Pawtucket Appoints Randy A. Buck Superintendent of Schools

February 1, 2026 / Entering Pawtucket

The City of Pawtucket has officially appointed Randy A. Buck as Superintendent of Schools, formalizing his leadership following several months of service as Acting Superintendent of the Pawtucket School Department.

The appointment, approved by city officials and the School Committee, follows a period of transition within the district and brings continuity to leadership at a critical time for Pawtucket’s public schools.

Pawtucket School Department Leadership Update

Buck’s appointment marks a key leadership milestone for the Pawtucket School Department, which serves thousands of students across the city. City and school leaders emphasized the importance of stability, experience, and familiarity with district operations in selecting the next superintendent.

Background on the Pawtucket Superintendent Transition

Buck stepped into the role of Acting Superintendent in early 2025 after then Superintendent Patricia Royal was placed on administrative leave. At the time, school officials cited personnel privacy rules while stressing the need to maintain uninterrupted district operations.

Royal’s departure later became the subject of public attention after she filed a lawsuit alleging she was unlawfully removed from her position and experienced racial discrimination during her tenure. The lawsuit followed months of tension within district leadership and contributed to broader community discussion surrounding governance and oversight within the Pawtucket School Department. Royal ultimately separated from the district in mid-2025.

Randy A. Buck’s Tenure as Acting Superintendent

During his time as Acting Superintendent, Buck oversaw daily district operations, supported school administrators, and worked to ensure continuity for students and staff during a period of heightened scrutiny and transition.

City officials cited Buck’s hands-on leadership approach and familiarity with Pawtucket schools as factors that helped maintain stability while the district navigated ongoing challenges related to academics, staffing, and facilities.

Controversies During the Acting Superintendent Period

Buck’s acting tenure was not without controversy. In 2025, a district released “Welcome Back” video featuring Buck drew criticism after portions of the speech closely resembled remarks previously delivered by a superintendent in another state. Following concerns raised by that superintendent’s representatives, the Pawtucket School Department removed the video and acknowledged the confusion the situation caused.

District leadership stated at the time that the issue did not impact school operations and reiterated its focus on students, educators, and maintaining a stable learning environment.

What the New Superintendent Appointment Means for Pawtucket Schools

As Superintendent, Buck will be responsible for overseeing district operations, academic programming, budget management, and long-term planning. His permanent appointment signals an effort to move forward after a period marked by leadership changes and public attention.

Officials have emphasized transparency, accountability, and student-centered decision-making as priorities moving forward, while continuing to engage educators, families, and the broader Pawtucket community.

What Comes Next for the Pawtucket School District

Buck is expected to continue his work immediately, ensuring continuity for students and staff. Additional information regarding his long-term goals and strategic priorities for the Pawtucket School Department is expected to be shared in the coming weeks.