Jeannine Nota Masse, Superintendent of the Cranston Public Schools, has been selected as the 2022 Rhode Island Superintendent of the Year. Her selection by the Rhode Island School Superintendents' Association (RISSA) was announced at its General Membership Meeting on August 17, 2021. The selection and recognition of Mrs. Nota-Masse by her colleagues is an indication of the high esteem in which she is held.

The award recognizes outstanding achievement in school district leadership, dedication to the education of all children, commitment to the community, and service to RISSA. The award was presented to Jeannine by James Erinakes, Superintendent of the Exeter – West Greenwich Public Schools and the 2021 Superintendent of the Year.

In addition to her fellow administrators, friends and colleagues, members of Cranston Public Schools Executive Staff, Rhode Island Education Commissioner Angélica M. Infante-Green, and Jeannine’s family were in attendance.

Mrs. Nota-Masse has served as the Superintendent in Cranston since 2015. She previously served as Assistant Superintendent in Cranston from 2012-2015. Prior to that she served as Executive Director of Educational Programs and Services in Cranston from 2010-2012. Jeannine served as the principal at East Greenwich High School. She also served as assistant principal at Cranston East High School. She began her career as a high school English teacher for the Providence Public Schools. She is also a proud graduate of Classical High School.

During her tenure as Superintendent, Cranston has demonstrated a focus on:

Eden Park Elementary School’s Pathfinder Project which has won two national awards for design. Additionally, this renovation has positively impacted students’ attendance, improved student engagement and improved inclusion with students of differing abilities.

Expanding Career and Technical Education Opportunities for all high school students by implementing programs at CHSE and the NEL/CPS Construction and Career Academy. These programs are in addition to the CTE Programs at Cranston Area Career and Technical Program at CHSW, that annually have students nationally recognized by Skills USA.

Increasing school safety protocols and training for students and staff. Implemented systemwide facility safety protocols, ALICE training, human trafficking and sexual assault training, communications and partnerships with CPD and CFD, CCAP and Day One.

Creating a 5-year Master Plan for School Construction, funded by a $147 million bond passed by Cranston voters in 2020.

Increased effort to communicate and connect with families and staff on a consistent basis on multiple platforms.

She is proud of her school community and the efforts they made together to get through the pandemic. By communicating and collaborating in planning the district was able to provide high quality education to all students.

Jeannine expressed her gratitude to all members of the Cranston Community and in particular the staff, school committee, city and state officials in her district.

Mrs. Nota-Masse has been an active member of the RI School Superintendents Association for nearly ten years. She has been a member of the several subcommittees including work groups with RIDE, the RI State Police and the Governor’s office. She was recently elected Secretary of RISSA and has served as a member of the RISSA executive committee.

Mrs. Nota-Masse earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree at Rhode Island College and her Master’s degree from Providence College in Education Administration.

Jeannine and her husband, Tom, reside in Cranston and they have 1 son, Nicholas, who attends Cranston High School West.

Mrs. Nota-Masse will be recognized by the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) at its National Conference on Education to be held in Nashville, Tennessee February 17-19, 2022.