First School Day in Narragansett is Last First Day for Outgoing Superintendent who Brought Stability

NARRAGANSETT, RI—"It was really busy," Schools Supt. Katherine Sipala said when asked to describe Narragansett's first day of school on Thursday. But everything turned out "great."

Sipala, who will leave Narragansett in two short months and retire from an accomplished career as an educator, could give the same answer if asked to describe her tenure here.

Sipala came to Narragansett after a period of turnover for the school's administrative offices on the third floor of Narragansett Town Hall. Prickly School Committees hired and fired a series of superintendents and were at constant odds with the Town Council about almost everything. The turmoil took a toll on morale as the district struggled to cope with collapsing enrollment, crumbling buildings and little long-term capital savings.

Sipala, who promised as she was hired to bring stability and a long term vision to the district, kept really busy. Over time, she listened to teachers and elected officials. And parents. And when it came time to push a plan or project, or get a budget passed, she argued logically and passionately, usually getting her way.

Over time, tensions thawed. A reserve fund started to grow, along with student achievement. Buildings have been getting fixed. Now, Narragansett is no longer trying to punch above its weight. Instead, the district ranks as one of the best in the state and the momentum is more than just heading in the right direction. It's beginning to accelerate.

On this day, the superintendent spent much of the day at the high school and also checked in with administrators at the other locations. And it was likely bittersweet as she anticipates her official retirement on Oct. 31 after 41 years as an educator. For Sipala, the time was right.

"I've been here 10 years," she said. Before that, she spent four years as Jamestown's superintendent. Although she loves the job, it's a "Twenty-four-seven commitment," she said.

"You're never off," she explained. At 63, with four grandchildren, she wants to spend time with family.

"The timing is perfect," she said. It comes at a moment as things are coming to fruition. She can step away knowing that she kept that promise 10 years ago.

"The groundwork is really, really done," she said. The new superintendent can come in, "enhance and fine-tune" the programs and take the school department to the "next level," she said.

She anticipates an announcement about the new superintendent next week or the week following, she said. The search committee is wrapping up its interviews with the candidates, and a decision should be coming soon.

Meanwhile, she is pleased to see the new so-called "one-to-one" era arrived in Narragansett in time for the first day of school Sept. 1.

One-to-one means a new digital device for every student in grades four through eleven. They use them in school and take them home to continue their studies. That's the biggest and most important educational change this year, she said, and it will allow the school district and the students to take advantage of the most innovative and exciting ideas and programs.

Before school started, students in grades six through eight received brand new laptops. And last month, the district gave fifth graders Chromebooks, the Google-powered devices increasingly being used in schools to present curriculum and administer assignments. Over the fall semester, Chromebooks will be distributed to fourth graders high school students will receive laptops.

Also new this fall will be the continued construction of the new facility for the Agriscience Department at Narragansett High School. The building, located behind the main school building, will feature two state-of-the-art classrooms and a new greenhouse. The greenhouse is coming Nov. 1 from Holland, Sipala said. The school district took advantage of a construction rebate from the state to build the center, which will house the school's recently state-certified career and technical education program in agriculture.

Narragansett High has been offering agriculture classes for 25 years, but two or three years ago, when the state encouraged districts to start certified career technical education programs, the school department realized the opportunity. So far, in addition to the local youngsters, four out-of-district students have enrolled, and the new building isn't even constructed yet

"I'm sure that building is going to be a beacon," she said.

Turning to sports, the Narragansett Community Athletic Complex, in front of the high school, has been up and running since summer. The official opening celebration is Sept. 10, but meanwhile, high school and middle school students can enjoy brand new facilities, including "a synthetic turf field lined for soccer, lacrosse and football and an eight-lane track," she said. The public can also use the complex by applying for a permit, she said, but the students have top priority.

Mark Schieldrop contributed to this article.

Photo courtesy: Katherine Sipala