Sheehan Officially Takes Reins as Superintendent

At his first meeting with the Attleboro School Committee as the Attleboro Superintendent, Kenneth Sheehan said he was already feeling at home.

"I really felt comfortable coming in on July 1," he said. "I felt like I had already been here for six months."

The new superintendent praised the transition process. He was hired in May and awarded a three-year contract for $175,000 per year with renewal options for a fourth and fifth year.

Sheehan, who headed the West Warwick school department through last year, takes over for Pia Durkin, who is moving to New Bedford after seven years at the helm in Attleboro.

He said after being named Durkin's replacement in May, he spent "dozens and dozens" of hours in transition before taking the job officially.

"All of that time was well spent," he said, adding that the school committee, administrators and central office staff have been "extremely helpful."

"Congratulations," school committee member David Murphy said. "We wish you the best of luck. You’ll be held to a very high standard but I know that’s what you want out of this job."

"I hold myself to a very high standard," Sheehan answered.