Portsmouth Honors Outgoing Superintendent Susan Lusi

Surrounded by a group of more than 60 teachers, School Committee members and administrators, outgoing was honored at a ceremony late Thursday afternoon.

Lusi said her last words of thanks and gratitude to her former colleagues before heading to her new position as of Providence schools.

"Any good system, including a school system, is never any better than its people," said Lusi. "All of you in this room and all of the people you represent, are the reason for all of the successes we have had and the reason that this is such a strong and wonderful place in which to work."

Those who worked closely with Dr. Lusi during her six-year tenure as superintendent were eager to step up to the podium and exalt Lusi for her dedication, hard work and perseverance.

James Seveney, Portsmouth Town Council member, praised the soon-to-be former superintendent for her "superb leadership, thoughtful and prepared presentations," and the ability to be "quick on her feet."

"She has always presented herself in a poised and professional manner," said Seveney. "She knows the plan, lays out the plan and, if the plan is rejected, she lays out a new one."

Principal Robert E. Littlefield also spoke of Dr. Lusi's integrity.

"She has set the bar high for the kind of discourse that can make an impact," he said, adding, "Throughout all of the politics, she never took her eye off teaching and learning."

In addressing the crowd, Principal Littlefield adamantly pointed out that Lusi has "always done her homework, looked at everything from multiple points of view and has always had the kids' interests at heart."

Littlefield went on to say, "You have taken way too many hits and way too many hits for other people."

"You have been the gal sitting on the stool at the dunking tank at the carnival with people whipping projectiles at you," adding, "all during that time you have stood tall, treated everyone with dignity and respect and you were courteous to a fault, which is a great example to have set for our children."

Littlefield concluded with a note of personal thanks for Lusi's support, leadership and the example she has set.

Paraphrasing a line from the speech by Jack Nicholson in As Good As It Gets, Littlefield proclaimed, "Sue, you have made me want to be a better principal."

When asked what she thought her greatest achievement was while superintendent, Lusi replied, “increasing student achievement.”

Lusi departs the Portsmouth school district with no teacher contract in place, but said she wishes that “could have been resolved.”