2019 -- S 0966

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LC002781

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2019

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S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

CONGRATULATING PAWTUCKET SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT MS. PATRICIA

DICENSO ON HER RETIREMENT AFTER AN EXEMPLARY PUBLIC SERVICE CAREER

     Introduced By: Senators Nesselbush, Cano, Conley, Ruggerio, and Gallo

     Date Introduced: June 12, 2019

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

     WHEREAS, Ms. Patricia “Patti” DiCenso began her distinguished education career

thirty-five years ago as a teacher, and later as a guidance counselor, with the Johnston Public

School Department. Ms. DiCenso’s significant leadership abilities and attention to detail were

quickly noticed by her peers and superiors, and she eventually was offered a position as a

Principal’s Intern (Principals Residency Network) in 2001 at North Kingstown High School; and

     WHEREAS, In 2002, Ms. DiCenso became an Assistant Principal in North Kingstown.

In 2005 she became the Principal of Rogers High School and, in honor and recognition of her

tireless service and innovative approach to management, she received the 2010 Principal of the

Year Award; and

     WHEREAS, Ms. DiCenso first came to Pawtucket to serve as a Strategic Officer, and

went on to become the Pawtucket Superintendent of Schools. Under her direction and guidance,

Pawtucket’s high school graduation rates increased by thirty percent. She also instituted full-day

pre-K programs, invested millions of dollars to enhance school buildings, fully renovated two

elementary schools, and established a dual-language immersion program. She was also a tireless

supporter of career and technical education, and supported programs that gave students the

opportunity to earn college credits through advanced placement classes in the high schools; now,

therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode and Providence Plantations hereby

congratulates Patricia DiCenso on her retirement as the Superintendent of the Pawtucket School

Department after more than thirty-five years of distinguished and meritorious service as a public

servant and educator; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Ms. Patricia DiCenso.

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LC002781

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