Dr. Michael Sollitto, Superintendent of the Burrillville RI School Department, has been selected as the 2024 Rhode Island Superintendent of the Year. His selection by the Rhode Island School Superintendents’ Association (RISSA) was announced at its General Membership Meeting on August 8, 2023. The selection and recognition of Dr. Sollitto by his colleagues is an indication of the high regard in which he is held.
The award recognizes outstanding achievement in school district leadership, dedication to the education of all children, commitment to the community, and service to RISSA. The award was presented to Mike by Jeannine Nota-Masse, Superintendent of the Cranston Public Schools and the 2022 RI Superintendent of the Year.
In addition to his fellow educational leaders and Rhode Island Education Commissioner Angélica M. Infante-Green, Mike’s wife, Jennifer, and his son Nicholas, daughter in law Kayla, grandson Mason, daughter Christina, and son Michael Jr. were in attendance.
Dr. Sollitto has served as the Superintendent in Burrillville since 2018. He previously served as Assistant Superintendent of Schools in Scituate, RI from 2016-2018. Prior to that (2008-2016) he was principal of Scituate High School. Dr. Sollitto began his career in Providence as a Social Studies teacher and then assistant principal and principal at Mt. Pleasant high school.
He also served as adjunct professor at Concordia University from 2014 until 2020 and serves as Adjunct Professor at Grand Canyon University from 2014 to the present.
Dr. Sollitto has been an active member of the RI Interscholastic League (RIIL) board for many years and was recognized as the Rhode Island Interscholastic League Administrator of the Year in 2021.
During his tenure, Burrillville has greatly expanded district career pathway programs. This includes the creation of a Career and Technical Education (CTE) advisory board composed of educators, students, business professionals, and community partners. In the 2022-2023 school year, Burrillville entered into a collaborative partnership with the Elenaor Slater Hospital Zambarano unit. This partnership provides experiential learning opportunities for Career and Technical Education students across several areas including Biomedical Science, Environmental Science, Construction Management, and Graphic Communications. Currently, Burrillville High School offers nine RIDE approved CTE Pathways.
Dr. Sollitto has demonstrated a focus on teaching and learning that includes the creation of enrichment opportunities for all students. The development of summer programs for students has included Music Camp, Art Camp, Robotics and STEM activities, Guitar Ensemble, Math and Reading tutoring, Book Club, Math Camp, Writing Ramp-up, Kindergarten Readiness, Conscious Discipline, PSAT/SAT preparation, and a Bedtime Stories program.
Mike’s work as an educational leader is grounded in collaboration with school and local community members in Burrillville and throughout the state of Rhode Island.
Dr. Sollitto has been an active member of the RI School Superintendents Association for 7 years. He has been the RISSA representative to the RIIL board for the past 6 years.
Dr. Sollitto earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree at Rhode Island College, a Masters of Education degree at Rhode Island College, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Johnson & Wales University.
Mike and his wife Jennifer reside in North Providence RI.
Past AASA Rhode Island Superintendent of the Year Winners:
2023 Rhode Island Superintendent of the Year: Dr. Lawrence Filippelli
2021 Rhode Island Superintendent of the Year: James Erinakes
About the Award:
The Superintendent of the Year program, sponsored by First Student and AASA, pays tribute to the talent and vision of the men and women who lead the nation’s public schools.
State-level winners are selected on the following criteria:
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- Leadership for Learning
- Communication
- Professionalism
- Community Involvement