South Kingstown School District's 2024-25 School Year: A Year of Progress and Promise
As we reflect on this transformative year in the South Kingstown School District, I am proud to share the meaningful progress we have made together as a community. From strengthening our leadership team to laying the groundwork for our district's future, this year has been marked by collaboration, commitment, and a shared vision for excellence in education.
Strengthening Leadership and Community Partnership
This year brought exceptional new leadership to our district. We welcomed Assistant Superintendent Mr. Daniel Seger and Director of Student Services Dr. Kim Carson, whose fresh perspectives and deep expertise are already making a positive impact across our schools.
At the governance level, we reconstituted all School Committee subcommittees to ensure compliance with bylaws while creating meaningful opportunities for community members to contribute their expertise to our schools' success.
Most remarkably, our families demonstrated unprecedented engagement—family response rates to our SurveyWorks assessments exceeded 20% at all five schools. This exceptional participation reflects the strong partnership between our schools and families and provides invaluable feedback to guide our continuous improvement efforts.
Measurable Impact on Student Success
Our collective commitment to student success yielded tangible results. This year, we recorded 3,577 fewer student absences than the previous school year—a significant improvement reflecting our efforts to create engaging, supportive learning environments where students want to be every day.
In April, our community received the district's comprehensive equity audit, providing a roadmap for ensuring every student has access to the opportunities and support they need. This critical assessment will guide our strategic planning for years to come.
Our partnership with the Jonnycake Center for Hope and the University of Rhode Island through Rhode Island's Learn365 initiative exemplifies our commitment to wraparound support, addressing the whole child while engaging and strengthening our entire community.
Building Tomorrow's Learning Environment
The new South Kingstown High School represents our most visible commitment to students' futures. With construction beginning in August, this state-of-the-art facility will provide:
- An academic tower with flexible learning spaces supporting both individual growth and collaboration for students and educators alike
- Laboratory and design spaces mirroring real-world higher education and workplace environments
- Performance areas where students can showcase their diverse talents
Our Path Forward
The School Committee's adoption of our new mission and core beliefs establishes the foundation for our comprehensive strategic plan. Built through a collaborative process, informed by our equity audit findings, and aligned with research-based strategies, this framework will guide concrete actions to help every student, family, and educator THRIVE at SKSD.
This year’s accomplishments reflect the dedication of our exceptional teachers and staff, the engagement of our families, the support of our community, and most importantly, the hard work and resilience of our students. The foundation we have built positions the South Kingstown School District for continued growth and success.
Together, we are creating an educational experience that prepares our students not just for academic achievement, but for meaningful lives as engaged citizens and lifelong learners. Whether you are a current or prospective member of our community, thank you for your partnership in making South Kingstown School District a place where every student can—and will—reach their full potential and THRIVE.
- Superintendent Michael J. Podraza