Conversations About Regionalization - Part 3

Discussions took place in late fall of 2013 with Newport representatives who believed that the Newport Council was 100% behind the initiative in Middletown.

As in previous conversations in other communities, it was agreed the program needs to be “outstanding.” There was discussion about educating 100% of the students and the decreasing middle class.  Lacking options, students without college aspirations simply “do their time” and leave without skills to become a drain on the economy, perpetuating an under class.

It is likely that the tuitioning towns – Jamestown and Little Compton – would only jump ship for an outstanding program.

There was some discussion of funding; it was suggested that the sale of Rogers High School could ease the city’s bonding obligation

Frustration was expressed over discussions that had previously taken place at the SC level but had gone nowhere, but it was agreed that dialogue and planning taking place at the municipal level was more likely to bring results

There continues to be consistent agreement about the following:

1.      The top priority is an outstanding program that meets the needs of 100% of the students.

2.      It is actually possible to provide outstanding special education services within a reasonable budget.

3.      There are financial benefits to be gained by a single facility and greater efficiency.

4.      There is agreement that equitable representation is a basic priority.