After 10 Years, Iannazzi Won't Seek Reelection to School Committee

The youngest person ever elected to the Cranston School Committee in 2004, Andrea Iannazzi, announced Monday that she won't seek another term after 10 years on the board.

"I have had the pleasure of serving with four superintendents and some of the most talented administrators in the State," Iannazzi said. "From our custodians, bus drivers, and secretaries to our teacher assistants, teachers, and principals, all of Cranston Public Schools’ employees are professional, devoted, and caring.  I have learned a great deal from them and remain truly in awe of their service to the children of Cranston."

Iannazzi has served as vice chairwoman of the committee from 2007 to 2011 and a chairwoman since 2011. During her time as chairwoman, she oversaw contract negotiations that she said have saved taxpayers $9 million; developed a comprehensive District Strategic Plan; implemented new evaluation tools, with training and funding from AFT; created a new school safety plan with help from the guidance department and the police department; and adopted new math, science, art, ELA, library, social studies and language curricula.

As her term winds down, Iannazzi said she looks forward to working with local and state leaders to implement all-day kindergarten in Cranston by the 2015 to 2016 school year.

"Thanks to the leadership of Speaker Mattiello and Chairwoman Gallo, we will be able to phase in this additional programming, beginning in the 2015-2016 school year,” she said.

A Democrat, Iannazzi said her experience on the committee has been remarkably rewarding. And she said she owes voters a big thanks for giving her the opportunity.

"I am forever grateful to the citizens of Ward 6 for providing me with an opportunity to represent them for ten great years.  I look forward to continuing to serve the community I love in other ways," she said.