Nearly four years ago, Melinda Smith began her tenure as the Superintendent of Schools for North Providence. Since then, she has focused on integrating new technology into schools, fixing structural problems in buildings, and introducing new career programs for students.

Now, with the upcoming expiration of her contract come December 31st, Supt. Smith has decided not to renew it. Rather than focusing on her decision however, Smith would like to remind everyone of all the wonderful accomplishments the town has made in these past few years.

“We brought the building project full circle. We knew that the schools needed to be fixed and we put a plan together. Now, the schools are going to be fixed, so I feel really good about all of the many accomplishments: curriculum developments, curriculum resources, and technology.”

Hailing from Lincoln, before becoming the Superintendent of Schools, Smith was the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment, and Professional Development for Lincoln public schools for eight years.

Supt. Smith is actively looking to hopefully become the superintendent for another district, but in the meantime is excited for spending time with family, especially her grandchildren. Until then, she is confident of the legacy she leaves behind filled with revitalizing and improving North Providence schools. Having begun developing an action plan for the next 2-3 years in order to ensure that all projects started during her tenure will be completed in a timely matter after her departure, she is confident that the town will continue to prosper after her absence.

Finally, a message she would like to leave with the Town of North Providence is this:

“As far as our teachers, they are an amazing group of people. When I first came North Providence was far behind with technology and curriculum and even building improvements, and because of the dedication of faculty and the staff here we made great improvements in a short period of time. I can’t thank them enough. If it wasn’t for the teachers and the students who also came along with that process, I don’t think we would be where we’re at right now. The other thing that is really critical, is that our mayor helped along the way. He  merged maintenance with the school department, he merged technology with the school department, and because of those two endeavors we were able to make great strides. The mayor is a big advocate for our schools and I have a really solid working relationship with the mayor and the chief of staff and I am proud of that relationship, because of that I think we made these big leaps. Those are two things, the teachers and the faculty and staff, and then of course our town leaders who have really been very supportive of my time here. Believe me, 4 years and 2 months have flown by really fast.”

From the staff of the Cougar Courier, thank you Melinda Smith for the work you’ve accomplished as our superintendent!