade and $1.5 million security initiative.
As superintendent, she won a $935,000 Teaching American History grant, $400,000 World of Work grant, and a $100,000 Champlin Foundations grant to establish a broadcast studio.
Her nominators for the award described her as “an organized, innovative and effective leader, contributing valuable input on behalf of public education both locally and nationally while maintaining a clear educational vision upholding the most rigorous standards and expectations.”
Fortunato will be honored by the American Association of School Administrators at the National Conference on Education in Phoenix in February.