EASTHAMPTON, Mass. - It’s a homecoming of sorts for Easthampton’s new superintendent. Vito Perrone was once the principal at the high school, and is now looking to lead the district into a more inclusive future.

Easthampton High School has dealt with issues involving race in recent years, including state a investigation finding the school had racial disparities in how students were disciplined. Perrone said he has experience handling similar issues and the first step in addressing race relations in education is to include all voices in the discussion.

"Instead of diversity, first let's talk about inclusion first," Perrone said. "Because everybody needs to be included in learning, in education. So if we have everybody at the table, then we have a diverse population working together, to address to identify, to re-address the problems that we're facing."

Perrone, who comes from West Springfield where he is the interim superintendent, has plans to keep growing the education experience.

Some Easthampton schools have recently implemented the "science of reading method" into their curriculum to provide more support for children who may need extra help when it comes to literature. Perrone said it will be an important investment moving forward to make sure children don't fall behind.

"If we don’t provide a foundation in literacy in those formative years, EC to two, then we really put our kids behind the eight ball as they move forward," Perrone said. "And so using the science of reading and ensuring that our teachers have the assessments they need to identify the needs of those students and then providing those students with intervention's to move them forward. It’s what’s all about.”

In light of Monday's school shooting in Tennessee, every school leader has to consider safety as a top priority. Perrone is no different.

"Part of it is preparation," Perrone said. "Collaboration with other agencies to make sure that the police department, the fire department and the school department work together to create a plan. That the plan is communicated with all stakeholders and that we address the concerns and issues that we are able to address."

Perrone said he is currently in contract negotiations, but is expected to take over Easthampton schools in July. He said the main focus on returning to his former school district will be build trust between residents and the school system.