Committee Narrows Superintendent Search to Three Finalists

A pool of 20 candidates has been whittled down to three.

The Cranston School Committee announced the names of the three finalists in their search for a new superintendent today, including the current assistant superintendent, Judith Lundsten.

Whoever they pick will be replacing Superintendent Peter Nero, who left the district for a job in North Stonington.

From a School Committee release:

Dr. Davida Ellen Irving, has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, a Master of Education in Social Studies from Wake Forest, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction from UNC. She has completed Post-Doctoral training at Pennsylvania State University and Providence College, in the area of Administration. She began her career as a College Professor before working in the Pawtucket, Block Island, and Foster School Departments. Dr. Irving currently serves as Superintendent and Principal in Foster.

Dr. Judith Lundsten, has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, a Master of Arts in Special Education, and a Certificate of Advance Study in Educational Leadership. She also holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Johnson & Wales University. Dr. Lundsten is a National Board Certified Middle Childhood Educator and was employed by Cranston Public Schools as a teacher and aspiring principal before she entered Administration. Dr. Lundsten served as an Elementary Principal and Executive Director of Educational Programs & Services before becoming the Assistant Superintendent in July of 2009.

Dr. Reza Namin, has a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Mathematics, a Masters of Education with a focus in Applied Mathematics, and a Certificate of Advanced Studies in 3D Geometric Modeling from Brown University. Dr. Namin also has a Doctorate in Mathematics and Science Education with Focus on Curriculum and Technology and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Leadership and Educational Administration. He also holds a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Teaching and Learning for Understanding from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Dr. Namin holds Superintendent Certificates in Massachusetts and Maine and was one of five finalists for 2011 National Superintendent of the Year. He is currently Superintendent of the Spencer East Brookfield Regional School District in Massachusetts. 

Public interviews of Namin and Lundsten will be on Monday, July 23 at 7 p.m. at .

Irving will be interviewed on July 26 at 6 p.m. at .

If you have a question you'd like the search committee to ask the candidates, email your question to supersearchcom@cpsed.net

Once the interviews are over, the committee will begin contract negotiations with their candidate the week of July 30.