NK Superintendent May Leave For Cumberland

Cumberland has named two finalists for its soon-to-be vacant superintendent position, and one of them is North Kingstown's own superintendent.

Dr. Philip Thornton has been named as a finalist along with Nathan Bishop High School Principal Michael Lazzareschi, reports The Providence Journal, after a 14-member screening committee reviewed 27 applicants. According to The Providence Journal, Thornton will spend the day in Cumberland on Friday and be interviewed by the Cumberland School Committee Monday evening. The committee is slated to select a candidate within the next two weeks.

"I'm really troubled and upset because I think we have a very good leader in Dr. Thornton," said School Committee Member Lynda Avanzato. "I don't think anyone agrees with every decision someone makes, but I think he's a good educational leader and fiscal leader."

In a statement released Tuesday, Thornton said:

I am very proud of the work put forth by some School Committee members, administration, teachers, and support professionals. The District has been able to move forward in many key areas.

Unfortunately, I do have major philosophical differences with several members of the School Committee, therefore, I am now involved in a Superintendent search process in Cumberland to explore my options.

Thornton has butted heads with several School Committee members in recent meetings.

"We've all had our differences," said School Committee Vice-Chair Kimberly Page. "All of us are passionate about our children and children's education. Unfortunately, we haven't worked as well as we could. We are a difficult group to work with, however I think Phil [Thornton] has worked better than anyone else thus far with this group."

According to Avanzato, the behavior of several committee members could spell trouble for future superintendents entering the district.

"[The school committee] is not functional at this point," said Avanzato. "I think some School Committee members need to think about what they're doing to this district and they should leave. Think of what the next superintendent will think when they come here."

Thornton came to North Kingstown in December 2007 as an assistant superintendent on the heels of Superintendent James Halley's resignation amidst allegations of mispending school funds. He stepped up to interim superintendent following the resignation of Superintendent Priscilla Feir in June 2008, becoming the fourth North Kingstown superintendent in two years, before officially taking the position in March 2009.