The Tiverton School Committee last Tuesday, July 24, appointed Susan Craven to serve as principal of Tiverton Middle School.

The announcement was made before an audience of parents, teachers and community members who were present for the occasion.

She will be paid a salary of $110,000, said Tiverton Superintendent of Schools Peter Sanchioni.

Ms. Craven takes the position after the departure of Dr. Laurie Dias-Mitchell, who had been principal of Tiverton Middle School for the past six years, from July 2012 through June 2018. Dr. Dias-Mitchell’s appointment to the Little Compton position was made Wednesday, June 27, and she started in her new position July 1.

Ms. Craven brings varied experience to the position. She comes to the district from the Narragansett School Department, where most recently she served as that district’s literacy coach. Concurrently she served as the elected vice-president and later president of the Narragansett branch of the National Education Association (NEA).

“Susan distinguished herself on every step of the interview process,” said Dr. Sanchioni. She has great experience with curriculum, assessment and teaching and learning. She has been a long-time educator. Her potential to be a great principal is very high.”

Prior to her last 19 years in the education field, Ms. Craven worked for the Rhode Island Attorney General’s office as a paralegal in both the criminal and narcotics division before becoming an educator. She was selected for the position from a field of 35 candidates who applied.

She is a graduate of Rhode Island College, where she earned a master’s degree in Educational Leadership.

Ms. Craven said she was enthusiastic about taking the lead at the middle school level. 

“I like to say that I am hitting the ground learning, taking the time to get to know the school, parents and students,” she said on a recent visit to the school.

As for plans that he and Ms. Craven have for the coming year, Dr. Sanchioni said, “For starters, we will strive to create a culture of mutual respect with our staff, predicated on hard work and doing what is best for our students. We believe Susan will be a master at this."

Ms. Craven is married, and she and her husband of 25 years have two sons, one currently attending his last year at the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law, and the other attending Duke University. 

She will start work at the school in early August.