Providence Schools Take Extra Steps to Ensure Smooth Opening

School leadership gets expert logistics support to help all schools prepare for first day.

Acting Superintendent Susan Lusi and Providence Public School Department leadership are taking extra steps this summer to make sure that the first day of school on August 30 is a good one for all of the district's more than 23,000 students.

To provide expert logistical support, especially to schools and students most affected by the closure of five schools this year, Lusi is drawing upon the nationally-recognized logistics management skills of Providence Emergency Management Agency Director Colonel Pete Gaynor.

Gaynor's extensive experience in logistics and planning, both military and municipal, was identified by Mayor Angel Taveras and by Superintendent Susan Lusi as a critical asset that could be leveraged by the school department to aid in the cross-divisional work needed to open of schools.

Gaynor, who has volunteered to share his expertise in coordinating large-scale operations, is working with Lusi and PPSD leadership to make sure all of the right supplies and supports are in place to help students, parents, teachers and administrators start the year off on the right foot.

"Colonel Gaynor is a tremendous asset to the City of Providence, as evidenced by his outstanding management of the City's emergency preparedness and response systems. His unique expertise in coordinating large-scale operations and training in logistics management will provide PPSD with an extra layer of support in making sure that the first day of school in Providence goes off as smoothly as possible. Students, parents and teachers deserve nothing less," said Mayor Angel Taveras.

Gaynor will maintain his position at PEMA while he takes on this temporary role. He will not receive any additional compensation for his service.

"I greatly appreciate Col. Gaynor's willingness to share his skills and abilities with us," said Dr. Lusi. "The last few months have been a challenge for everyone at the department and having this extra layer of support will ensure efficient operations and a smooth opening for all of our schools. This is priority number one for our team."

Gaynor, a retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel, has participated in military operations in numerous theatres, including Iraq, where he was responsible for daily operations with I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) in the Al Anbar Province.

"I am happy to offer my services to Dr. Lusi and the Providence School Department. Along with everyone in the Taveras administration, I am deeply committed to helping our students and teachers get off to a great start. I am looking forward to working with the PPSD team over the next few weeks," said Col. Gaynor.

Gaynor began meeting with PPSD administrators this week and expects to continue working closely with the team through the beginning of September.