NORTH SMITHFIELD – After nearly a decade leading the North Smithfield School Department, Supt. Michael St. Jean will retire just before the start of the 2026/2027 school year, a decision he announced publicly this week to parents and administrators.
“Serving the students, families, faculty, and staff of North Smithfield for the past ten years has been the greatest professional honor of my career,” St. Jean said in a letter.
A Cranston resident hired by the district in 2016 to replace former Supt. Stephen Lindberg, St. Jean earned bachelor’s degrees in English, history, anthropology and education from the University of Rhode Island. He received a master’s in education from Rhode Island College and a superintendent’s license from Bridgewater State University.
From 1995 to 2012, St. Jean served as technology director of Pawtucket Public Schools. He spent four years as assistant superintendent in Central Falls before he was chosen to lead education in North Smithfield.
At the time, the community was primed to recover from a contentious era that had seen conflicts between town and school officials over funding that had led to deferred maintenance of most education facilities. The years since have seen improved collaboration between town officials and the district, and the implementation of a regular schedule of school improvements, with an account used to reinvest reimbursable expenses.
“Having two kids in the system, I’ve seen things change over time,” said Committee member Christopher Simpkins. “There’s always work to do, but you’ve got us to a really good place.”
St. Jean’s tenure has included major changes to the town’s public schools including an expansion to North Smithfield Elementary School in 2019 that allowed for the closure of Halliwell Elementary School; the installation of a new field and athletic complex at North Smithfield High School; renovation projects that have led to transformation of everything from the NSES playgrounds to the NSHS science labs, and major technology upgrades, such as the universal use of Chromebooks for student learning.
“Over the past decade I have worked with our community and NSPS team to repair and modernize our buildings and renovate and equip our classrooms in order to provide an ideal learning environment,” St. Jean noted. “We have repaired, upgraded, and expanded our athletic facilities and made numerous improvements to our grounds.”
The improvements, he noted, have extended well beyond the fields and structures.
“We have expanded our student academic and social supports and, after school, we offer more athletic and extracurricular opportunities than ever in North Smithfield history,” he said. “I am immensely proud of the progress we have made in curriculum development, technology integration, and renovating and improving our buildings and grounds.”
His time at the helm has not been without challenges, from hazing allegations against the NSHS football team in 2022, to the news last year that the wells serving water to the middle school and high school were found to contain PFAS or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances beyond the state standard.
But with a calm and steady demeanor, St. Jean has navigated the district through many of the challenges.
Policies regarding the use of athletic facilities have been an ongoing conflict through his time as superintendent, including a recent change to the district’s insurance requirements that have left many community programs unable to afford the coverage needed to utilize the assets.
At the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 18, St. Jean pointed to the issue, and an increased culture of litigation among the reasons for his decision that it was time to retire.
“No matter the good we do – the informed decisions we make – we’re at risk to be sued anytime over any thing,” he said. “The culture has changed. The risk is so much greater. It’s become kind of a dangerous place out there.”
“I don’t want to give up the fight, but it’s time,” St. Jean said.
School Committee members thanked St. Jean for all he has done to improve the district, noting there will be more formal opportunities to acknowledge the school leader over the next year.
“Thank you for all you’ve done for our school, our community,” said Simpkins.
Vice Chairperson Jean Meo noted the average tenure for a superintendent is currently six years – a time St. Jean well exceeded.
“You have brought us to new heights and you have just done an amazing job for North Smithfield,” said Meo. “Your shoes will be very, very hard to fill.”
Committee member David de la Cruz noted that in his time working with St. Jean, all topics have been met with professionalism and preparation.
“You’ve always acted in the best interest of the students and the district,” said de la Cruz.
St. Jean’s time in North Smithfield has also included the opportunity to explore his side hobby of photography at events including graduations and concerts, with pictures often shared on the district’s social media.
“What I will miss the most, other than the people I work with every day, is capturing and sharing pictures of our cool kids doing cool things,” noted St. Jean.
Curriculum Director and Asst. Supt. Clare Arnold pointed to St. Jean’s “character and kindness,” as well as his ability to quickly learn new things.
“Mike is incredibly smart,” Arnold said. “Being with him and learning from him has been incredible. He always makes decision for children.”
St. Jean thanked all those who have helped him succeed over the years.
“Thanks to our exemplary staff’s attention and care, our students are safe, they play, perform, build, and create, and consistently achieve at the highest levels as evidenced in so many North Smithfield student awards, championships, recognitions, and top rankings across the state,” he noted.
The superintendent said his final day of service to the district will be August 3. He noted that he made the announcement early to allow plenty of time to find his replacement.
“I am committed to working closely with the committee and the new superintendent during this transition period to ensure continuity and a seamless hand-off of responsibilities,” noted St. Jean. “I have unwavering confidence in the future of our schools.”
“North Smithfield Public Schools possesses an extraordinarily talented staff, dedicated administrators, and a resilient, supportive community,” he added. “I know that the next chapter will be one of continued growth and success for our students.”
“It is quite a loss,” said Arnold. “I know we’re going to be working really hard to the very end.”
Thank you Mr. St. Jean for all that you have done for our families and district over the last decade. You have improved everything about our schools from a curricular and extracurricular viewpoint all while maintaining an eye on the taxpayer and keeping costs as low as possible. We wish you well in the next chapter of your story.
Amen