Superintendent of Schools
Mr. Robert O'Brien

Dear Smithfield Citizens, Parents and Students,

I would like to welcome you to our web site. We are very proud of the wide array of curricular and co-curricular programs delivered to the 2700 students of the Smithfield School District. Our excellent reputation as a high performing school system with a vision towards the future is built upon the hard work and commitment of our school committee, students, professional teaching staff, administrators, support staff, parents, and the entire community. Everyone associated with the school system has worked tirelessly to provide quality services and programs and to assure outstanding performance in all areas throughout the school system.

Our test scores are high, attendance rates are excellent, and the drop out rate is low. Over 90% of our graduates attend post-secondary education. Many students are accepted into the finest universities in the country. We have been responding to the requirements of the No Child Left Behind federal legislation. This law requires schools to have in place a variety of components to promote the success of every child. We continue to address these requirements within the context of our strategic plan. New high school mandates will change the graduation requirements for students graduating high school in 2008. We must continue to improve programs and expand opportunities so that all children master the skills necessary to be successful. We must be passionately committed to the concept that every child has the potential to learn at very high levels, and we, collectively, must reaffirm our commitment to build a school system where no child is left behind. Without question, we must raise academic standards, expand student support systems, improve student accountability measures, and accept no excuses for some students not meeting standards. It is our mission that all students will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful.

Our elementary schools and middle school are close to capacity. At this time, our facilities committee is looking at the long range needs of the Smithfield School Department. The facilities committee will be making a recommendation to the school committee on the type of school that should be built.

As superintendent, I am very proud of this school system. We have an excellent staff, a school committee committed to expanding the district's vision, a community that cares about children, and parents who are involved in schools. I hope you will find the information on this web site useful and informative. Please call or e-mail me if you have any questions.

Robert O'Brien
Superintendent of Schools