EAST PROVIDENCE — Dr. Sandra Forand, superintendent of schools for East Providence, notified the School Committee at its meeting on Tuesday, July 11, of four new significant hires to building leadership positions in time for the upcoming 2023-24 term.

The administration of Forand has appointed the following new members to its team: Dr. Allison Amodie as Silver Spring Elementary principal; Soledad Barreto as Kent Heights Elementary principal; Kelly Guglietti as Whiteknact Elementary principal; and Jill Usenia as an assistant principal at East Providence High School.

Amodie and Barreto, respectively, are replacing the retiring, long-time building admins Fatima Avila and Lloydanne Leddy, respectively. Guglietti steps in for the latest Whiteknact principal Chris Audette, who opted to leave the district. And Usenia fills the role of Lian Furtado at EPHS on the admin team of principal Bill Black. Furtado is returning to the classroom where she will take on a Special Education position at Riverside Middle School.

Forand formally introduced the new quartet, each of whom was in attendance, to the committee and the public at the July 11 forum.

"After an extensive search and comprehensive interview process, we are extremely excited to welcome these talented leaders to our school community," Forand said in a follow-up release. "Their vast experience in education will be an asset to the current administrative team. We are confident in their abilities to lead their respective schools and to support the mission and vision of the East ProvidenceSchool District."

Amodie comes to the city from Smithfield School Department where she served as the high school assistant principal. Prior to her most recent position, she served as the principal of St. Teresa Elementary School just over the border on Newport Avenue in Pawtucket.

Forand called Amodie "an innovative leader who believes in collaborative decision making. She has proven success in developing and implementing systems with staff to meet the diverse needs of learners."

Barreto previously served the Providence Public Schools as the Director of Freshman Academy. She was previously the Director of English Language Learners.

Said Forand, Barreto "has proven success in developing positive relationships with students, staff and families. Her extensive background in serving multilingual students and families will be an asset to her leadership at Kent Heights."

Guglietti comes to Whiteknact from the Central Falls system where she was also an elementary school principal. She taught in Woonsocket for 21 years before becoming an administrator.

According to the super, Guglietti "has extensive knowledge and experience in special education. She brings a wealth of knowledge and skills closely aligned to the goals of the district."

For Usenia, her hiring is a return to the beginnings of her career in education. She did her student teaching at EPHS and later was a substitute in the district before she found permanent employ at North Providence High School where she was an instructor for 16 years.

Of Usenia, Forand said, "She has a strong understanding of the importance of leadership, collaboration, and student success. Ms. Usenia has worked in various roles throughout her career, including English teacher, CTE (career and tech ed) teacher, SIT (school improvement team) Co-Chair, RTI (Response to Intervention) Coordinator, National Honor Society Advisor and a Data Team analyst."