March 19, 2024

R.I. Principal of the Year, Bill Black, Named New Martin Middle School Principal

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Providence Principal Coming to MMS Next Month

The East Providence School Committee hired city resident William Black as the new Martin Middle School principal at its December 12, 2017 meeting. Black is currently the principal at West Broadway Middle School in Providence, RI. The Rhode Island Association of School Principals named Black as the "Outstanding 1st Year Principal of the Year" in 2014.

Black and his family, including three young children, are residents of the Rumford section of East Providence. Black took the reins of a new Providence middle school and developed a new staff and has been widely supported in Providence. Black uses YouTube, "tweets", robocalls, newsletters and neighborhood visits to communicate with his Providence school community.

Superintendent of Schools, Kathryn Crowley made the recommendation of William Black to the School Committee without any formal statements or discussion on Black's resume or background. It was clear, however that her choice of Black for Martin Middle School Principal was enthusiastic. The committee also voted to approve the hiring without any formal discussion.

"I'm glad to be here," said Black. "It's important to have fun," said Black referring to his YouTube school videos and newsletters. "I can't wait to get started," he said. Black's wife and three children were with him at the meeting. Martin's interim principal, Robert Perry, presented Black with a Martin sweatshirt and a supportive welcome. "On behalf of the faculty, staff, students and everyone at Martin, we are thrilled to have Bill Black as our new principal," said Perry.

Perry will return to his former position of Assistant Principal at Martin. Perry was an applicant for the Martin position. He was named interim principal to replace former principal Fatima Avila who was assigned to the Silver Spring elementary school to improve the administration of that school. A former middle school administrator in the district, Dr. Michael Almeida, also applied for the job at Martin.

"I am very excited to have Mr. Black here," said Ward 4 school committee member Jessica Beauchaine. "I thank Mr. Perry, you have done an amazing job. We appreciate you stepping up. You'll make a good team," she told Black and Perry. Black will begin at Martin in January.

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