So many people call themselves “advocates” or “passionate” about education. But few people live a life as dedicated to education as my dear friend and former colleague Peter Nero. Peter has dedicated more than half of his life to improving the lives of students and shaping the minds of young people. Not only did I have the pleasure of working with him as a member of the Cranston School Committee, but my own children were also students under his leadership as Superintendent of Cranston Public Schools. As a parent and an elected official, I could see how important educating his students was to Peter.
Peter is a product of Cranston Public Schools. He is a graduate of Cranston High School East. He then taught in Cranston for 20 years, growing to serve in a variety of leadership roles, including serving as principal, assistant superintendent, and later superintendent. I was elected to the School Committee in 2008. This was the beginning of the most difficult period ever for Cranston Public Schools. We were very fortunate to be led by Peter Nero. Not only did he know the city’s landscape well, he was fiercely passionate about protecting the quality of education for students in the system he led. As a team led by Superintendent Nero, we were not only able to pull ourselves out of a very dark economic situation, but we rose to rebuild our program in such a way that it would never again be seen as a “nice to have.” I was able to do that. . Programs that once had to be cut will now be financially managed and integrated into the curriculum rather than being considered an add-on. Peter has provided our school division with the leadership and knowledge that only his 34 years in Cranston can provide.
When Peter retired from Cranston to become North Stonington’s superintendent, we all knew he would grow the district by leaps and bounds. He was able to take the education and financial knowledge he gained at Cranston and share it with his family and staff in Connecticut. And now they are even better in this regard.
Peter always wanted to see his students grow and excel. He has always been a huge supporter of his staff and provided them with the tools they needed to provide students with the tools to become educated and productive citizens. Peter also cared about the taxpayers. Peter was a Cranston educator, parent, and taxpayer.
People not only move to cities for infrastructure, but also for strong and healthy school systems. A great school system is the backbone of a great city. People want a school system that is attractive to future parents with roots in the city. More than the educators who have dedicated their lives to promoting and sustaining an education that grows the minds of students while protecting taxpayer dollars and making our town a better place for everyone, there is no better school committee member. Is there anyone worthy of selection?
Stephanie Giangrande Culhane
cranston
