March 28, 2024

The Pride is Back! School Supt. Crowley Impresses

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Educator Richard Martin is Impressed with New Supt Crowley

It's no secret that East Providence teachers and other school employees have been working with low morale for several years. After prior school committees with help from some prior council members worked to make teachers among the lowest paid in New England and slashed benefits, teachers morale hit rock bottom. And it wasn't just the salaries. In general teachers and staff felt they were not respected at all. Many young promising educators left the system and others who wanted to stay were denied promotions and administrative advancement.

However there is evidence that morale and Townie Pride has made a big comeback. "This new administration has done more for education in East Providence, in a short time, than the previous administration did during its' full tenure here," said veteran high school Social Studies teacher Richard Martin. Martin was praising the efforts of brand new Superintendent of Schools, Kathryn Crowley. He also is pleased with his new principal Shani Wallace.

"We were chastised for giving our opinions on routine matters, and more. Things are so much better now," added Martin. Martin, Crowley and Wallace were in a classroom after school discussing educational needs of the school when Martin made it clear how he felt. "I think you have done more for this school since you arrived than either of the past two administrations we've had," Martin told Supt. Crowley. "I want you to know that. I appreciate being listened to and feeling appreciated," Martin said.

Many other teachers and staff have echoed similar sentiments since the school committee hired Kathryn Crowley as Superintendent. "I think people will be very pleased with our appointment of Mrs. Crowley," school board chairman Charlie Tsonos said after her appointment. "She will approach issues and daily decisions with a professionalism and style that will make people feel good about education," said Tsonos. Other school committee members also praised Crowley's appointment as well and it has become obvious that Crowley and Wallace are both scoring major points with the community.

Asked how she has been received as an "outsider" in East Providence, Crowley said "wonderful." "I have been widely supported and feel right at home here. Our schools have pledged to work diligently on behalf of our students and the staff has done everything I've asked," she said. "I know about some of the past issues here and we will be a good team I'm sure."

One experienced and respected teacher, Richard Martin is happy. "We went through a tough time and there are scars, but I fully appreciate this new administration and love what I've seen."

"Our teachers and staff have always been professional and persevered through some tough years," said History Teacher and State Representative Gregg Amore. "We've never let those problems get in the way of teaching students, but things are much better now with this administration," said Amore.

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