Seekonk Schools Superintendent Pledges Teamwork

Seekonk Public Schools Superintendent Rebecca Kidwell is placing an emphasis on teamwork for the 2023-2024 academic year, which begins on August 30. Kidwell, who started working for the district on July 1, had previously served as the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment & Professional Development of Rockland Public Schools. Kidwell previously served as Director of Technology and Accountability, K – 12, for Braintree Public Schools.

“Rockland was a smaller district, similar in size in Seekonk, and I found I really liked the small district feel,” Kidwell said, noting she had a rapport with members of the school committee during her initial interview last May. “It was so clear to me that my values and interests matched what Seekonk schools were looking for.”

There are some new faces in the central office, including Ryan McGee, the district business administrator, and Trisha Leary, the director of technology and digital learning.  Zachary Waddicor returns as Assistant Superintendent along with George Kelleher as Director of Student Services. There will be new assistant principals for Hurley Middle School and Aitken Elementary School.

“My biggest goal is to support the existing team in the great work they were already doing and find additional areas where we can work efficiently towards improved academic success for students, towards having the schools be a place where all students feel a sense of belonging,” Kidwell said, noting she wants the community to see Seekonk High School as a “great place” to send their children.

A feasibility study was conducted last year to determine the physical conditions of all the school buildings. The report said millions of dollars in renovations were necessary. Town officials are hoping residents will approve funding for a South End fire station. A new Department of Public Works facility is also on the drawing board. “There are definitely some serious needs,” Kidwell noted. “We realize the schools may be the biggest part of the budget but we’re not the only part of the budget.”

Kidwell said the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) is working on what programs to offer to school districts. “We’ll look at what they’re offering and look at what will be the best, most economical way to get the space we need and the facilities our students deserve, while meriting the highest reimbursement we can get and the highest contribution we can get from the state.”

Kidwell grew up in Maryland and obtained a Masters degree at Boston University. She was a middle school and high school English teacher for 13 years. The transition to administration was a tough one. “It was hard to leave the classroom,” Kidwell explained. “Especially my twelfth grade students, I really enjoyed working with them. My move to administration came from recognizing that I could see the bigger picture and find ways to make systemic improvements that would help students and teachers.”

Kidwell described her leadership style as “collaborative” and “communicative.”

“I believe strongly that everyone here has a role and everyone here has an area of expertise. We are a team and we couldn’t do this without each other,” she added.