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Stephanie Winslow, an incumbent Newport School Committee member, is seeking re-election for what would be her third term. Winslow, who was initially appointed to fill a vacancy in March 2020, has been a key figure in policy reform and equity initiatives within the Newport Public Schools system.

Winslow, a Newport native and computer programmer by profession, emphasizes her commitment to improving the school system's policy manual. "I somehow fell into the policy subcommittee," Winslow said during an interview with What'sUpNewp on Monday, October 7. "We have so much of it in Newport, and that organizing knack that I have, we have just tons and tons of policies."

Her work on policy reform has focused on modernizing and condensing existing policies, with a particular emphasis on equity in teaching and learning. Winslow stated, "Tackling those issues of equity and making sure that every child gets what they need in the classroom and outside of the classroom is like the biggest challenge facing any school in America."

One of Winslow's primary concerns is the lack of diversity within the school committee itself. "You look at our school committee and it's not very diverse. It's not diverse at all. Our student body is," she noted. To address this, Winslow has been working on policies to recruit and retain teachers who reflect the student body's diversity.

The school committee is set to vote on a new equity policy at its next meeting. Winslow described it as capturing "a lot of those ideas and puts them into some kind of document. I hope that will outlive the strategic plan."

Winslow also highlighted ongoing initiatives in the district, including a composting program set to launch Oct. 21. The project, inspired by a presentation from second-grade students at Pell Elementary School, aims to reduce plastic waste and increase student engagement.

Regarding the controversial Rogers High School construction project, Winslow defended the school building committee's efforts, attributing the challenges to unprecedented economic upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. "Everyone on that committee, it was a unanimous vote to have the construction manager at risk project and start bidding things in pieces," she explained.

Despite the setbacks, Winslow remains optimistic about the project's completion. "It's going to be a beautiful building. It didn't go the way anybody wanted, but, you know, it's this close," she said.

Addressing declining enrollment, Winslow emphasized quality over quantity. "I'm not concerned about numbers. I'm concerned about quality," she stated. "If we have 500 students in our high school or 5,000 students in our high school, they better be getting a great education."

Winslow also praised the district's focus on career and technical education, noting that Rogers High School is well-prepared for new state graduation requirements that include work experience and civics education.

When asked why voters should support her re-election, Winslow emphasized her goal of bringing diversity to the school committee. "When I am not part of the school committee anymore, I hope it's not a face that looks like mine," she said. "I am trying really, really hard behind the scenes to change mindsets and really make people aware of what our students are experiencing."

Early voting for the Newport School Committee election begins Oct. 16, with the general election scheduled for Nov. 5.

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Dr. Sandra J. Flowers, a longtime member of the Newport School Committee, is seeking re-election for her ninth term. With 16 years on the committee and 30 years as a teacher in Newport public schools, Flowers brings nearly five decades of experience to her candidacy.

"I'm approaching the end of my 8th term, which means 16 years," Flowers said in a interview with What'sUpNewp on Monday, October 7. "I was a teacher in the Newport public school system for 30 years. And I retired in 1995."

Flowers, who holds a PhD in humanities from Salve Regina University, cites her expertise in education as a key qualification. She taught at the elementary level and later in Salve Regina's education department.

"I figured I'd put one more term in. Hopefully, if the people of Newport wish to re-elect me, I'd be certainly most grateful," Flowers said.

The veteran educator highlighted several priorities for the next school committee, including the completion of the Rogers High School construction project and addressing the diverse needs of Newport's student population.

"I think really putting much of our attention to bringing all of our students up to their meeting, their potential," Flowers said when asked about future priorities. She emphasized the importance of equity in education, using an analogy of children of different heights trying to see over a fence.

"We have all kinds of content area to teach our students, and you really should not teach everyone with the same style, the same techniques, perhaps even the same materials," Flowers explained.

Mental health support for students is another key concern for Flowers. "Mental health of our young people, this is extremely important," she said. "And I think understanding the many challenges that so many students have, and this has been in the case for many, many years."

Flowers also addressed the unique challenges faced by Newport's multi-language learner (MLL) population. "We have so many more students who are MLL, multi language learners," she noted. "They come in some not speaking English at all or some knowing some of it. But the reading and the writing. And really everything they do is, involves reading, of course."

When asked about the Rogers High School construction project, Flowers acknowledged the cost increases but remained optimistic about the outcome. "I have every confidence that the people who are keeping everything covered, all of the people who came in to inspect and to make sure that safety is of the utmost importance for everyone no matter what," she said.

Flowers believes voters should consider candidates who prioritize student success and safety. "You have to look at people who have the best wishes, the best plans for our students success there, for their safety and academic success," she advised.

She also emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility and advocating for necessary resources. "Not be afraid to spend the resources wisely. See that we get our monies with. And also not afraid to say to those who allocate the funds to us, the city council, and really say, this is what we need," Flowers stated.

As Newport voters prepare to cast their ballots, Flowers makes her case for another term. "Look for someone who has the energy and the experience and the expertise in this field of education," she said. "I feel I still have quite a bit more to contribute to the people of the city of Newport. One Newport. That's what we are."

Early voting for the Newport School Committee election begins Oct. 16, with the general election scheduled for Nov. 5.

Newport School Committee Chair Becky Bolan has announced that if she is re-elected in November that her next term would be her last, citing a desire to see the Rogers High School project through to completion.

Bolan, who has served on the committee for approximately 17 years, made the announcement during an interview with Ryan Belmore of What'sUpNewp.

"I'm gonna tell you right now, this is my very last time, for sure," Bolan said. She explained that her goal has been to oversee the school building projects from start to finish, having been involved with the school building committee since 2005.

The Rogers High School project, which has faced challenges including inflation and unexpected costs, is now expected to open in June, with full readiness anticipated by September. Bolan emphasized the importance of completing the entire project, noting that Newport, unlike some other districts, cannot simply remove elements from the scope of work.

"At this point, by the way, Pell came in and a year ahead of time and under budget," Bolan said, referring to a previous school project. She estimated the current project is about 27% to 28% over the original $98 million budget, primarily due to inflation.

Addressing community concerns, Bolan clarified that the project is not $40 million over budget, as some have claimed. "We actually, at this point, we're 26. Between 26 and 27 million extra dollars," she stated.

Looking ahead, Bolan identified several challenges and opportunities for the next school committee. Chief among these is resolving ongoing issues between the teachers union and the administration. "We got to get back to a place where we're all talking to each other," she said, noting that the dispute is currently in the hands of a judge.

Implementing the new strategic plan and improving student achievement are also key priorities. Bolan expressed hope for immediate positive results but acknowledged the challenges of getting everyone on board with the changes.

Financial sustainability remains a significant concern. Bolan explained that annual increases in costs for items such as buses and raises often exceed the 4% limit on what the city can provide to the school department. She suggested that regionalization, while late in the game, should be considered as a potential solution.

Despite these challenges, Bolan highlighted numerous successes in Newport schools. She pointed to opportunities for students to earn college credits and vocational skills while in high school, as well as programs like sailing and swimming lessons for younger students.

"Our kids come out of school with more opportunities then, you know, I mean, our kids can go to college while they're in high school. They can actually can get their AA degree while they're in high school," Bolan said.

Addressing the issue of student turnover, Bolan noted that approximately 20% of students enter or leave the district each year, impacting test scores and making it difficult to measure long-term progress.

As the election approaches, Bolan encouraged voters to look for school committee candidates who are committed to serving and contributing to the conversation. She emphasized the importance of diverse viewpoints and the ability to discuss issues openly.

"I'm not so much concerned with people that are, you know, believe the way I do," Bolan said. "It's more about people that who can discuss it, you know, and offer even a different view so that, you know, it adds to the conversation."

Early voting for the Newport school committee election begins Oct. 16, with the general election scheduled for Nov. 5. Eleven candidates are vying for positions on the committee.

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Dr. Robert B. Power, a candidate for Newport School Committee, is making the inclusion of vocational programs at the new Rogers High School a central issue in his campaign.

Power, who has a doctorate in school administration and has served as superintendent in three Rhode Island school districts, says he entered the race primarily to advocate for the auto tech and cosmetology programs.

"What got me to get into the race was the fact that in the Rogers High School project, they have engineered out or not put in auto tech and cosmetology," Power said during an interview with What'sUpNewp on Monday, October 7. "And I think those are extremely important programs."

The candidate expressed concern that these programs, which he describes as "the highest subscribed programs" at the career and tech center, were cut from the new high school plans.

Power believes the estimated $6 million cost to include these programs is feasible for Newport. He suggests using part of a proposed $98 million bond, if passed by voters, to complete the high school project properly.

"I think that Newport can find the $6 million," Power said. "There's a pile of dirt there that's going to have to get moved. That doesn't have to be moved tomorrow."

The candidate emphasized the importance of finishing the high school project in a way that includes all necessary programs. He argues that cutting programs for students is "the wrong direction" for the school system.

Power also addressed broader educational issues facing Newport, including test scores and declining enrollment.

On test scores, he cautioned against judging education solely on these metrics, noting that socioeconomic factors play a significant role. He also highlighted the challenge of student mobility in Newport, where many students don't remain in the system from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Regarding declining enrollment, Power acknowledged it's a concern but pointed out that some Rhode Island districts with similar or smaller student populations maintain their own high schools.

"Initially I was thinking, the way our numbers are going, that really forces our hand in regionalization," Power said. "And then I start saying to myself, you know, because Middletown's building what they're building and we're building what we're building, and you've got a couple of districts in this state that you could make an argument that are smaller than Newport by far at this point, and they have not regionalized per se."

If elected, Power says he would focus on improving relationships between the school committee and city council, as well as between teachers and the district administration.

"Those are two things that really need to be on point, and there's ways to get to those," he said. "And it has to do a lot with dialogue and it has to do with relationships."

Power, who has lived in Newport for many years, emphasized his commitment to the local school system regardless of the election outcome. He noted his involvement in raising funds for local schools and his 30-year tenure on the education foundation.

"I will stay involved in the schools whether I get elected or not," Power said. "My heart and soul is supporting the kids here and making sure that the school system here is as good as it can be."

Newport voters will decide on school committee members in the general election on Nov. 5, with early voting starting Oct. 16.

Kendra Wilson Muenter is running for re-election to the Newport School Committee, citing a desire to see through changes and implement new strategic plans.

Muenter, who is wrapping up her first term and currently serves as vice chair, said during a What'sUpNewp interview on Thursday, October 3 that the role has been "challenging" and "rewarding" but also more time-consuming than expected.

"How much work is involved," Muenter said when asked about the biggest surprise of serving. "I mean, I don't think it's really. It's the job of you get out what you put in and you can do the bare minimum, which is fine if that's what you can do. But I'm one who goes all in."

In addition to her vice chair duties, Muenter co-chairs the health and wellness committee and serves on the school building committee. She said preparing for meetings often takes up entire weekends.

Muenter highlighted the new health and wellness policy as one of her proudest accomplishments. The policy, which took about four months to write, received accolades from the Rhode Island Healthy Schools Coalition.

"We got great accolades for it," Muenter said. "We were told that it would now be the gold standard in the state for a health and wellness policy."

Looking ahead, Muenter said the biggest challenge facing the district is the "fiscal cliff" caused by the end of federal ESSER funds. She said the committee will need to examine spending and look for new revenue sources.

The ongoing construction of the new Rogers High School remains a major focus. Muenter, who serves on the building committee, said the project is about 60% complete and "looks amazing." She emphasized the importance of finishing the project, noting the district has over 55% reimbursement on the line from the state.

"We would be ridiculous. We would. It would not be. It would be irresponsible to the taxpayers of Newport to do anything that puts that in jeopardy," Muenter said.

Muenter expressed support for upcoming bond measures on the Newport ballot, including potential additional funding for Rogers High School if needed.

When asked what voters should consider when choosing school committee candidates, Muenter emphasized the importance of doing homework and selecting people willing to put in the work.

"You want the people who are going to do the work, who are going to show up, who are ready to roll up their sleeves and know that some nights are going to be sitting in 4 hours worth of meetings," she said.

Muenter highlighted her experience as a parent with a child in the district, giving her insight into all Newport schools. She also pointed to her work in the sailing industry, which she said has given her experience working with people from diverse backgrounds.

"I like to think I'm easy to get along with. I tend to not overreact. I like to sit back and kind of take everything in before I make a decision," Muenter said.

She encouraged greater community involvement in the schools, noting opportunities like the health and wellness committee which meets quarterly.

Muenter emphasized the importance of local elections, saying decisions made by the school committee and city council have a more immediate impact on residents' daily lives than federal elections.

"I think I would just like everyone to know that while the federal election is extremely important this year, what happens at the local level, your city council, your town council, your school committee, is really what's going to impact your life every day," she said.

The General Election will be held on November 5, with early voting beginning October 16. Muenter is listed as number eight on the ballot.

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Steph Smyth, a candidate for Newport City Council At-Large, is running on a platform of increased community engagement and transparency in local government.

In an interview with What'sUpNewp on Thursday, October 3, Smyth outlined her vision for leveraging existing resources and creating new avenues for resident participation to address Newport's most pressing issues.

Smyth, who narrowly missed winning a council seat in 2022, brings a background in government contracting and union work to her campaign. She currently works in the contracts department at the Naval War College.

"I've seen Newport evolve over my past 50 years here," Smyth said. "Over the past ten years, I think that we've sort of hit a point where the residents, specifically your middle to lower income residents, along with your retirement age senior residents who are on a fixed income, that Newport has changed dramatically for them."

Smyth believes her experience in government contracting and process improvement could benefit the city. "I think that the city can learn a lot from how the federal government does contracts," she said. "I've seen a lot of the requests for proposals and contracts come down the pike the past couple of years. And I feel as though there's a great opportunity to help the city save some money and to get more competitive contracts out there that does cater to more local small businesses."

One of Smyth's key proposals is to better utilize the city's boards and commissions. "Our city council doesn't leverage the resources that they have enough," she said. "There's a lot of subject matter experts that are on those boards and commissions that aren't solicited enough for their research and their opinion on how to handle some of these issues."

She also advocates for partnering with local educational institutions like Salve Regina University, Community College of Rhode Island, the Naval War College, and the Naval Undersea Warfare Center to address city challenges.

Smyth supports the creation of new commissions to tackle specific issues, including a housing commission and a more active travel and tourism commission. She also proposes establishing a permanent charter review commission to keep the city's governing document up to date.

"Newport has grown so substantially, and yet our city government has not grown with it," Smyth said. "And that is a good portion of the problem."

On the issue of short-term rentals, Smyth calls for a balanced approach. "I am all for owner-occupied short-term rentals," she said. "There are individuals out there that this is what is helping them stay in their homes as a second job or they're caring for family members that are ill and this is how they're able to stay in their home in Newport."

However, she opposes out-of-state businesses buying multiple properties for short-term rentals. Smyth suggests exploring incentives for landlords to maintain year-round rentals.

Regarding education, Smyth emphasized the need for better cooperation between the city council and school committee. "Council and school committee does need to learn how to work together because you can't have a lot of this, this infighting or the show me the test scores and I'll show you the money mentality," she said.

Smyth also addressed Newport's infrastructure challenges, noting that many issues have been deferred for too long. "When you keep pushing something off to the side because it isn't urgent right now, well, yeah, in 5, 10 or 15 years, it is going to become such an urgent issue that something that you could have, say, you know, paid $20,000 to fix 30 years ago, now you're looking at the millions to fix it," she said.

If elected, Smyth plans to serve two terms, focusing on putting processes in place to address long-term challenges. She hopes her campaign will inspire more Newport residents to get involved in local government.

"I want people to be able to say, you know what? I want to get more involved," Smyth said. "I think that we need to have a sort of mentorship process for candidates that those who have walked that line, that have done it and either, you know, like myself, come close the last time or have succeeded, that can be able to say to somebody who's interested in running, okay, you know, here's a, b and c, and this is how you can start off."

In closing, Smyth highlighted her commitment to serving the community, saying, "This is how I can help. This is how I want to help. Put me to work. I want to work for you".

Early voting begins Oct. 16, with the general election scheduled for Nov. 5.

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Mark Aramli, seeking re-election to Newport’s City Council At-Large, is sounding the alarm on the city’s financial challenges and calling for a new approach to managing tourism.

In a interview with What’sUpNewp on Thursday, October 3, Aramli highlighted the fiscal imbalance he discovered during his first term and outlined his priorities for addressing these issues if re-elected.

“Newport as a city, and I say this not lightly, our finances are in terrible shape,” Aramli stated. “You know, in the simplest terms, Newport is broke.”

The councilor explained that while the city manages to pay its employees and maintain basic operations, it has been deferring major infrastructure and capital projects. This practice, according to Aramli, has led to a long-term decline in the city’s ability to maintain essential infrastructure like the Cliff Walk, beaches, and stormwater management systems.

Aramli attributes this financial strain to the unique expenses associated with Newport’s island location and its status as a popular tourist destination. He points out that while the city hosts 4 to 5 million visitors annually, only 6.5% of the city’s revenue comes from direct tourism taxes.

“We need to get more money from the tourists. They’re not paying their fair share,” Aramli asserted. He proposes tripling the current tourism tax revenue, aiming for an additional $10 to $15 million in the annual budget from direct tourism taxes.

During his first term, Aramli proposed doubling the hotel tax that Newport receives and introducing a ticket tax for high-volume venues and events. While these initiatives didn’t pass in the state legislature, Aramli remains committed to pursuing them.

“We hired a state lobbyist,” he said, explaining the city’s new strategy to secure more funding from the state. “If you need money from the state, you gotta be in the game.”

Aramli also emphasized the need for a tourism master plan, shifting away from a growth-at-all-costs approach to a more balanced strategy that considers residents’ quality of life. He warned of the concept of “over-tourism,” citing examples from cities like Barcelona and Venice.

“Having that balanced approach and giving the residents a voice in what they want for the future of their city… I believe, is one of the most important issues for this city for the coming decade,” Aramli said.

The councilor highlighted his efforts to address quality of life issues, including the implementation of sound cameras to combat excessively loud vehicles and reforms to the resident parking sticker program.

On education, Aramli voiced his support for completing Rogers High School with all planned vocational programs and sports facilities. He urged voters to support the upcoming bond for infrastructure projects, warning that without additional revenue from tourism, residents could face significant property tax increases.

Aramli defended his recent proposal to ban new short-term rentals in the city, which was narrowly defeated. He argued that such measures are necessary to protect housing stock and local businesses from being converted to Airbnbs.

“We’re not going to be the first. We’re not making some left field decision here,” Aramli said, referencing other tourist destinations that have implemented similar restrictions.

As the election approaches, Aramli is positioning himself as a candidate willing to make tough decisions. He emphasized his business background and financial acumen as assets in addressing Newport’s challenges.

“A vote for me is a vote for not business as usual,” Aramli stated. “I am not afraid to make the tough decisions, brave decisions, but capability and judgement.”

Early voting begins Oct. 16, with the general election scheduled for Nov. 5.

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Jeanne Marie Napolitano, seeking reelection to the Newport City Council At-Large, highlighted affordable housing, traffic management, and regional cooperation as key priorities in a interview with What'sUpNewp on Thursday, October 3.

Napolitano, who has served on the council from 1991-1995 and from 2000 to present, emphasized the need for collaborative efforts with neighboring communities to address pressing issues facing Newport.

"I think we ought to do it more than just the schools. We need to do it for the businesses. We need to do it for transportation," Napolitano said, referring to potential partnerships with Middletown and Portsmouth.

The veteran councilor pointed to housing as a critical challenge, noting Newport's limited space for new development. "If you look at Newport, we're essentially built out," she said, adding that infrastructure costs in the north end pose significant barriers to expansion.

Napolitano stressed the importance of working with neighboring towns to increase affordable housing options. "We need to be able to offer, particularly our younger citizens, a place to establish themselves," she said, advocating for more transitional housing opportunities.

Traffic management, especially during large events, emerged as another focal point. Napolitano praised the success of transportation strategies employed during the U.S. Senior Open.

"They were running like clockwork. They had buses, they parked granite over at Newport grand or highlight, whatever you want to call it," she said, contrasting this with complaints received during other festivals.

The councilor mentioned ongoing efforts with fellow council member Ceglie to explore alternative parking areas and improve event logistics.

Reflecting on her tenure, Napolitano cited the redevelopment of Newport Heights as one of her proudest accomplishments. "We reduced crime there by over 60% within the first couple years, it was amazing, the transformation to the neighbourhood," she said.

Looking ahead, Napolitano expressed a desire to focus on housing issues and foster greater cooperation with neighboring communities. She also emphasized the need to diversify Newport's economy beyond tourism.

"My initial thought on the north end was to jump off on technology, blue and green, and give the kids the kinds of education they need to participate and year round benefit paying jobs," Napolitano said.

The councilor acknowledged the challenges facing Newport, including climate resilience and infrastructure needs. "Newport is facing a resiliency problem, a water problem, where neighbourhoods become inundated in water," she noted.

Napolitano defended her recent vote change regarding short-term rentals in certain business zones, citing legal concerns. "Every single attorney and I talked to four of them all said the same thing, you're headed for a lawsuit," she explained.

As the election approaches, Napolitano touted her experience and commitment to constituent communication. "I make sure that I get back to everybody, whether I agree with them or not," she said.

The Rhode Island General Election will take place on November 5, with early voting beginning October 16. Napolitano encouraged voters to support her reelection bid, noting, "I'm lucky number seven."

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Ian Billings Martins, a Newport native and owner of Harvest Market, is running for an at-large seat on the Newport City Council with a focus on preserving the city's year-round community character.

Martins, who took over the former Sigs Market eight years ago, said during a What'sUpNewp interview on Wednesday, October 2 that his decision to run stems from a desire to actively shape Newport's future.

"I no longer can just sit idly by and talk," Martins says. "Either I had to stop talking, or I had to do something."

The 8th-year business owner identifies the loss of Newport's "heart" as the city's most pressing issue. He defines this as the erosion of the middle-class, year-round resident base that keeps local businesses and community traditions alive.

"We've lost a little bit of our heart," Martins explains. "The 9th town is that of just the middle class, the mom and pop, the family, the year-round resident. And that is what makes us so special."

Martins points to the housing crisis as a major contributor to this issue. He argues that residential neighborhoods are increasingly viewed as investment opportunities rather than places to live, pricing out middle-class residents.

To address this, Martins suggests exploring programs similar to those in Jamestown that prioritize local, middle-class homebuyers. He supports measures that would give preference to full-time residents earning between $60,000 and $140,000 annually who are under 40 years old.

On the topic of short-term rentals, Martins opposes their presence in residential neighborhoods but supports them in business districts. He believes this approach balances the needs of year-round residents with Newport's longstanding role as a destination for visitors and second homeowners.

"Newport has always been a place where people come and visit," Martins says. "It's always been a place for second homeowners, for the snowbirds, for traders."

Regarding city infrastructure, Martins expresses concern about the estimated $500 million in needed projects. He questions how much of that cost goes toward actual repairs versus consultants and legal fees.

"I would like to see, out of $500 million, how much is actually going into, like, hard materials, into fixing things, or how much of $500 million ends up in lawyers and consultants pockets," Martins says.

On education, Martins defends Newport's public schools, particularly Rogers High School, which he attended. He supports completing the new Rogers High School project, emphasizing the need to follow through on voter-approved initiatives.

"We have to complete that project. It is not even an option," Martins states.

Martins also expresses interest in revitalizing Newport's rail infrastructure, seeing it as an opportunity to alleviate traffic concerns and improve regional connectivity.

The candidate believes his background as a local business owner and lifelong resident gives him valuable perspective for serving on the city council.

"I'm vested here. This is my business. My land's here. My house is here. I'm not going anywhere," Martins says. "I want to be a part of all the decisions that we make because I believe that I'll bring a good perspective to the table."

Early voting for the Newport City Council election begins October 16, with the general election following on November 5.

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Penelope "Penny" Billington Hunt, a newcomer to Newport politics, is running for a seat on the Newport School Committee with a focus on addressing funding challenges and leadership needs in the district.

Hunt, who moved back to Newport in 2020 after living in the Boston area for 15 years, brings a background in nonprofit fundraising and financial analysis to her campaign.

"The financial skillset is a big one. I know it's really dull, but I'm kind of okay with being boring in this political environment," Hunt said during an interview with What'sUpNewp on Wednesday, October 2. "I think boring is fine, but I promise folks that that is a skill set I'm going to bring to the table."

Hunt's professional experience includes seven years in the nonprofit sector, followed by an MBA from Boston University. She currently works at a bank in Boston, underwriting mortgages for affordable housing developments.

As a parent of two young children, with one attending Pell Elementary School, Hunt says she has been following Newport's public meetings closely since returning to the city.

"I've really been following what's been going on in Newport since 2020," Hunt said. "I would listen to the council meetings, listen to the school committee meetings."

Hunt identifies funding and leadership as her two main priorities for the school committee. She believes her financial background will be particularly valuable in addressing the district's budgetary challenges.

"I do see everybody on school committee, I believe, has good intentions. But obviously, everybody brings different skills," Hunt said. "Not a lot of folks necessarily have the experience digging into the numbers and appreciating the value of that exercise and how a budget reflects our values each year."

Regarding the recent funding request to the city council, Hunt expressed concern that the ask may have been too conservative. "I'm sort of more in the boat of the school committee's job and role is to ask for what's needed and what we fully support in our budget process," she said.

Hunt also emphasized the importance of leadership in addressing the diverse needs of Newport's student population. She noted the challenges of serving students from various socioeconomic backgrounds within the same school system.

"I think that leadership is important to both of those groups," Hunt said, referring to families with ample resources and those with fewer resources. "It's important to highly resource parents because they expect good leadership. They're used to strong administration, strong communication, and a strong relationship with the place that they send their children every day."

On the topic of regionalization, Hunt advocated for a more proactive approach. She suggested that the school committee should take the lead in exploring regionalization options, focusing on programmatic offerings and benefits for teachers and students, rather than reacting solely to building incentives.

Regarding the ongoing Rogers High School construction project, Hunt acknowledged the challenges posed by inflation and the decision not to secure a fixed-price contract. She supports completing the project despite the increased costs, citing the significant state subsidy and the city's relatively low debt burden.

Hunt also addressed concerns about communication between the school district and parents. She suggested exploring new methods of disseminating information, balancing traditional approaches with more modern platforms.

"I think we really do need to find the best way that gets the leadership voice out there in a direct fashion to the parents in particular," Hunt said.

As the campaign progresses, Hunt plans to continue engaging with the community through door-knocking and attending local events. She emphasized her ability to work collaboratively and her unique combination of relationship skills and policy understanding.

"I like folks to know that I am easy to work with. I'm a team player," Hunt said. "I have both relationship skills and I have the ability to understand the numbers and the policy challenges."

The Rhode Island General Election will take place on Nov. 5.

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