Dr. Peter Cummings Named 2027 Rhode Island Superintendent of the Year
The Narragansett School System is proud to announce that Superintendent Dr. Peter Cummings has been named the 2027 Rhode Island Superintendent of the Year by the Rhode Island School Superintendents’ Association (RISSA).
Dr. Cummings was nominated for the honor by his colleagues and officially recognized at RISSA’s General Membership Meeting on August 18. He was joined by members of the Narragansett administrative team, his family, Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) Commissioner Angélica M. Infante-Green, and education leaders from across the state.
The Rhode Island Superintendent of the Year award recognizes outstanding achievement in school district leadership, dedication to the education of all children, commitment to the community, and service to RISSA. As Rhode Island’s 2027 Superintendent of the Year, Dr. Cummings will also be recognized by the American Association of School Administrators at its National Conference on Education in Atlanta in February 2027.
Dr. Cummings has served as Superintendent of Narragansett Schools since 2016, with a strong focus on student achievement, innovation, and collaboration. Throughout his tenure, he has helped the district reach important milestones year after year while continuing to expand programs and opportunities that meet the evolving needs and interests of students.
This continued focus on growth and opportunity has led to measurable results across the district. Reading and math scores have reached all-time highs, while expanded access to advanced coursework has resulted in a 63% increase in students taking one or more AP exams, with more than 93% of recent Narragansett graduates taking at least one AP course. Career and Technical Education opportunities have also expanded to include programs such as Marine Professions, Sports Medicine, Educator Preparation, Digital Media Production, and Mechanical Trades.
This recognition by his peers reflects Dr. Cummings’ impact both within Narragansett and on public education throughout Rhode Island. An active member of RISSA for 10 years, he has served on and chaired several committees and work groups with RIDE. His collaboration with the Annenberg Institute at Brown University also helped launch an innovative model of district partnerships across Rhode Island focused on mathematics education and student mental health.
Our entire Mariner Community congratulates Dr. Cummings on this well-deserved recognition. We are grateful for his continued dedication to our schools and the commitment he brings each day to our students, staff, families, and community.