Dr. D set to retire

Long-time School Superintendent Bernard DiLullo will retire at the end of June – much to the dismay of the local school community, particularly School Committee members, who have worked with him over the years.

The school board voted Tuesday night to accept DiLullo’s resignation for retirement. (The vote was 8-to-1, with board Robert LaFazia, who had served as school board chair during DiLullo’s tenure “ceremonially” voting no, to signal the fact that he would prefer that the superintendent stay.)

“He will be sorely missed,” Committee Chairman Joseph Rotella said in an interview before the meeting. “He has been a rock for this school district – he always put the kids first.”

Other board members echoed Rotella’s sentiments as they reflected on “Dr. D’s” 15 years as superintendent, and his style of quiet, steady leadership.

“He has been such a pillar of quiet strength for this district,” Committee Vice Chair, Susan Mansolillo said.  “He has always been there to do what’s right for the students and their families.”

Before becoming the superintendent in 2010, DiLullo started in the Johnston School District in 2005 as assistant principal at Nicholas A. Ferri Middle School.  A year later he became principal at Sarah Dyer Barnes Elementary school and held that position until he took on leadership of the district.

Sitting in his office late Monday afternoon, DiLullo, 67, said it was difficult to decide to leave a school system that he loves so much but “it’s the right time.” 

“I’ve been doing this for 15 years and have nothing but praise for the Johnston schools and the people I’ve worked with here,” DiLullo said.  “My goal has always been to work as a team, and I think we accomplished that.  I just feel that it is time to move on.”

For the immediate future, DiLullo said he wants to concentrate on spending more time with his own family but will keep his options open down the road.  His early career work in a private school setting allowed him to use his training in clinical social work, and that is something he might pursue again.

DiLullo came to the Johnston schools after starting his career in education at the Stevens School in Massachusetts – a private institute for special needs students.  He has a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Rhode Island and a master’s degree in social work from New York University. He also earned a doctorate’s degree in educational leadership from Johnston and Wales University.

A Johnston native who still resides in his hometown, DiLullo said in a prior interview that he is a long-time believer and supporter of public education and, that was one of the reasons he chose to leave the private sector apply to the Johnston School District years ago.

 DiLullo said he felt public schools needed educators who would advocate for student needs in the face of the many challenge that public districts face --  including a seemingly perpetual need for budget belt-tightening. And according to long-time School Committee member Robert LaFazia, that’s exactly what DiLullo accomplished in his tenure with the district – he always did what he thought was best for students.

“Dr. D. was always (all about putting) the students first and I am deeply saddened by the announcement of his retirement,” LaFazia said before Tuesday’s meeting.  “I do want to wish him the best of health and happiness.  I will always have a great amount of respect and admiration for him.  He will be missed.”

School committee members said that in addition to his unfailing dedication to students, DiLullo will be remembered for his calm demeanor no matter challenges arose – and that includes having to shepherd the district through the tough times of the Covid pandemic.

“He always was thoughtful with his deliberations,” Rotella said.  “He took time and care with all his decisions.”

DiLullo said that his ability to build a team in Johnston is due in no small part to the support he received from the School Committee. “From the time I started, the school board supported what we (the administration) did for the students and the district” he said. “It was a partnership

DiLullo is also known for his tireless work ethic.  LaFazia recalled running errands in town and seeing DiLullo’s office light on in the evenings and on weekends. “We couldn’t get him to take time off,” he said.

State Representative Deborah A. Fellela presented a citation honoring DiLullo at the school board meeting.

Mansolillo said that the School Committee is now faced with the task of finding a successor.  “We are going to be looking for the strengths he had,” she said. “It’s going to be difficult.”