Supt. Sue Lusi holds her gift from Portsmouth School Committee (l-r Cynthia Perrotti, Dave Croston, Jonathan Harris, Marilyn King)

More than 50 Portsmouth residents — elected officials, teachers, administrators, parents, and community members — gathered at the middle school this afternoon for a farewell celebration in honor of departing superintendent Sue Lusi.

Town Councilor Jim Seveney was on hand to present Dr. Lusi with a ceremonial tile, and he thanked her on behalf of the town for her efforts under what were often times difficult circumstances.

Mark Dunham, director of school finance and administration, read a resolution from Sen. Chris Ottiano, congratulating Dr. Lusi on her accomplishments as "a dedicated, innovative educator and administrator."

Former school committee chair Dick Carpender praised Lusi's integrity and candor. "As soon as I met her, I knew we had hired somebody who wasn't going to hold anything back, and that was the way we worked together for the next five years." He went on, "Some of the decisions she brought forward to us were difficult — closing schools, not one but two. No matter how difficult the circumstance or the pressure, she handled herself with dignity and civility."

João Arruda, vice principal of the middle school, read a letter from RI House Speaker Gordon Fox and Reps Edwards, Gallison, and Riley congratulating her for her accomplishments and praising her "dedication to an atmosphere of excellence for faculty and students."

Joe Cassady, president of NEA Portsmouth, thanked her on behalf of the teachers. "You've been outstanding for this district for the six years of your tenure. One thing we never questioned was your sincerity, and your goal was always, assuredly, the children."

Called on for a few words, Lusi said that she had "cherished every moment," and praised the teachers, administrators, and community members for their "dedication and strength." Said Lusi, "The system is never better than the people, and you are the reason for all the successes."

After the ceremony, members of the school committee, town councilors, and parents spent time chatting with Lusi and enjoying punch and snacks in the middle school library.

I've covered Portsmouth for the past five years. On several occasions, I've heard Lusi use an aphorism to highlight what really matters.

"Superintendents come and go," she would say, "But the schools belong to the people."

Superintendents may come and go, but the truly great ones leave lasting impressions on the schools, the kids, and the town.

Dr. Lusi was one of those, and Portsmouth is better for her years of dedicated, creative, selfless service.

Thank you, Sue.