E-Learning Academy Head to Leave Woonsocket for RIDE

After nearly 15 years in Woonsocket education, Coordinator of Instructional Technology and E-Learning Michael Ferry has taken a job with the Rhode Island Department of Education as a knowledge officer.

Ferry was one of several administrators as part of the restructuring plan proposed last week by Superintendent Dr. Giovanna Donoyon. The administrative raises, which would have cost the department $56,000, were unanimously rejected. 

"I want to leave on a very good note," said Ferry. "But I just didn't see any advancement in Woonsocket. I'm 60 years old and the opportunty is here."

Ferry started out in the science department at before moving into administration. There, he founded the E-Learning Academy, a program operated from the which allowed students to complete much of their high school curriculum from home. Last June, the program graduated the first high school student in the Rhode Island to be fully educated through E-Learning. , an ambitious young man who suffered from eosinophilic esophagitis, a rare autoimmune disorder, graduated tenth in his class.

Ferry said he's met with Donoyon to discuss how his work can be continued. "It's a very important program," he said.

The administrator is the second to leave the city this month. Director of Instruction and Administration Marc Garceau also . As the city's financial concerns have resulted in cuts to programs and staff, Ferry and other administrators have found themselves taking on ever greater responsibilities. 

"I started making a list of the things I have my hands on and it's amazing how much we do that we used to have help with. It's been a very difficult three years," said Ferry. "We've all been doing the work of three or four people."

"I'm really going to miss Woonsocket," Ferry said. "My co-workers are so unbelievably dedicated  - no one ever complains."

Ferry has given Donoyon his two-week notice and must now say goodbye to his students. "I love working in Woonsocket. I'm really going to miss those kids."