Kathryn Crowley of Cranston, RI Likely to be Named New EP Superintendent

Public Meeting / Reception EPHS Auditorium Mon. Nov. 16

The Reporter has learned that the School Committee will most likely hire Kathryn Crowley of Cranston, RI as new East Providence Superintendent of Schools. Crowley would succeed Kim Mercer who is retiring at the end of this December. No decision has been made and the official vote will take place at a public meeting in the high school auditorium on Monday evening, November 16th at 6:00 pm. Crowley is currently the Superintendent of Schools in Little Compton, RI. Crowley has also worked in administrative capacities in Bristol-Warren and Johnston, RI.

Crowley's current district, Little Compton, has just one school. The Wilbur & McMahon School houses under 300 K through 8 students. There is no high school as 9 through 12 students are mostly sent to Portsmouth High School. The total town population for Little Compton is just under 3,000 people.

The Wilbur & McMahon school website quotes Superintendent Crowley: "There is no more rewarding profession in the world than the one which prepares our children for their future. The staff and I at Wilbur & McMahon School wish to thank you for the opportunity to work with your children as they ready themselves for productive, meaningful lives. You have our solemn promise we will do everything in our power to educate your children, our children, to be the best that they can be." Crowley also teaches at Providence College.

"We think both of our finalists for Superintendent were wonderful," said East Providence School Committee chairman Charlie Tsonos. "We had two very highly qualified individuals and I believe our community will be satisfied with our final choice on Monday," said Tsonos.

Celeste Bowler is the other candidate who is still under consideration. Bowler is an Assistant Superintendent of schools for the Hamilton-Wenham district in Massachusetts. Bowler lives in Warwick, RI.

Ward 3 school board member Nathan Cahoon was reached for comment and wouldn't confirm or deny the selection of Crowley or any candidate. "The selection is still subject to a School Committee vote, and the hiring is subject to a successful negotiation of compensation," Cahoon told The Reporter.

Tsonos said that the East Providence community is invited to attend the meeting on Monday evening in which only one item is on the agenda. "After the vote for a new Superintendent the community is invited to attend a reception and meet our new Superintendent of Schools," added Tsonos. The vote to hire a new Superintendent is slightly ahead of schedule as the school committee wants to plan for a transition period.