Mayor Taveras, Governor Chafee Surprise Rhode Island's Elementary Principal of the Year

Veazie Street Elementary Principal Susan Chin recognized for leadership by Rhode Island Association of School Principals

Mayor Angel Taveras and Governor Lincoln Chafee made a surprise visit today to Veazie Street Elementary School to congratulate Veazie Street Elementary School Principal Susan Chin for being named the 2012 Rhode Island Elementary School Principal of the Year.

Interim Providence Schools Superintendent Dr. Susan Lusi joined the Mayor and the Governor for the surprise announcement. The Rhode Island Association of School Principals (RIASP) selected Principal Chin among candidates from across the state.

Principal Chin will represent Rhode Island in the National Distinguished Principals Program, a program of the National Association of Elementary School Principals created to recognize excellence in elementary and middle school leadership.

"I commend Principal Chin for her leadership and commitment to education in Providence. She has a track record of success everywhere she goes," said Mayor Taveras. "Behind every great student is a great teacher, and every great teacher is supported by a great principal. Principal Chin is a remarkable asset to the children of Veazie Street."

"Principal Chin has demonstrated throughout her 27 years with the Providence Public School District that she is committed to improving the performance of her students," said Governor Chafee. "A dedicated, involved principal can make all the difference in the lives of both students and teachers, and Principal Chin has clearly earned this impressive honor."

Principal Chin, a veteran teacher and administrator, has been in the Providence Public School District for 27 years and is in her fifth school year as leader of Veazie Street. Principal Chin was assigned to Veazie Street in 2007 to implement a restructuring plan to boost performance and help set students out on the right path.

Since taking the helm, Veazie Street has been heralded by the Rhode Island Department of Education for improved student performance. The percentage of students performing at a proficient level in reading jumped from 35 percent in 2007 to 61 percent in 2007. In 2007, only one out of four students scored proficient or better in math. In 2011, 60 percent of Veazie Street students scored proficient or better.

"Susan Chin's leadership at Veazie has been indisputably positive for her students, her staff and her school community," said Dr. Lusi. "She is highly deserving of this statewide recognition, and she will represent Providence and Rhode Island exceptionally well at the national level."

"Teachers can do their work best when they have the support and leadership of an excellent principal, such as Susan Chin. Under the leadership of Ms. Chin, the Veazie Street School has achieved and maintained remarkable success over the past five years," said State Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Deborah A. Gist. "I congratulate Ms. Chin on being named a Principal of the Year, and I hope she will continue to inspire her students, teachers, and colleagues across Rhode Island."

"I am honored to be part of Principal Chin's remarkable achievement, and I am grateful for her commitment to the mission of our public schools," said Providence City Councilman David A. Salvatore (Ward 14). "Her leadership is a reflection of the significant student achievement gains at Veazie Street. Principal Chin provides our parents with the comfort of knowing that their children are receiving a world-class education in Providence and is a role model for the next generation of great teachers in our city."

Patricia Hines, Executive Director of RIASP also participated in the announcement. Principal Chin holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Rhode Island and a Master's of Education from Providence College.