MIDDLETOWN SCHOOL COMMITTEE

MIDDLETOWN, RHODE ISLAND

 

May 9, 2022

                       

SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING

 

Members Present:       Theresa Spengler, Chair

                                    Tami Holden

                        William O’Connell

                        Liana Fenton                                                                          

 

Member Absent:         Douglas Arnold

 

Also Present:                Michelle Fonseca, Assistant Superintendent

                                    David Annese, Director of Technology

 

            The School Committee Meeting was called to order at 4:44 p.m. by Chair Theresa Spengler. 

            Attorney Sean Clough updated the School Committee on the school regionalization plan.  Mrs. Spengler and Mrs. Fenton attended a meeting where legislation was presented for consideration.  If Newport and Middletown were to regionalize, legislation would need to be forwarded by each municipality.  Upon approval, it would go to the General Assembly for approval and a referendum will be placed on the ballot in November.  This will then trigger a transition period for two years where a regional School Committee will be selected and gain authority.  In 2024 the local School Committees will be formally dissolved. 

            Newport and Middletown both reviewed the legislation.  There is a meeting on Wednesday, May 11^th with the Town Council, but there is a question about the meeting being held in Executive Session.  Executive Session is usually reserved for issues regarding personnel, student discipline and collective bargaining.  Attorney Clough feels the agenda is not sufficient for Executive Session and if the full School Committee attends there could be a violation of the open meetings law.  He suggested he attend the meeting with just two School Committee Meetings. 

            There was discussion regarding the setup of the regional school board.  Both school districts have close in the number of students enrolled.  If the makeup is determined by popular vote, Newport has more registered voters.  We would be equitable in per pupil cost.  There are concerns with Newport’s PK and special education costs.  Newport’s per pupil cost is higher than Middletown’s. 

            Other questions included where Administration will be housed, as well as a cost analysis of Administration consolidation.  Mr. Brady mentioned that we need to develop Stage 2 schematic designs by February. 

            It was decided that the Executive Session be canceled and Mrs. Spengler and Mrs. Fenton attend the Executive Session with Attorney Clough. 

MOTION:  1) Tami Holden, 2) William O’Connell.   To adjourn from the School Committee Meeting at 5:32 p.m.  Unanimous vote.

 

                                                                        Respectfully Submitted,

                                                                       

                                                                        Theresa Spengler, Chair