"In my school and community, shared decision making is a high priority," says Joseph Pasonelli, who has been the assistant executive director of the Rhode Island Association of School Principals since August 2004. Previously the principal of Edgewood Highland Elementary School in Cranston, Mr. Pasonelli initiated a school-based council that brought parents, teachers and community leaders directly into the decision-making process, thereby involving the entire school community in a child-centered learning atmosphere. Because Mr. Pasonelli believes that involvement in elementary education is important to both instructional and administrative excellence, he also instituted a "shared decision-making model of instruction" at his school. "By providing a safe and orderly environment in which each child's potential can be fulfilled," he said, "educators make their most important contribution to the well-being of children." Mr. Pasonelli was also instrumental in the initiation of a program which promotes professional development opportunities for principals. "I am pleased to be of assistance to all Rhode Island administrators as we continue to provide a quality education to all our state's children as well as support our administrators," he said.
1969 Rhode Island College, B.A.
