McCormack retained as Director of Arts, Culture + Tourism; Southgate to serve as Acting City Solicitor
Mayor Jorge O. Elorza today announced that Dr. Susan F. Lusi will continue to serve as Superintendent of the Providence Schools.
The Providence Schools are making progress in important indicators of teaching and learning in the four school years that Lusi has led the district. Graduation and attendance rates have increased, and the dropout and chronic student absenteeism rates have decreased. The Providence Schools are also 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 that focuses on improving customer service and closing gaps in academic achievement as Providence adopts the state’s Common Core standards.
“Dr. Lusi is a respected educator who brings great energy and expertise to her work leading the Providence Schools, and the continuity of her leadership is important,” Mayor 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.”
Lusi was appointed Superintendent in May of 2012 after serving as Interim Superintendent for most of the 2011-2012 school year. She previously led Portsmouth, Rhode Island’s school district for seven years. From 2001 to 2003, Lusi was chief of staff in the Providence Public School Department. She holds a bachelor of arts in economics and a master of arts in teaching social studies, both from Brown University. She earned a master’s of public policy and Ph.D. in public policy, both from Harvard University.
“I am excited about staying to continue the work in Providence Schools,” Dr. Lusi said. “I am grateful for the support I have received from the Providence School Board, staff, families and partners throughout my time here and look forward to continuing our shared work. 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.”
With Mayor Elorza’s decision to retain Dr. Lusi, the contract under which she serves as Schools Superintendent, currently set to expire in June, will be extended through the 2015-2016 school year.
Lynne McCormack will continue to serve as Director of Art, Culture + Tourism. McCormack began her career in Providence city government in 1998. She was part of the team that transitioned the office to a full service creative economic development agency and has served as Director since 2006. McCormack has B.F.A. from the Rhode Island School of Design.
Adrienne G. Southgate will serve as Acting City Solicitor. Southgate has been with the City Solicitor’s office since 2003. Her previous experience includes work with the Rhode Island Economic Development Council, the Public Utilities Commission, and the Department of Environmental Management.