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New Interim Chief Schools Officer Announcement
Interim Superintendent of Schools Liam Skinner is proud to announce the appointment of Joseph G. Pyne Arts Magnet School Principal Wendy Crocker-Roberge as the district’s Interim Chief Schools Officer, the role Skinner held prior to being named Interim Superintendent last month.
“Wendy has demonstrated unwavering dedication, exemplary leadership, and a profound commitment to the success and well-being of our students and staff,” said Skinner. “I have full confidence that, in this crucial role, she will continue to elevate our district's educational landscape, bringing her passion and expertise to support and guide our building leaders. I am truly honored to have such an exceptional leader join our Central Office team.”
Crocker-Roberge has served as the principal of the Joseph G. Pyne Arts Magnet School since 2011. In her time at the Pyne, she has:
- Worked with the staff and School Site Council to expand programming in the arts, including the creation of a dance studio, the addition of a robust school band program free to students, and the expansion of other arts enrichment opportunities including innovative classes such as costume design, fashion/shoe design, 3D printing, and sculpture.
- Partnered with the City to construct a new sensory playground for all students, most importantly, for those on the Autism spectrum.
- Maintained consistently high academic standards for all students with longitudinal success on state assessments while also developing a project-based learning model with alternative measures to standardized assessments in partnership with the Massachusetts Consortium for Innovative Education Assessment.
- Established public/private partnerships and procured grant awards to fund everything from STEAM-based professional learning for educators to a new Makerspace and new athletic uniforms for students.
In addition to her duties at the Pyne, Crocker-Roberge has been a leader at the district level, serving as a New Principal Mentor, on the Joint Committee for Educator Evaluation, on the DESE Principal Advisory Cabinet, on Blue Ribbon and school and district hiring committees, and on the Leadership Planning Committee.
Prior to coming to Lowell, Crocker-Roberge, a Lawrence native, worked in the Lawrence Public Schools. During her 12 years in Lawrence, she worked exclusively at schools deemed by the state to need the most improvement, known as turnaround schools, serving as a middle school teacher, curriculum facilitator, and as a K-8 assistant principal.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UMass Lowell, a master’s degree in Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services from Salem State University, and completed the Principal Certification Program in Elementary and Middle School Administration/Principalship at UMass Lowell.
"As Interim Chief Schools Officer I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work alongside school and district leaders on increasing collaboration between schools, promoting and supporting innovative practices within schools, and ensuring every student has access to highly engaging and rigorous academic and enrichment programming,” said Crocker-Roberge. “We want every student of the Lowell Public Schools to have a reason to want to be in school and do their best every single day. We want our leaders, teachers, and support staff to have the tools and expertise needed to feel empowered and effective in this highly complex work. I was drawn to this role as an opportunity to take all the lessons from 24 years of inspiring school-based work to a broader platform district-wide."
Long-time Assistant Principal Lori Lang, has been appointed Interim Principal of the Pyne.