Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Providence Superintendent of Schools Susan Lusi announced Friday that she will resign at the end of the current school year, saying she will pursue "other professional opportunities."
Lusi, who had led city schools for the past four years, did not elaborate on the reasons for her resignation.
Mayor Jorge Elorza said in a statement that he and the city school board will immediately begin a search for Lusi's replacement.
"It has been an honor to serve as superintendent and I am proud of our accomplishments in Providence, but now is the time for me to pursue other professional opportunities," Lusi said. "If I have any down time at all, I look forward to spending it with family — my children, my husband and also my parents."
City officials said that during Lusi's tenure as superintendent, graduation rates have increased from 65 percent to 71 percent, dropout rates have declined from 21 percent to 14 percent and reading scores have improved in grades 4 and 11.
Elorza said he wants the next superintendent to share his vision of raising student achievement, engaging the community and reforming the role of the central administration.
"I understand personally the crucial difference that a good education can make in a child's life," he said. "I am committed to finding a dynamic leader for our school district who is worthy of continuing the progress made during Dr. Lusi's tenure."
Lusi previously was superintendent of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, schools and assistant commissioner of the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
