Superintendent Dr. Peter Sanchioni announced two senior leadership appointments Friday, naming a new principal for Rogers High School and a new executive director of student services as the district continues to build out its leadership team.
Robert E. Young, Jr. has been appointed principal of Rogers High School, effective July 27, while Sarah Kraeger will join the district as Executive Director of Student Services, Health, Safety and Well-Being, beginning August 6.
Young brings Newport roots to Rogers
Young is a familiar face in Newport Public Schools, having served as Executive Director of Operations for the district since 2019. In that role he oversaw facilities, technology, safety, emergency planning, and strategic initiatives. Before that, he served as director of the Career & Technical Education Center, where he launched a P-TECH Early College initiative and deepened partnerships with RIDE and local business leaders.
He also recently retired as a Colonel in the United States Army Reserves. Young holds a master’s degree and bachelor’s degree from the University of Rhode Island and carries Rhode Island certifications as both a superintendent and Kâ12 administrator. He was recognized with the Newport County NAACP Education Award in 2025.
“Robert Young is an exceptional leader who understands Rogers High School, our students, our staff, and our community,” Sanchioni said. “Because of his deep knowledge of Newport Public Schools, he will be able to step into the role immediately and provide the stability, consistency, and leadership our school community deserves.”
Young said he is “honored and humbled” by the opportunity. “I know firsthand the incredible talent of our students, staff, and community,” he said. “I look forward to working alongside our faculty, families, and students to build upon the school’s strengths while creating new opportunities for every student to succeed.”
Kraeger brings three decades of student services experience
Kraeger comes to Newport from Tiverton Public Schools, where she served as assistant superintendent for student services, overseeing a $10 million budget across five schools serving approximately 1,600 students. Before that, she spent more than two decades with the Newport County Regional Special Education Program, including nine years as executive director of special education, managing budgets exceeding $12 million.
She holds a master’s degree in special education and administrator certification from Providence College and is certified by RIDE as a superintendent of schools, administrator of special education, and teacher in both elementary and special education.
In her new role, Kraeger will lead the district’s special education services, student support programs, health services, school safety initiatives, and wellness efforts.
“Sarah is an exceptional educational leader whose experience, knowledge, and commitment to students make her an outstanding addition to Newport Public Schools,” Sanchioni said. “She understands that supporting the whole child means ensuring every student has access to the academic, social, emotional, health, and behavioral supports they need to thrive.”
Kraeger said she looks forward to “building strong relationships and continuing to develop programs that promote student achievement, well-being, and equitable opportunities for all learners.”
