BURRILLVILLE – After 36 years in the Burrillville School District that began with a stint as a substitute teacher Austin T. Levy Elementary School, Principal Monica Tomson will retire at the end of the 2024/2025 school year.
School Committee members accepted the longtime educator’s notice at their meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 11.
Tomson received her bachelor’s degree in education and mathematics from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and a master’s in education from Rhode Island College. She was hired by the district as a substitute during the 1989-1990 school year and was appointed as a first grade teacher the following year.
During her time as a teacher at AT Levy, Tomson taught several grade levels, and served as social studies curriculum leader and technology information specialist. She was appointed a grade 5 teacher at Steere Farm Elementary in 1998, and would go on to serve as that elementary school’s science and mathematics curriculum leader. Tomson also served as a mentor for new teachers at the school.
In 2011, the then teacher began the Principals Residency Network, completing the program in 2013. She served as principal’s assistant for several years and was a finalist for the Burrillville Teacher of the Year in 2016-2017.
Tomson has served as principal at AT Levy, a roughly 300-student elementary school that until recently, served grades pre-k through 1, since 2017. The pre-k program moved from Levy to Burrillville High School in 2023, and Supt. Michael Sollitto noted that Tomson oversaw the transition.
“Her perspective and insight were instrumental to the process,” he said. “Mrs. Tomson will be greatly missed by the Burrillville School Community.”
Tomson’s tenure also included challenges from the Covid-19 pandemic, and the superintendent said she worked closely with students, families, and staff to provide “the best possible education under difficult and challenging circumstances for our littlest learners.”
“She is well respected by staff and by colleagues and has established strong relationships throughout the community,” Sollitto said.
Committee members thanked Tomson for her service and wished her well in retirement. Levy PTA President Erika Iafrate also weighed in following the meeting.
“I have witnessed firsthand her unwavering dedication to students, staff, and the community,” said Iafrate. “Mrs. Tomson’s passion for education and commitment to the well-being of her students is evident in every aspect of the school. She has fostered a nurturing and supportive environment where children thrive, and her leadership has had a lasting impact on both staff and families.”
“I know the strong foundation she has built at Levy will continue to benefit students for years to come,” added Iafrate. “Mrs. Tomson’s legacy is one of compassion, dedication, and excellence, and she deserves to enjoy this next chapter with pride in all she has accomplished.”
“Her long career in Burrillville Public Schools is a true testament to her dedication to the field and her commitment to students and families,” Sollitto said.
The superintendent said the district has yet to determine when the principal’s position for the 2025-2026 school year will be posted.
