![[Photo courtesy Jeff Goss] Jeff Goss will begin the new school year as principal of Warwick Veterans Middle School Sept. 6.](https://warwickpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Jeff-Goss-Warwick-Veterans-Middle-School-new-Principal.jpg)
![[Photo courtesy Jeff Goss] Warwick Vets Principal Jeff Goss has resigned.](https://warwickpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Jeff-Goss-Warwick-Veterans-Middle-School-new-Principal-336x259.jpg)
WARWICK, RI — Warwick Veterans Middle School Principal Jeffrey Goss has resigned. His resignation was approved in a 3-2 vote at Tuesday’s Warwwick School Committee meeting.
The committee held a discussion about Goss in executive session. No details of that discussion were disclosed. His resignation was one of several the Committee approved as a group, including:
- Finance Director Brendon Bohl
- Assistant Director of Special Education David Aulenbach
- Assistant Director of Capital and Construction Projects Michael Iafrati
- Park Elementary Principal Daniel Sylvestre
School Committee members Leah Hazelwood and Michele Kirby-Chapman voted against accepting the resignations.
Several teachers from Warwick Veterans spoke on Goss’ behalf. The consensus was the school had become a safer and more positive place for learning since his arrival in September 2023.
“We want him. We think he’s doing a good job,” said Meredith McSwiggen, who noted the frequent turnover in administrators over the years.
“We finally have someone who doesn’t want to leave. I’m very disappointed in Warwick right now for not realizing what we have in Mr. Jeff Goss.”
“It is no coincidence that under Mr. Goss’ leadership, the number of fights has drastically decreased,” said Michael Pierce. “The injuries of staff due to altercations has been reduced to zero. (Goss’) decisive actions have fostered a safer and more cohesive environment where both staff and students can thrive. I know many of us, myself included, felt unsafe in our school.”
“The building has become noticeably safer,” said Pauline Campbell. “The culture has improved dramatically.”
Campbell noted Goss’ leadership had “brought us together.”
Trev Mackleroy referred to Goss’ “forced resignation” and noted 123 teachers had signed a petition to persuade the school administration to keep Goss.
“We’re losing a really good guy,” Mackleroy said.
Warwick Vets Principal Faced DUI charge in 2024
In March 2024, Goss had been arrested and charged with driving under the influence by Tiverton Police. Goss later pled not guilty to the DUI charges, and was released on personal recognizance.
“The administrator is still employed by the school department and still serving in their capacity,” Superintendent Lynne Dambruch stated at the time. “However, we continue to monitor the situation. Due to the fact that this is a personnel matter, we cannot comment further at this time.”
Wednesday, Warwick School Committee Chairman Shaun Galligan said Goss’ resignation was unrelated to his DUI arrest.
“We appreciate the teachers coming out and showing support for their administrator. Their concerns and feelings toward the situation were duly noted. The school committee’s hands are tied by Rhode Island General Law as to what we could actually do in that particular situation.”
Full video of the meeting can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/live/_qDAQW95zIY
Author: Joe Siegel
Joe Siegel is a regular contributing writer for WarwickPost.com. His reporting has appeared in The Sun Chronicle in Attleboro and EDGE.
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