Tiverton Middle School names new vice principal

TIVERTON — Robert Campion, the assistant principal at Thompson Middle School in Newport for the past 10 years, has been appointed vice principal at Tiverton Middle School.

He is scheduled to start his new job on Jan. 2, 2019. The appointment was made Tuesday night.

Campion, a Portsmouth resident, was a physical education and health teacher, as well as a coach, at Portsmouth High School from 1996 to 2008 prior to becoming an assistant principal in Newport.

“It’s time for a change,” Campion said, adding that he was “part of a lot of great things” during his tenure in Newport.

“It’s time to get a fresh start, fresh perspective,” he said in an interview after his appointment by the School Committee.

Superintendent Peter Sanchioni said 10 people were interviewed for the position and of the three semifinalists, Campion stood out.

“Bob was head and shoulders above everybody in experience,” Sanchioni said, “and will be a good counterpart to Sue,” referring to middle school Principal Susan Craven. She began her job in the district this school year and is in her first as a principal.

“He’s calm, cool and collected,” Sanchioni said of Campion.

Campion said his father used to say you need to be even-keeled even in stressful times.

“For fun, I teach kids how to drive,” Campion said of his side job that requires a very calm demeanor.

“It’s good not to be too high or low,” Campion said. “You’ve just got to kind of roll with it.”

Asked why he likes the middle school level, Campion said he also liked the high school level.

“Middle school kids, half the fun is trying to figure them out,” Campion said. “They’ve got so much going on, figuring out who they are, school and life. There’s never a dull moment. It keeps you busy, on your toes.”