Long-Time Newport Teacher Becomes Next Middle School Principal

NEWPORT, RI — Thompson Middle School in Newport will have a new principal for the 2023-24 school year.

Michael Browner last month was hired as the school's next principal, Superintendent Colleen Jermain said. He replaces former principal Xavier Barrios, who resigned in May.

"After speaking with Dr. Browner, it is very clear that he has the credentials and passion to move TMS (Thompson Middle School) to a standard of excellence to build a great school," Jermain said.

Browner has taught in Newport Public Schools for nearly 25 years. From 1998 to 2021, Browner worked as a seventh-grade teacher at Thompson Middle School.

During the 2021-22 school year, Browner left the school district to serve as an assistant principal in the Pawtucket School Department before returning to Newport Public Schools last school year to teach fifth grade.

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