Committee Names McCaffrey Acting Superintendent

Committee Chairman Shaun Galligan, David Testa, Sean Wiggins, and Leah Hazelwood voted to accept the resignation and then to also appoint McCaffrey as acting superintendent. Michele Kirby Chapman was absent.

Dambruch has been Warwick’s superintendent for the past four years. She was assistant superintendent under the leadership of Superintendent Philip Thornton, then named superintendent when Thornton left the district in May 2021. Before that, Dambruch had been a teacher in the city for more than 35 years.

Dambruch has been on leave since March 19, and McCaffrey has been serving as interim superintendent in her place. McCaffrey, who had also served as Assistant Superintendent, will serve as Acting Superintendent through June 30.

“We’re so grateful to Superintendent Dambruch,” Galligan said, “For her near four decades of dedication and service to our school district and city. Anyone who’s had the opportunity to work with Lynn or interact with Lynn, or just pass Lynn, you could obviously tell instantly that she is a woman who is born to work in the field of education. Hearing stories about what she brought to this district, at various levels, whether she was a teacher, a principal, and most recently, a superintendent. It just affirms that she’s a true professional, but she also embodies the traits and characteristics of an educator. It’s been an absolute pleasure to have her lead this district the past several years. Certainly, this Committee wishes her nothing but the best. Though this is very sad, I think the cliche is, don’t be sad it’s over. Be happy that it happened. And we’re certainly very happy to have had Superintendent Dambruch as part of the community and the Warwick Public Schools these past four decades. I wish her all the best, and certainly, more to come on Superintendent Dambruch. Certainly this will not be the end of mentioning her name.”

Regarding the search for a permanent replacement, Galligan said the committee would be “evaluating all of our options.” McCaffrey will serve as acting superintendent through June 30, after which, Galligan said, the Committee will comment further on his service and status. Until then, Galligan said, the Committee will not comment on the issue.

Dambruch’s farewell letter to the school community, reported today by WPRI Channel 12, read, in part: “Your support, collaboration, and enthusiasm have been the driving force behind all that we have achieved together. Without you, many of our most meaningful initiatives would never have come to life. I want to extend a special thank you to my exceptional Central Administration team for your unwavering dedication and partnership.” 

Darlene Netcoh, President of the Warwick Teachers Union, thanked Dambruch for “everything she’s done for the district. We all wish her well in her retirement.”

Dambruch’s retirement was first referenced in the agenda for Tuesday’s meeting, confirmed by Galligan Friday and reported that day:  Dambruch Retiring, Acting Superintendent On May 13 Agenda

Cousineau retires, New High Schools Groundbreaking dates set

The Committee also was notified of the retirement of Patricia Cousineau, the Director of Elementary Education. Cousineau worked for the district for 36 years. She served as principal of Warwick Neck School (WNS) and was employed as an elementary teacher at Lippitt School for 23 years.

Groundbreaking ceremonies for the new Toll Gate and Pilgrim High Schools will be held on June 9 and 10, according to Chris Spiegel from Left Field Project Management. Spiegel told the school committee the project was “trending below budget.”

“The trend line is favorable,” noted Testa.”I’m very very pleased with the progress.”

An updated schematic design for Toll Gate was presented and will be submitted to the state’s Department of Education (RIDE) for their review.

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.