Seekonk Public Schools Announces Jessica Borges as Principal of Aitken Elementary School

Jessica Borges, who served the past two years as assistant principal at Aitken Elementary School, has been appointed as the school’s new principal. She will start her new position on July 1. (Photo Courtesy Seekonk Public Schools)

SEEKONK — Superintendent Rebecca Kidwell is pleased to announce that Jessica Borges has been appointed as the new principal of Aitken Elementary School.

Borges, who most recently served for two years as assistant principal at Aitken Elementary School, will take over the new role effective July 1.

“Mrs. Borges brings a wealth of experience, spanning 23 years as an educator, including the past seven years in administrative roles,” said Superintendent Kidwell. “During her two years as vice principal of Aitken, Mrs. Borges played a key role in promoting a positive school culture, fostering effective communication with teachers and parents, and working in a collaborative manner with our district leadership team. We are pleased now to appoint her as principal for the upcoming school year. Please join me in extending a warm welcome to Mrs. Borges, as she prepares to start her new role as principal at Aitken.”

Assistant Superintendent Zachary Waddicor chaired a 10-person search committee that selected Borges as a finalist for the position. The search committee considered 20 applicants and interviewed six, after the job posting closed on May 9.

“Jess has been vital to the success of Aitken Elementary School,” Waddicor said. “She is well aware of the positive school culture, routines and daily operations of the school. She is a strong instructional leader based on her previous experiences in an elementary classroom setting.”

Prior to her time at Aitken Elementary School, Borges served as assistant principal of Pleasant View Elementary School in Smithfield, Rhode Island, from 2020 through 2023. Before that, from 2018 through 2020, she served as associate professor at Rhode Island College, teaching at the Henry Barnard School. Borges started her education career in 2002 as a kindergarten teacher at St. Paul School in Cranston, Rhode Island.

“I feel that my experiences as a classroom teacher and reading specialist have shaped my leadership style,” Borges said. “My focus on building strong relationships has enabled me to connect with students on a personal level, ensuring they feel valued and supported in their educational journey. Throughout my time as an elementary school administrator, I have worked closely with teachers to implement instructional strategies that engage students and promote academic achievement. During the past two years as assistant principal at Aitken, I have dedicated my work toward preserving an inclusive and supportive environment that prioritizes the needs of our students, and I look forward to continuing to do this in my role as principal.”

Borges has a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Salve Regina University. She also earned a master’s degree in literacy from Providence College and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Rhode Island College.

“I am excited to have the opportunity to lead our dedicated staff in implementing data-driven approaches to instruction, ensuring that we are meeting the diverse needs of our learners,” Borges said. “My philosophy of education as an elementary school administrator is centered on supporting the holistic development of every child, establishing a culture of collaboration and inclusion, and fostering a lifelong passion for learning. I am committed to maintaining high expectations for all students. As principal, I envision further enhancing our school’s culture of positivity and achievement.”