New Bedford Superintendent Dr. Pia Durkin admits she's never personally overseen a school takeover before, but is optimistic it will be a relatively smooth transition at the Parker School. Massachusetts Education Commissioner Mitchell Chester named Durkin the "turnaround operator" for the level five elementary school.

Durkin tells WBSM News she sees the designation as an opportunity to keep a unified vision of reform for the entire district.

Durkin says she's working on a preliminary turnaround plan, which will determine what resources will be provided to her by the state.

Durkin says more extensive professional development for teachers and better use of data are some of the immediate changes that need to be made in order for the Parker School to succeed.

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