Garceau Wishes Department Well In "Exit Letter"

Director of Instruction and Administration Mark Garceau wished the Woonsocket Education Department well in an "exit letter" sent out on Thursday to Superintendent Dr. Giovanna Donoyon and members of the Woonsocket School Committee.

"I wish you all continued success in your ongoing efforts to make Woonsocket a better place to teach and learn," the letter, dated Nov. 3, states.

The three-page communication outlines Garceau's work for the department in ten categories: curriculum and assessment, Response to Intervention, Race to the Top, transition to the Common Core, a comprehensive assessment system, educator evaluations, school improvement planning, NECAP assessment data, professional development and an attendance study group. 

"I hope that this summary proves helpful to you and the district as you move forward. I am grateful for the opportunities provided to me by the district and would gladly offer any assistance now or in the future that might benefit the Administration and the Committee," Garceau states.

The letter comes on the heels of news that Finance Director Stacy Busby for a position in Somerset, MA. Attleboro Business Manager Marc Furtado was offered the role in August, but declined saying he wanted to stay in his current position. Last week, he asked school officials in Somerset that he be reconsidered.

that Furtado handed in his resignation Wednesday, stating that he is reconsidering a job opportunity with the Somerset Regional School District.  Woonsocket Finance Director Thomas Bruce has been watching the outcome closely, fearful of more upheaval in a financially challenging year for the city.

Asked about the possibility of Busby and Garceau resigning, Donoyon replied "It is absolutely false. Noone's resigning."

Some members of the School Committee were surprised to receive the Garceau's Exit Letter. Committeewoman Vimala Phongsavanh said Thursday afternoon that she believed Garceau was taking a temporary position with the Rhode Island Department of Education, to return to Woonsocket education in August of 2012. Neither Busby or Garceau could be reached for comment.  

"I'm disappointed in the transparency of all of the recent personnel news this week," Phongsavanh said.