GLOCESTER – The Foster Glocester Regional School Committee unanimously appointed Renee Palazzo superintendent of the district Tuesday, April, 26.
The news was announced at a public meeting at Ponaganset High School following a closed executive session. The public meeting was empty but for a few staff and faculty members.
Palazzo is the current principal of Ponaganset High School.
Shelley Pezza, co-chairperson of the School Committee, said she was chosen for her, “phenomenal job as principal the last seven years,” noting that Palazzo, “proved her leadership and skills,” in an interview.
The new superintendent was chosen following a posting of the position, and interviews in recent weeks by members of a search subcommittee.
Palazzo said she is, “excited to venture into this new role,” and that it will allow her to continue, “to grow Ponaganset as a great place for students.”
The district, which oversees Ponaganset High School and Middle School, serves approximately 1,390 students in grades 6-12 from Foster and Glocester.
“It is an honor to be appointed as the superintendent of the Foster Glocester Regional School District,” Palazzo said. “I look forward to working in unity with colleagues, families, students and community partners to ensure the best educational experiences for our students.”
In 2015 Palazzo was hired as the principal of Ponaganset and told the press the high school was a, “perfect fit,” for her.
Previous to her position as principal at the school, Palazzo was assistant principal at Smithfield High School, where she had initially worked as a math teacher. Now outgoing Foster-Glocester Supt. Michael Barnes told the press in 2015 that Palazzo was hired as principal at Ponaganset for her, “strong background in learning and teaching and her ability to build collaborative relationships with students, parents, teachers, and the community will be a tremendous asset to the Foster and Glocester communities.”
Barnes, who has worked for the district for 34 years, has resigned to take on a less demanding role as part-time superintendent for the Foster School District effective June 30.
Palazzo and her husband have resided in Glocester since 1997. She has said that she and her spouse moved their family to the area precisely because of the school system. Their son graduated from PHS in 2017, and their daughter “will transition out this June,” she said.
Is this the best approach to assist your daughter?
She’s NOT doing anything to help my child with special needs!!!!all she’s doing is keeping her from attending her senior year with her friends !