Conversations About Regionalization - Part 1

Soon after the Middletown Town Council authorized the Town Administrator to develop a statistical model of a regional high school, Councilman Adams and I began to meet with groups and individuals on an informal basis to “take the temperature” of Newport County. 

We met with representatives from various constituencies with the simple goal of sharing ideas and the following results: 

1.      Following discussion with a councilor from Newport, the Newport Council passed a resolution supporting Middletown’s authorization for the development of a model.

2.      A member of the Portsmouth Town Council was personally supportive but not promising regarding the town’s participation.  Suggestions included developing a PAC as well as engaging parent and/or citizen groups.

3.      We next met with a Portsmouth resident who represents the RI Superintendent’s Association. Unfortunately, the proposed options benefitted only Portsmouth.

4.      A Middletown SC member provided a list of civic organizations for future communication.

5.      Prominent Middletown residents volunteered to help support consolidation if it went forward.  It was observed that Middletown used to be the school leader of the island, but Portsmouth had now assumed that role. Conclusion?  People move to the town that they think have the best schools.

6.      Jamestown representatives said that their schools had been solicited by Narragansett, Newport, and Portsmouth; it tuitions students to NK, primarily because of its program.  Only an outstanding program would make them leave NK. 

7.      It was agreed that test scores have little value as an assessment of the quality of a district; the measure is in the programs provided.

8.      It was agreed that budgetary savings would result from combining physical plant, operating expenses, and administration; an outstanding program would require reorganization of teaching staff due to expanded programming, not reductions.

9.      Jamestown also raised the issue of the perceptions of higher value of Portsmouth’s schools over Middletown’s. 

10.  Prospective efforts at the state level as well as the fiscal impact of the proposal were discussed with a state senator. It was agreed that there would be initial capital costs – much the same as corporate investment in capital to achieve long term savings. The greatest savings would be realized in the implementation stage with consolidation of facilities as well as the reduction of operating expenses (maintenance and custodial services, utilities, combination of services, etc.)

11.  Proposing new legislation more acceptable to the unique partnerships was recommended.  Suggested was a focus on the “why” in order to build consensus that supports the need as well as the financial implications and programming.

12.  A representative of the Newport County Chamber of Commerce expressed support for a program that would increase the meaningful hands-on experiences of high school graduates, thereby expanding the local skilled workforce.  The Chamber will act as a fiscal agent for grants and other funds to be used to market the concept once a firm plan is developed.

In conclusion there was general agreement about the following:

1.      The region’s small high schools are not sustainable – as funding diminishes, so does academic programming.

2.      Consolidation into one building would have the best result; if high schools are combined and merely reproduce what is already in place, there would be no educational benefit.

3.      A regionalized building would require initial capital investment with primary cost savings to be gained from the operation and maintenance of a single facility.

4.      Funding issues have to be transparent and focused on efficiency.

5.      Other districts might join if an outstanding program promises both post-secondary school and high school graduate job success by servicing 100% of the students,

6.      New legislation could alleviate issues related to governance and funding.