School Committee Honors Supt. Mercer at Tonights Meeting

"I feel like you rescued our school department and helped us to move forward as a school district," Ward 4 school committee member Jessica Beauchaine told outgoing superintendent of schools, Kim Mercer. Tonight is Mercer's last meeting of the school committee. "I think you'll be irreplaceable, we're going to miss you," added Beauchaine.

Mercer has worked in education for 28 years, mostly in Pawtucket, RI. Kathryn Crowley of Cranston, RI was hired as new East Providence Superintendent of Schools. Crowley, retired, is currently the part time Superintendent of Schools in Little Compton, RI. Crowley has also worked in administrative capacities in Bristol-Warren and Johnston, RI.

Mercer, suffering from a case of laryngitis, had a statement read aloud by her administrative assistant, Patricia Iannelli. "I sincerely thank everyone for their support. It was a pleasure to work with all of you. I thank the past and current school committee members for their support through the years. I also thank the maintenance and custodian staff for your hard work as our schools are looking very good," added Mercer. "A special thank you to our police and fire departments for helping to keep our schools safe and to our city managers and city hall staff. I will especially miss the students and parents and wish you all well in your future endeavors," said Mercer.

Chairman Charles Tsonos invited the community to attend a farewell reception for Superintendent Mercer which will be held on Wednesday, December 2nd from 2:30pm to 5:00 pm at City Hall.