Gerardi Likely To Step Down As Woonsocket Schools Superintendent

Woonsocket Superintendent Robert Gerardi will likely be stepping down from his post to take the Superintendent job in Maynard, Mass, according to Gerardi, Woonsocket Mayor Leo Fontaine and Maynard's local newspaper.

The Maynard School Committee voted 4-1 in favor of hiring Gerardi.  Next week, Gerardi will meet with Maynard school officials to "iron out" the details of his contract there, according to Gerardi.  After that he will most likely formally announce his departure from Woonsocket schools.

"I started my career in Mass. and while I love the City of Woonsocket and what I have done, the state of Rhode Island has made it difficult for me to remain as an educator in Rhode Island," said Gerardi, when reached by phone on Friday afternoon.

"Every time they talk about pension reform that changes what my long-term aspirations in the state are going to be," said Gerardi.

It is presumed Gerardi will take over the reins in Maynard when their current Superintendent retires in June.

"It's for my children's best interests [that] I work for the state that's best for my family," said Gerardi.

"Obviously, from recent talks with Dr. Gerardi,  I had some indication that he was looking elsewhere," said Mayor Fontaine, "There are many reasons for this move, the main being his desire to return to Massachusetts with his family." 

"I wish him well," said Fontaine, "I think its going to be a challenge to find a replacement, but we will continue on doing the work that we do."

Gerardi has served as the superintendent in Woonsocket for the past three years.  He has served during a controversial time for the schools in which state aid cuts have led the education department to make controversial decisions such as suing the city, taking a Caruolo action, changing the at the high school and most recently, over the "fair" education funding formula.

"Dr. Gerardi's decision to leave is a bitter sweet feeling to me," wrote School Commitee Member Vimala Phongsavanh in an e-mail, "In the short time I got to work with him, he was the constant professional who was dedicated to his job and wanted to do it well. He really understood his role and his work ethic is something that I will miss. He used to send emails at 2 a.m. and would always pick up his phone on the weekends. I have nothing but respect for Dr. Gerardi and I wish him and his family the very best."

Gerardi said he has enjoyed his work in Woonsocket.

"I think that even though we've had financially difficult times, there have been some programs that we've improved on," said Gerardi, talking specifically about the ELO or program, which gives students the opportunity to earn school credit for valuable work they do outside of schools.

"I'm excited about the opportunity to work in Massachusetts, in a smaller district, where I'll still be dealing with financial difficulties, but I'll also be able to be an instructional leader," said Gerardi.  He noted the real fun in his job comes from being a teacher.

"I've made so many friends in Woonsocket that I will not forget.  Those friendships are not going to end," said Gerardi.

Before serving in Woonsocket, Gerardi served as the assistant superintendent and curriculum director for the North Providence school system for three years.

Gerardi has also served as a weekly contributor to the Woonsocket Patch by keeping the community updated on Woonsocket Schools with his "Education Spotlight" column.  Patch thanks him for his work for this site.

Michelle Higgins also contributed to this report.