RI Education Commissioner Deborah Gist released a statement this afternoon on the appointment of departing Portsmouth Supt. Sue Lusi as interim head of the Providence schools.

I commend the Providence School Board on the selection of Susan F. Lusi as the interim superintendent of the Providence Public Schools. From her experiences at the Providence School Department and at the R.I. Department of Education, Dr. Lusi has gained a solid understanding of the challenges we face as we strive to accelerate all schools toward greatness. In her most recent position as Superintendent of Schools in Portsmouth, Dr. Lusi has been a strong advocate for many statewide initiatives, including the development of our strategic plan and our Race to the Top application. We will continue to support the Providence Schools in the search for the next superintendent. In the interim, I look forward to working in partnership with Dr. Lusi to transform education in Providence and to provide a world-class education to all Rhode Island students.
—Deborah A. Gist, Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education

Editorial note: Written from a press release.