Pawtucket School Department Superintendent
Interim Superintendent – Randy Buck
Leadership Team:
Lee Rabbitt
Assistant Superintendent
Chief Academic Officer
Chief of Operations
Chief Information and Innovations Officer
Chief Financial Officer
Randy Buck is a dedicated and forward-thinking educational leader committed to ensuring that every student—regardless of background—has access to a high-quality education that prepares them for lifelong success. With a proven track record in urban school leadership, he has devoted his career to fostering equitable, inclusive, and high-performing learning environments.
Currently serving as the Interim Superintendent of the Pawtucket School Department, Buck has been instrumental in coaching and developing school leaders to improve student outcomes across the district. Prior to his tenure in Pawtucket, he served as Executive Director of Schools in the Allentown School District, Pennsylvania’s fourth-largest district, where he oversaw a network of schools and led efforts to drive instructional excellence. His leadership experience also spans Bethlehem, Easton, and Boyertown, where he worked to improve school performance and student achievement.
A soon-to-be graduate of Delaware Valley University, Buck is completing his doctoral work in Educational Leadership with a specialization in culturally responsive practices. He also holds certifications in Urban School Leadership from Harvard University and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from the University of South Florida Muma College of Business. Additionally, he holds Superintendent Letters of Eligibility in both Pennsylvania and Rhode Island.
Throughout his career, Buck has been a champion for equity, cultural responsiveness, and data-driven decision-making in schools. He has led professional development for principals, designed district-wide initiatives to strengthen school culture, and played a key role in creating consistent behavior and discipline frameworks for urban K-12 schools. His leadership philosophy centers on collaboration, accountability, and a relentless focus on student success.
As a resident of Pawtucket, Buck is deeply invested in the growth and success of the city’s schools and students. He is committed to strengthening partnerships between the district, educators, families, and community stakeholders. Under his leadership, the Pawtucket School Department will continue its mission to provide safe, supportive, and academically rigorous learning environments where all students can thrive.
Buck’s vision is clear: to create schools that empower students not just to succeed, but to excel—academically, socially, and emotionally. His leadership is guided by the belief that when schools build strong relationships and set high expectations, all students can achieve at the highest levels.
Lee Rabbitt - Assistant Superintendent
Yanaiza Gallant - Chief Academic Officer
Dr. Mark Andrade - Chief of Operations
Lee Rabbitt is a dedicated educational leader committed to improving educational outcomes for all students. With over 35 years of experience, she has overseen every aspect of school departments. She has worked for school districts as well as the RI Department of Education. Her passion and dedication to the staff, students and community is evident every day.
Mrs. Rabbitt earned her Bachelor’s of Science degree from Juniata College. She earned her Master’s Degree at Lesley University and completed the Educational Leadership program at Bridgewater State University.
She has served on many local, state and national committees for education as well as being a long standing member of many organizations such as RISSA, ASCD and RIASP. This includes the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) National Forum on Education Statistics, for whom she has served as chair as well as co-written several publications. Mrs. Rabbit is a lifelong learner who empowers all in the education community to strive for excellence.
Yanaiza Gallant is an experienced educator and leader with over two decades of service dedicated to equity, access, and student success. She began her career as a Spanish Bilingual Teacher in Providence Schools and later served as a Reading Coach and Interventionist, earning the National Milken Educator Award in 2012 for her work in closing achievement gaps.
As the Transformational Principal of Orlo Avenue Elementary School in East Providence, she led the turnaround of a Priority School into a model of shared leadership, accelerated learning, and innovation. She also served as the Director of Multilingual Learners in East Providence, advancing an asset-based model that achieved record student exits and expanded wraparound support. Additionally, she has served as an adjunct professor at Providence College and was a cohort member of the Rhode Island Foundation Equity Leadership Institute.
Yanaiza will continue to champion inclusive cultures, high expectations, and systems that empower educators and students alike.
Dr. Mark E. Andrade is a proven educational leader with 28 years of urban public education service as a special educator, assistant principal, principal, executive director of student personnel services, and currently in the position of Chief Operating Officer. He is highly regarded for his ability to create opportunities for his students and educators to experience academic and personal growth. A great collaborator with peers, Dr. Andrade is recognized for his thought leadership in suggesting evidenced research-based practices and strategies that help hone their deliveries which ultimately improve student achievement.
Hersh Cristino - Chief Information and Innovations Officer
Dale McGhee - Chief Financial Officer
Hersh has been working for the Pawtucket School Department in Pawtucket, RI for the past twenty-six years. He holds certificates in Secondary Science, Biology, and School Administration. He began as a middle school science teacher, and later became a Teacher Technology Coordinator for the district implementing curriculum initiatives throughout the district. In 2012 he became the Chief of Information and Innovation Officer for the Pawtucket School Department and City of Pawtucket. Hersh’s goal is to lead a team that supports the use of instructional technology as a tool for instruction and learning across the district.
As the Chief Financial Officer of the Pawtucket School District, Dale McGhee focuses on effective budget management and fiscal oversight, which are crucial for the financial health and sustainability of our educational mission.
Dale’s leadership is instrumental in overseeing large-scale construction initiatives, from initial funding proposals to final project completion. He works collaboratively with stakeholders to prioritize projects that enhance educational facilities while remaining mindful of fiscal responsibility.
By strategically managing resources, he ensures that Pawtucket not only meets the immediate needs of our students but also invests in their future. He believes that every financial decision we make directly impacts our students’ educational experiences, and strives to ensure that our financial practices reflect our dedication to their success.
Dale understands the critical importance of maintaining the financial well-being of our schools. By promoting sound fiscal practices and transparent communication, he helps to create a stable financial foundation that allows educators to focus on what they do best—shaping the minds of our future leaders.
With a passion for educational excellence, Dale is dedicated to creating a brighter future for every student in the Pawtucket School District.