Conversations About Regionalization - Part 2

Our activities continued in the Fall of 2013:

1.      Discussion was conducted with a member of the Middletown School Committee relating to Portsmouth’s efforts to create a STEAM Charter School or integrate such an academy at Portsmouth High School. It was suggested that this might be an effort to filter high ability level students to Portsmouth.  It was also agreed that Portsmouth’s efforts probably lessened the probability of their joining the Newport County consolidated high school efforts; at the same time, it was agreed that the development of a program that served 100% of the students at a consolidated high school with a critical mass would level the playing field and ensure the viability of two outstanding high schools in the region.

2.      An offer was extended to solicit grants to support the necessary public communication at the proper time.

3.      At  a meeting with a representative from RIDE, there was discussion about the challenges ahead. It was stated that the Commissioner was an advocate of regionalization but recognized that developing Charter schools was an easier prospect; nevertheless RIDE would strongly support the initiative. Mention was made of financial incentives as well as answers to questions and information about funding data related to RI regional and tuitioning districts if requested.

4.      There was discussion of regionalization discussions going back 20 years and it was felt then that it would not happen until “our backs were up against the wall,” almost to where we are now.

5.      Discussion centered around recent meetings and the challenge of engaging other districts. It was suggested that, assuming favorable legislation could be passed related to governance and funding, consolidating with Newport would be a good start. Facilities plans could include potential expansion.  It was agreed that the academic program, however, would have to be exemplary and serve 100% of the students. 

6.      On Thursday, August 22, a team of two TC and one SC visited Wachusett, the largest  of many regional districts in MA; it has the 2^nd lowest per pupil cost. We first reviewed governance and funding; then we toured the high school, which serves 2100 students.  The high school was regionalized in the early 1950’s; a new facility was completed in 2008.

7.      The facility supports a rigorous program that serves 100% of the students in a program that starts with the assumption that all the students will further their education while it provides multiple skills and options for those who cannot afford to go or do not want to. 

8.      The biggest takeaway was something the high school principal said in comparing large schools to smaller ones:   “Program and rigor make the difference. Your students are competing with the students at Wachusett for college acceptance.”  It follows that they are also competing for jobs with students who are entering the workforce with skills.

9.      In a discussion of special education it was said that parents from out of the district sent students to Wachusett through school choice because of its reputation for serving special education students well; an example was a family that had moved nearer to the district to make transportation easier. The principal said he could have a classroom of 8 autistic or developmentally delayed students with 2 teachers and 8 one-on-one aides.

10.  WRHS serves Life Skills students, and an Alternative Education class; 582 students are scheduled for “Academic Skills remediation” in 80 sections (students may be scheduled in more than one section.) 

11.  Students can opt for full time placement in a regional vocational school by application in Grade 8.

12.  While a meeting with Tiverton reps has not yet been scheduled, the Tiverton Town Council forwarded the Middletown Resolution to its SC “for further study.”

13.  We have been informed that interest has been expressed by a local foundation in supporting our efforts.

14.  A meeting took place with 2 TC reps and a SC rep in Little Compton.  Like in Jamestown, they are satisfied with their current arrangement – both financial and programmatic; however, they indicated that they would be willing to participate with a Consolidated High School Planning Committee.

There continues to be consistent agreement about the following:

1.      Students in smaller schools do not have the educational opportunities that make them competitive with those who have had broader educational experience.

2.      Only consolidation into one building can offer the benefits of a larger critical mass.

3.      The top priority is an outstanding program.

4.      Just as important are the financial benefits to be gained by a single facility and greater efficiency.

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

6.      Equitable representation was universally supported as a basic priority.