New Cranston Superintendent "I Know We Can Move Our Schools Forward"

Jeannine Nota-Masse, Cranston’s new superintendent of schools, said that she looks forward to the challenge and opportunities that lie ahead and thanked the School Committee for the confidence they placed in her.

“Working together, I know we can move our schools forward so that every child has the opportunity for growth and success,” Nota-Masse, an educator whose career began in 1993 as an English teacher in Providence and continued with jobs in Cranston, East Greenwich and back to Cranston again.

A Cranston resident, Nota-Masse has a “vision for the success and growth of [the] Cranston Public Schools” that is “compatible with the long term plans set in motion by the Cranston School Committee,” Said Janice Ruggieri, chairwoman of the School Committee. “We are confident Jeannine will make decisions that are in the best interests of Cranston’s students and parents and we look forward to supporting her to continue to improve the school system.”

After teaching in Providence, Nota-Masse came to Cranston in 2001 as assistant principal at Cranston High School East. She served five years before being promoted to assistant principal for for academic affairs. In 2008, she left Cranston to become principal at East Greenwich High School, where she served for two years before coming to Cranston as executive director of education programs in services. In 2012, she became assistant superintendent and has served in that role ever since.

The School Committee opted to promote Nota-Masse instead of engaging in a search for a possible outside candidate in part because she knows the nuances of the district and understands its future needs.

“Her experience, plans and love for the district will allow us to continue on a path of growth and development for our students, staff and the entire district,” Ruggieri said.

When Superintendent Judith Lundsten announced her retirement earlier this year, the committee “has been working to prepare for a transition and are happy to entrust the well being of the district to the able hands of Mrs. Nota-Masse,” Ruggieri said.

Stephanie Culhane, committee vice-chairwoman, said that Nota-Masse brings strong leadership skills to the position. She also has experience as a teacher in addition to her administrative experience.

“Her communication skills and record of collaboration will serve the district well,” Culhane said. “In addition, we are pleased she has made a long-term commitment to the position which will provide stability for both students and teachers.”

Lundsten, when appointed in 2012, said she planned on only staying for about three years before retiring.

Nota-Masse is a longtime Cranston resident as well as a parent of a Cranston student.

She takes over for Lundsten on July 1.