Seekonk Superintendent Evaluation

Seekonk School Superintendent Rebecca Kidwell received a favorable evaluation at the October 19 School Committee meeting.

Kidwell was graded in a few areas including district improvement, management and operations, instructional leadership, and communication with the public.

“For a long time, I didn’t have faith in you necessarily,” committee member Emily Field told Kidwell. “It was because of a lack of communication. You were getting things done behind the scenes and not explaining the why. In the last six months, so much has changed. I am so confident in you now. You do an excellent job and I truly understand what you’re doing and why you’re doing it.”

The past year has been a challenging one for Seekonk schools.

Kidwell saw the district through a prolonged and sometimes contentious budget cycle last spring. $35 million was allocated for the schools at the June Town Meeting. The Select Board approved an additional $173,000 in Chapter 70 funds to be given to the school department. Kidwell noted one bus route was reduced and athletic and activity fees would be implemented for the current school year. Transportation fees increased from $150 to $180 per student.

In addition, the district saw the departure of School Business Administrator Ryan McGee last month.

“I saw huge improvements in communication with us and also with the community,” Chair Bob Gerardi noted. “It’s really important because it creates a team atmosphere. I feel more comfortable with the administrative team now because I know what they’re doing and I know where to look.”

“It seems like a lot of good work is moving in the right direction,” said member Lisa Rizzo. “Just more to be done and more formalized.”

“When I see that both elementary schools are working collaboratively on curriculum and culture and creating handbooks, which is a big part of culture, together,” Gerardi added. “That shows me that the culture piece is moving forward. We just need to keep communicating. We’re seeing improvements.”