BURRILLVILLE – The former principal of Clayville Elementary School in Scituate has taken a new job leading a Burrillville school, and will be ready to greet Burrillville students when they return in the fall.
Courtney Francis was named principal of Steere Farm Elementary School, replacing former school leader Janet Lyons, who recently retired.
“We are thrilled to welcome Mrs. Courtney Francis to the administrative team for Burrillville schools,” Supt. Michael Sollitto said of the hire. “Her experience, skills, and abilities will allow for a seamless leadership transition at Steere Farm Elementary School.”
Francis most recently served for five years as principal of Clayville in Scituate. Prior to that, she was a grade 5 teacher and a literacy coach for East Providence Public Schools.
Francis has participated in the National Institute of School Leaders; EdReport training through the Rhode Island Department of Education; and Fuse Leader with the Highlander Institute, among other professional development programs. She also led the Scituate Schools to implement a tier 1 social-emotional learning curriculum, spanning Pre-K to grade 12, as part of her professional mission to, “educate the whole child.”
Francis has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Assumption College and a master’s in education administration from Providence College.
“I am honored to be joining the Burrillville Schools and Steere Farm Elementary School team,” Francis said this week. “I look forward to working alongside dedicated educators and a tight knit community committed to supporting students.”
“As I begin at Steere Farm, it is of the utmost importance to me to develop strong relationships with parents, students, and the school community in order to ensure student success,” she added.
A native Rhode Islander, Francis said she enjoys spending time at the beach, hiking and reading. She currently resides in Warwick with her husband, son, and two dogs.
“We look forward to her continuing the many wonderful initiatives at SFE,” said Sollitto. “When you meet her, please be sure to give Mrs. Francis a warm Burrillville Bronco welcome.”
