She expressed concern that the town/school has dropped the ball with permits, etc. Facebook. Together, we can do great things in our . Lastly, but most critically, I understand that the essential role of the School Committee is to keep the school department grounded in the community, which is essential in creating unity. He also stated that there is a RIDE requirement for who needs to be on the building committee and also a town charter that has some vague language about appointing the majority of the building committee. 1. - clerkshq.com All of that existed before the Coronavirus Pandemic. Since announcing my candidacy I have also been hosting my own community conversations that are open to the public. It is important to stay at a high level right now and not get into the weeds of where people will park. Pamela L spoke in favor of keeping CCMS open and keeping the fields. Guests Tracey Donnelly and David DeQuattro from RGB were also in attendance. Low 48F. Jimmy Champion stated that this idea was brought in front of the school committee 35 years ago. South Kingstown candidates take part in online forum Jacy A. Northup (Ind) Polling place: 1672; Mail ballots: 1579; Emergency ballots: 1532; 4783: A: I think about the high school relocation as part of a much bigger issue, improving our school facilities. The synthesis of my education, professional knowledge and personal experience makes this a very natural next step. When we have a long term vision and plan, we can ensure responsible financial spending while building a solid educational system our children deserve. Jacy Northup. We also need to consider the size of the tax burden, Ed Collins mentioned that Cranston is asking for $133M in bonds for 27 schools, we are looking at $80M for 7 schools. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. A: I am running for School Committee because I believe that people that work in education should be more involved with how education is developed and run. Attendees - voting members. I dont believe we will ever again be in a place in history that affords us such a wholly unique opportunity to positively affect the present and future of our childrens education. In District 37, which covers parts of South Kingstown and New Shoreham, Democratic incumbent state Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski faces a primary challenge from Maggie Kain, with the winner going on to face Republican David A. Tacey in the general election. Stephanie Canter and current School Committee member Emily Cummiskey completely ignored mountains of hard data. Now we are in need of additional cleaning supplies, increased staffing levels in the custodial and maintenance departments as well as additional school nurses. Keep it Clean. We need buy-in from the teachers, the unions, we need to come together to form a plan and then present it to the community. Jacy A. Northup (DEM) Polling place: 797; Mail ballots: 111; Early Voting: 219; 1127: 7.8%: Joseph Sorrentino, III (DEM) Polling place: 795; Mail ballots: 94; Early Voting: 237; 1126: Let us know in this week's poll question below. These are serious times that require serious people to lead us. I have also demonstrated a commitment to community volunteerism and school improvement through my work with the Washington County Coalition for Children and Jonnycake Center, focused on improving the lives of children. Ballot breakout. This school committee has been in office for a year and this plan is floundering. They are incumbents Jessica Rose, Council President Rory McEntee and Deborah Bergner, plus Michael Marran, Patricia Alley, Jacy Northup and Joseph Sorrentino III. South Kingstown School Committee Meeting Minutes. We need to work together., Cummiskey credits much of the divide to the school facility process and said she extends a sincere apology to anybody who feels personally hurt by the facility decision change., There are many who feel having four elementary schools are best for our town and there are some who disagree, Cummiskey said. No Republican declared for the race but five independents in addition to Northup are on the general election ballot: Jason Colvin, Karen Humes, Paula Bradley, Robert Hicks and Valerie Speredelozzi. Also present was the School Committee legal representative, Mr. Andrew Henneous, Esq. I have always had an independent voice, and I fully believe that politics have no place in education. The difference in the districts share of bond amounts between Option A and Option B is about $6 million, which creates additional debt costs of approximately $3.5 million over 10 years. Will the addition of Fast Ferry service departing from Quonset impact how often you travel to Block Island? Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. A: I support the plans to relocate the high school for two main reasons. Council candidates Deborah Kelso, Jim Lathrop, Jess Rose, Deborah Bergner, Dorald Beasley and Abel Collins took part. Two, the Columbia Street building, due to its age and size, would cost more to maintain and poses a greater risk of costly surprises during construction. School committee member Emily Cummiskey opened up the discussion at the table by acknowledging a divide within the community but asking everyone to work on moving forward together. District moves forward with Curtis Corner plans | Narragansett Times In addition, the time is right. Mosher stated that there are a lot of new people involved but she hopes the time and work that was put into the Ed Spec meetings would be looked at and taken into account. The biggest issue facing our community today is the divide that exists within it. Keep it Clean. I am completely committed to listening to community members while steering us in the direction that is best for our children, the community, and the future of education in South Kingstown. He thinks we need to build a new high school at Curtis Corner and if it is done right, this community will support it and pay for it. South Kingstown School Committee The mission of the South Kingstown School Department, in partnership with families and the entire educational community, is to educate ALL of our students in the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure readiness and success in college and career. This building is very big; it is not very community friendly. He thanked members of the current school committee for bringing him back on board and expressed a willingness to help in any way he could to move the district forward. Home - South Kingstown School District Letter: Realists needed on School Committee. copy of trust or other source from which legal fees and settlements may be paid in relation to litigation involving South Kingstown school committee, school department, . Her big concern is that we have already spent two years gathering community input and forming a plan. It will create flexible, 21st century spaces and sits on many acres where students can learn from the environment around them. Site search Search A: During my time as interim superintendent last summer I was reminded about how much I care about quality schools in South Kingstown (my grandchildren attend them) and how important the School Committee is in building them. educational vision which is supported by our educators, our administration, and our community. Two of my children are in the DLI (Dual Language Immersion Program). Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. I hope to use my experience in working with others to not only make space for all opinions coming from members of our community but to also be professional and timely in my responses. James A Atkins, Jo-ann Avedisian, and three other persons are connected to this place. Without penetrating these barriers, progress will continue to be challenging to say the least. 1. - clerkshq.com The plan includes a new gym and auditorium, updated science labs and increased space for the music and drama departments, first class spaces for our CTE programs, on site playing fields eliminating the need for after school transportation to practice fields and plenty of on site parking for our student drivers. This and other challenges faced by the School Department will require collaboration with many different members of our community and the willingness to be open to views that may differ from our own. The View From Swamptown: For generations, Mount Farm had a rich and lavish history, New leader, same mission for Plum Beach Garden Club, South County Chamber Singers welcome new director, NK Council approves $129.8 million budget, South County Art Association celebrates special milestone with 50th Earthworks exhibit, Jonnycake Center for Hope set to announce $5 million plan to help local families, Adult prom raises $12,000 for South Kingstown athletes, History of Narragansett Pier Railway offers glimpse into past, Common Sense Health: Fish oil is the superhero of supplements, Fast Ferry expected to begin service to Block Island in 2024, Community forum on towns future leads to focus on resources, Girls Lacrosse: Mariners rolling in perfect start, Baseball: NK back on track after rough patch, NK's Ciarniello honored as RIIL Student Athlete of the Year, Narragansett Town Council grants casino liquor license for URI event over objections, Narragansett suspends bars license after reports of underage drinking. I fear that the existing building which, according to The Jacobs Report, needs significant repairs will not get any more than a coat of paint. Children First To re-configure classrooms at the current HS would be too expensive. Understand that the closure of an elementary school would not have solved the budget crisis.. I am a person that takes action when I see opportunities for improvement. I believe we can improve on efforts to efficiently deliver on our mission in a way that better reflects our community values. or anything. During an unprecedented election season that has shaken up the way candidates would usually canvass their fellow community members, candidates for town council and school committee were invited to take part in a question and answer opportunity. Emily Cummiskey. I believe the divide is due to philosophical differences regarding how best to invest in our educational system and how to spend our tax dollars. Democrats Christie Fish, Cadence Hansen and Paula Whitford will also be on the ballot. RI.gov: Election Results The full School Committee was present at the April 26 meeting, including Stephanie Canter, Sarah Markey, Alycia Collins, Emily Cummiskey, Jacey Northup, Ms. Kate McMahon Macinanti and Ms. Michelle Brousseau. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. . In my time on the School Committee, I have served as the Legislative Liaison to the General Assembly, chaired the Accountability sub-committee, and worked on contract negotiations with our unions, among other tasks. We need to ensure the building is properly renovated and that meets the expectations from RIDE that all students are safe, warm and dry. Waters after the reports came out, Rhode Island Republican Party Chairwoman Sue Cienki wrote in a press release. 2023 by Clerkbase. Emily Cummiskey expressed her excitement for this idea. Unfortunately, there was also a lot of misinformation being spoken by the four candidates opposing the school facilities plan, in what appeared to be an attempt to mislead the voting public. With that experience in mind, I believe that elected public officials have a responsibility to be respectful and transparent, seizing every opportunity to educate the community on the impact of each decision made. My daily work at URI involves addressing complex projects, responsible financial management with limited funds, meeting the needs of all stakeholders, curriculum reform, strategic planning, and a proven record of developing and sustaining initiatives that empower all members of our community. The building committee needs to be re-vamped. Unfortunately, the facilities application is due less than three months after the election. She feels like this is something the students would be excited to know they were discussing. A: Voters should place their trust in me because I have a solid moral compass and my core value is Honesty. On Friday, April 26, two days after her letter was shared with the entire district, the school committee voted to place Stringfellow on administrative leave, pending an investigation into the way she handled layoff notices. Jacy A. Northup, Independent. It is the committees fault. I have said this before but it deserves mentioning again: We have sorted ourselves in groups that seemingly have immovable walls around them. I was the top vote getter of the 2018 election, I am the existing Town Council president. She then turned the meeting back to the school committee for questions. We have incredibly complex issues ahead in SK including addressing community concerns (including funding concerns and reduced opportunities for community engagement), safety and supports for students and teachers during COVID-19, making critical capital planning decisions, and addressing inequities in faculty retention, per student spending, and appropriate allocation of resources especially for those most in need in our communities. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Use the 'Report' link on Slight chance of a shower late. Jacy A. Northup (South Kingstown Town Council, Rhode Island, candidate My oldest child has been intimately involved with the special education system in South Kingstown. Success! In the Senate, Sen. Jack Reed will face Republican Allen Waters, a Providence native who joined the race in December after previously attempting a primary run as a Democrat against Sen. Ed Markey in Massachusetts. The issue of the foot traffic on Main Street after school hours was repeatedly raised by the Wakefield Merchants Association in the past. There isnt time for her to learn on the job. Jacy Northup - South Kingstown School District Trust is a necessary component of that. Kate Macinanti. Thursday, December 20, 2018 . Kaitlin Blachley thanked the committee for bringing up CCMS for the high school and wants to hear that families are moving to South Kingstown for the high school. Our current high school is too large for the number of students we have in South Kingstown. CURTIS CORNER MIDDLE SCHOOL (Precinct 3203) SOUTH KINGSTOWN HIGH SCHOOL (Precinct 3204) WAKEFIELD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Precinct 3205) . Be Proactive. They saw this renovation as an opportunity to show the community what their schools could look like before they vote on $133M of bonds in November 2020. A few clouds early, otherwise mostly sunny. Alycia Collins . I was surprised by it and thats all Ive got to say, Mancini said. Success! A: I have been preparing for this work for more than half of my life. For me, this is a calling rather than a position. He explained that previously the district was spending millions of dollars each summer to fix code compliance issues, yet none of the money was actually impacting the students. No Claim to Original Government Works. We need to seriously look at the inequities that exist among our four elementary schools. Copyright 2023 Rhode Island Free Press Co. That requires having School Committee members with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Stephanie Canter opened the discussion to the community members in attendance. It should have an engineer/construction professional on the committee to answer questions. I encourage everyone to stop any personal attacks. person will not be tolerated. With the June 24 deadline for candidates to file to run for office now past, the Sept. 8 primaries for both local and statewide elections are now set with a mix of some old and new faces, and a few surprises as well. It should have an engineer/construction professional on the committee to answer questions. Its also about investing my energy to make a commitment for positive change. Signup today! Linda Savastano said that while she does not have specifics tonight because she needed to gauge interest before pursuing an in-depth study, she imagines that with adjustments such as moving the tennis court or a field house or possibly using the Admin building as well, she believes it is possible. Sunshine along with some cloudy intervals. Jeanne Silversmith also expressed that she is excited about this idea. Attendees - other. South Kingstown School Committee Meeting Minutes. We need a strong leadership table that will actively engage our community to build a school system vision for our future. 1. - clerkshq.com From the School Committee candidates, Christie Fish, Melissa Boyd, Paula Whitford, Michelle Brousseau, Bob Hicks, Jacy Northup and Karen Humes participated. A: There is not one simple answer. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Incumbent and Independent school committee candidate Jacy Northup said there's still a lot more work to be done, and she hopes to continue serving the community. Would you like to receive our daily news? Tuesday, March 26, 2019 . Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Her age is 51. or anything. Jacy A. Northup (DEM) Polling place: 137; Mail ballots: 28; Early Voting: 50; 215: 6.6% I am willing to listen fully, whether I agree or disagree, fully investigate all issues and make final decisions based on what is best for the students of our district. Share with Us. Wakefield, RI 02879 . For the state Senate, Democrat Alana DiMario received the party endorsement in the race to replace outgoing State Sen. James Sheehan in District 36, which covers North Kingstown and Narragansett. Election Results: How Narragansett-South Kingstown Voted 1. A: I am currently raising four of my grandchildren and guiding their journey through the SK schools. It is the committees fault. Motion seconded by: Alycia Collins. In South Kingstown, Democrats will choose five of seven candidates to be on the November ballot for Town Council. A: Yes, I am in full support of relocating our High School to the Curtis Corner site. Error! She then discussed the classroom, touching on how children learn and how our spaces should facilitate and support the learning process. 215 Columbia Street. The community can expect to see the projected costs shortly - and cost would be one of the factors for rejecting/refining the scope of the projects. It would be an honor to be part of the continued planning and transformation of this once in a lifetime opportunity. Based on the recent TC/SC meetings, SK is in a time crunch to get this material in to be considered for the Phase 2 of the bond which is vitally important to potential funding. Seven previous addresses found, including 34 Cobleigh St . SOUTH KINGSTOWN This year, four seats are up for grabs on the school committee and eight local candidates are hoping to fill those vacancies. A: I do support the plans to relocate the high school. She then stressed the importance of sustainable design for a 21st century school. 215 Columbia Street. Appendix B List of Pending Requests | PDF | Teachers | Complaint - Scribd Three of the six local state representative races are uncontested, with Democrats Robert Craven and Carol McEntee and Republican state Rep. and House Minority Leader Blake Filippi not facing challengers in Districts 32, 33 and 36 respectively. Each of the two major parties also have a newcomer to the race, with Democrat Jennifer Lima and Republican Hannah Zangari seeking seats on the committee. There are renovations to the existing structure that are needed in order to move this plan forward. For example, the current plan does not include any bathroom updates or renovations - which are desperately needed. that is degrading to another person. A: The next school committee will be charged with mending a deep divide in our town. Unfortunately, the facilities application is due less than three months after the election. Latest stories on Jacy Northrup | UpriseRI.com SOUTH KINGSTOWN HIGH SCHOOL (Precinct 3205) WEST KINGSTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Precinct 3208) NEW LIFE ASSEMBLY (Precinct 3209) . Kristen Stringfellow - Superintendent. 7:00 PM - Call to Order . If we are going to re-visit and make education a priority we need to reconsider the committee. Each of these focal points are things Ive been advocating for over the past several years. She also stated that we did look at doing a high school at Curtis Corner briefly but it was not fully vetted so she thinks doing a full study would make a lot of sense. For example, in our last redistricting we used community workshops to listen, repeatedly revised maps based on community comment, and created a plan that had zero opposition when it reached the School Committee. Former South Kingstown Superintendent Bob Hicks was appointed by the school committee to serve at interim superintendent while Kristen Stringfellow is out on administrative leave. We are projected to receive a 50% reimbursement from the State.