Newport City Manager Colin Kennedy provided updates on the city's plans following the approval of a $98.5 million bond measure and discussed recent staffing changes during his monthly interview with What's Up Newp on Thursday, November 21.The bond measure, approved by voters on November 5, gives the city authority to sell bonds over the next seven years. Kennedy emphasized a cautious approach to utilizing the funds."We have time to rationally figure out what the best use of those funds are," Kennedy said. "We'll probably sell bonds in no more than two tranches."He indicated the first bond sale could occur between March and July 2024, depending on interest rates. Initial priorities include Perrotti Park improvements and beach nourishment projects.Kennedy stressed that all bond-funded projects will require city council approval before proceeding. "I can't just wave a magic wand and say here's a bunch of money," he noted.The city manager also addressed recent staffing additions, including a new deputy city manager and a resilience and sustainability director. He framed these hires as necessary to meet Newport's growing demands."We're like a city of 100,000 people," Kennedy explained, citing the impact of seasonal residents and visitors on city infrastructure. "The government that we have has traditionally been focused on and the size of the staff we've had has been focused on a city of 25,000."Kennedy highlighted the workload facing his office, mentioning he receives about 700 emails weekly during peak periods. The new deputy city manager, Mike Caruolo, will focus on day-to-day operations, allowing Kennedy to concentrate on strategic planning and community engagement.Regarding ongoing projects, Kennedy provided updates on the Naval Hospital property transfer and the Coggeshall School redevelopment.He dispelled rumors that the Navy would retain the hospital property, confirming it will be conveyed to Newport. Discussions are ongoing with naval authorities regarding environmental restoration of the site."Our main goal of that property, if we get nothing else out of it, is public access to the water," Kennedy said.The Coggeshall School project, intended for workforce housing, has faced delays due to litigation. Kennedy expressed optimism about reaching a resolution soon."We're very close to coming to an amicable solution with the developer and then we'll be able to move forward," he said.Kennedy also addressed concerns about short-term rentals and parking regulations. He noted the city is closely watching litigation in Narragansett that could impact Newport's policies.A comprehensive overhaul of the resident parking sticker program is in progress, with another council workshop expected in January.The city manager concluded by expressing gratitude to Newport voters for approving the bond measure."My commitment and our staff commitment and our council commitment going forward is to be absolute efficient stewards of that revenue, to pay it off as soon as possible, to make the most optimal use of it as possible," Kennedy said.He encouraged residents to support local businesses during the holiday shopping season and invited community members to volunteer for various city boards and commissions.Watch The Conversation

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Newport Public Schools Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain expressed gratitude to Newport City Council for recent funding approvals and provided updates on the new high school construction during her monthly live interview with What'sUpNewp.The City Council recently approved an additional $2.9 million for the school committee, completing the funding needed for the new high school project. Jermain said this will allow them to obtain the Certificate of Occupancy and move forward with the planned September 2025 opening."We're very appreciative of the City Council and their awarding the funding from the ask that the school building co-chairs put forward," Jermain said. "We're looking forward to September 2025 and opening the new building. It's a very exciting time."Construction is progressing, with crews finishing the exterior and fine-tuning the interior. Jermain noted there is still significant work to be done but expressed optimism about the timeline.Regarding the Newport School Committee-elect, Jermain confirmed that James Dring was chosen as School Committee Chair and Rebecca Bolan as Vice Chair at a caucus meeting of the Newport School Committee-elect members on Tuesday night.The superintendent also addressed ongoing efforts to restore cosmetology and automotive programs to the new high school. While not currently included in the plans, Jermain said there is community support for fundraising campaigns to bring these programs back.“Dr. Robert Power did run on the campaign platform of restoring both those programmes [cosmetology and automotive] into the new building. So we're trying to think of ways we can do that. And I know he's been very active throughout the entire community, as well as talking to city council members about how we can work together to keep those programs,” Jermain said."We want to try as best as possible to get the cosmetology and the auto program into the new building," she said. "That work is underway."Attendance remains a focus for Newport schools. Jermain reported improvements across all schools compared to previous years but acknowledged more progress is needed."We're doing well each day at every school. We're seeing improved attendance from the previous year, which is great because last year we were seeing improvements from the previous year," Jermain said.The district employs various strategies to boost attendance, including outreach to parents, home visits, and sharing data on how absences impact student achievement.Jermain highlighted the district's efforts to support multi-language learners, particularly at the elementary level. She noted that when students become more proficient in English, they often outscore native English speakers on standardized tests."We have learned with our MLL population that when they start to attain the language and they become more English proficient, they have actually outscored our English-speaking children on standardized testing," Jermain said.The district is looking to expand its multi-language learner support, with plans to certify more teachers in this area. Jermain said they expect to need additional ML-certified teachers in the coming year.Budget discussions for the next school year are underway. Jermain said staffing, which accounts for about 82% of the operating budget, will be a key focus. The district has secured a new bus contract and is reviewing other contracts.Jermain encouraged high school seniors to start planning for their post-graduation futures. She emphasized the importance of completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for those considering college."Financial aid is so important and the FAFSA … they need to fill out that FAFSA," Jermain said. "That application process opens up the world to a variety of different grants and money opportunities."Jermain suggested exploring career opportunities and internships for students not pursuing higher education, particularly those enrolled in Career and Technical Education programs.The superintendent concluded by reminding the community of upcoming events, including a school building committee meeting on December 9 and a regular school committee meeting on December 10.Watch Our ConversationMore From What’sUpNewpJames Dring to lead Newport School CommitteeJames Dring to chair, Becky Boland remains vice chair; Dr. Robert Power and Beth Cullen join amid discussions on cosmetology and auto programs“No Place Like Home” exhibit is raising awareness about the growing homeless crisis in Rhode Island“For this to be addressed, it’s going to take every single one of us.”Newport Hospital breaks ground on Adolescent Mental Health Unit$5 million raised from donors to fund new 8-bed facility addressing critical need for youth behavioral care“Our Town: Jamestown Part II” set for community screeningRhode Island PBS and The Public’s Radio invite residents to view documentary on Dec. 3, ahead of Dec. 11 broadcast premiereNewport Police Arrest & Dispatch Log: Nov. 19 – 20One arrest made.What to know about Transgender Day of Remembrance and violence against trans peopleWednesday is Transgender Day of Remembrance, which focuses on trans people who have lost their lives because of violence. Here is what to know.Obituary: Thomas OuelletteNovember 12, 1929 — November 12, 2024Obituary: Alan AleichoDecember 2, 1967 — November 15, 2024What’s Up in Newport: Wednesday, Nov. 20On tap today: Arts Around The Fire, Irish talk, Fermentation Class, and more.

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Newport Schools Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain provided updates on several key issues during her monthly interview with What's Up Newp on Wednesday.The new Rogers High School construction project is progressing well, Jermain said. The building's exterior is nearly finished, with brick work almost complete and utilities being connected."It's a stunning building," Jermain said. "It really is as far as the natural sunlight that comes into it."Interior work is underway, including painting, gym flooring, and auditorium seating. Furniture bids are in final review and expected to be settled by March or April, with deliveries starting in May.Teachers have begun preparing for the move, with some already receiving boxes for personal items. Professional development on new technology is ongoing.The school is set to open in September 2025, with the current junior class slated to be the first to graduate from the new building.Finances for the project remain a concern. The school building committee has requested just under $3 million from the city council to complete the project, down from earlier estimates."We're really sharpening the pencils," Jermain said. "We're really getting down to nitty gritty and in the weeds to save as much as possible for everyone."On teacher negotiations, Jermain reported that the teachers' union has requested a new arbitrator, replacing Judge Frank Flaherty. The school committee will discuss this development in executive session next week."At this point in time, I believe the school committee has requested our attorney to find a new arbitrator as soon as possible and get dates," Jermain said.Despite ongoing negotiations, Jermain said school activities appear to be running normally, with teachers participating in after-school programs and events."If you saw interactions between me and the teachers and all of us, I don't think you'd think there was anything going on," she said.The superintendent also discussed a recent survey of families regarding the potential relocation of fifth grade to Pell Elementary School. About 69% of respondents supported the idea.Jermain cited declining enrollment and curriculum alignment as reasons for considering the move. She noted that the fifth-grade curriculum at Thompson Middle School is the same as what's used at Pell."We also think possibly for some families and for some children developmentally, maturity wise, et cetera, that it's a better age to keep at the elementary level," Jermain said.If implemented, the change would not occur before the 2026-27 school year.Jermain also addressed student absenteeism, reporting improvements but acknowledging more work is needed."We still have a lot of work to do," she said. "We really do still need everyone to emphasize the importance of attendance at school every day for all of us."Looking ahead, Jermain noted several upcoming events, including girls soccer quarterfinals, girls tennis semifinals, and parent-teacher conferences on Nov. 7 from noon to 5 p.m. at all schools.The superintendent encouraged parents to bring their children when voting to set a good example."Whatever happens in the results of the election, schools will remain open and we will continue to do our best to deliver high quality instruction for our students," Jermain said.Public tours of the new Rogers High School are expected to begin in summer 2025, a few months before its scheduled opening.Watch The Conversation

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State Representative Lauren Carson is gearing up for the upcoming legislative session, with a focus on short-term rentals and aging policy as key priorities.The Newport Democrat, who is running unopposed for reelection, outlined her plans during an interview with What'sUpNewp on Tuesday, October 22.Carson chairs two study commissions created by the House in 2023 - one on short-term rentals and another on aging policy. Both were extended to next year."We have another year on both of those," Carson said. "I think the short-term rental one may be resolved sooner, but the aging one does need all of its time."The short-term rental commission has examined issues including fire safety, insurance requirements, and municipal ordinances. Carson said the group is now moving toward policy recommendations."Where we move now, probably after the first of the year, is some kind of set of policy recommendations," she said.Carson emphasized the distinction between state and municipal authority on short-term rentals. She noted that municipalities have strong zoning powers, while the state may address issues like insurance requirements."We have to look at what's in the state bucket, what's in the municipal bucket, and proceed from there," Carson said.On aging policy, Carson is working to develop a master plan similar to those in Vermont and Massachusetts. The commission has examined topics including transportation, housing, and internet access for older residents."My hope is next year that we will come out with some kind of guidance for a uniform plan as we move toward the year 2030, where there will be a lot more aging people," Carson said.She noted that Rhode Island has about 250,000 residents over 60, with that number expected to increase by 30,000 to 40,000 in the next five years.Carson also discussed the upcoming legislative session, which begins Jan. 7. She plans to conduct her annual constituent survey in January and likely hold a meeting to discuss the feedback."I'm already planning to go to the state house that week," Carson said. "That's when I'll be meeting with the attorneys and drafting bills."Carson expects housing to remain a priority for House leadership. She also anticipates challenges with the state budget."The budget is going to be a challenge," Carson said. "It was a challenge this past year. It was a challenge because, you know, we had, when we use the federal Covid money, the leadership in the House was very specific that we attempt not to spend it on reoccurring expenses in the budget."Carson urged Newport voters to support two bond measures on the November ballot. Question 6 is a $98.5 million bond for various city infrastructure projects. Question 5 is an arts bond that would provide funding for the Newport Contemporary Ballet's new facility on Broadway."These are real things. These are real issues," Carson said of the projects in the city bond. "We need to figure it. We need to pass this thing and get some money into these infrastructure improvements."Carson encouraged constituents to reach out with concerns or questions. She can be contacted through her website, laurencarson.com, or by phone."I do, you know, I'm available," Carson said. "People will call me and they'll go, 'You answered.' I'll be like, 'Yeah, I did.' And then they'll say, 'I thought like your secretary would answer.' I don't have one. I'm it."Watch The ConversationComing Up on ThursdayWUN-ON-ONE: A conversation with Trudy Coxe, CEO & Executive Director of The Preservation Society of Newport CountyTrudy Coxe, CEO & Executive Director of The Preservation Society of Newport County, will join WUN for a conversation on Thursday at 10:30 am.

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Newport City Manager Colin Kennedy addressed several pressing issues during his monthly chat with What'sUpNewp on Wednesday, October 16, including utility billing concerns, early voting procedures, and the upcoming bond referendum.Kennedy reassured residents about the delayed September utility bills, urging them to wait for the October bills before taking action. "The October bills will have the effect of stabilizing the billing," Kennedy said. He explained that the October bills, expected to arrive by Thursday or Friday, will contain credits for overcharges in August and September."We don't want people to get used to that," Kennedy cautioned, referring to the potentially small October bills resulting from the credits. He emphasized that normal billing should resume in November.Early voting for the upcoming election began Wednesday, with a temporary location change due to elevator maintenance at City Hall. "We are on the ground floor of city hall because of the malfunction of our elevator," Kennedy explained. Voting will take place in a conference room accessible from street level, open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on normal business days through Nov. 4.Kennedy expressed some hope that City Hall's elevator would be up and running again soon. "Our goal is to make it [the elevator] available before the first city council meeting of the new term, which I believe is on December 11," Kennedy said.The city manager devoted significant time to discussing Question 6 on the ballot, a $98.5 million bond referendum. Kennedy framed the bond as "insurance" against potential future costs, particularly those related to climate change and infrastructure repairs."Within one to three years, because of all the impacts of climate change, that bulkhead is going to fail," Kennedy said, referring to the Perrotti Park bulkhead. He estimated the cost to replace it at about $20 million.Kennedy argued that passing the bond would spread costs over 30 years, resulting in a smaller tax increase compared to potential emergency funding scenarios. "I would much rather be able to borrow funds from an authorized bond referendum and spread that cost out over 30 years at a very small rate of tax increase," he said.The city manager highlighted several projects that could benefit from the bond, including beach nourishment at Easton's Beach and stormwater control in the north end. He emphasized the potential for leveraging bond funds to secure additional grants, potentially doubling or tripling available funds for some projects.Addressing concerns about the bond's similarity to the 2020 Rogers High School bond, Kennedy clarified, "This is a general obligation bond. It is not a bond that's for a single project." He stressed that the allocations are "just a roadmap" and that the City Council would approve each bond sale individually.Kennedy also touched on the ongoing rate study for water, stormwater, and wastewater services. "We're hiring a professional consultant to help us drive towards that end state, so that in the future, we're able to get the revenue we need, but do it in a more equitable way," he explained.Regarding climate change skepticism, Kennedy took a pragmatic approach. "From my perspective, I don't particularly care how that happened," he said. "My responsibility as a city manager is to look into the data, is to acknowledge the fact that these are things that are measured and are happening."As the interview concluded, Kennedy encouraged residents to vote early at City Hall or at their normal precinct sites on Nov. 5 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. He reiterated that October utility bills would be arriving soon, containing explanations of the applied credits."I respectfully request a little more patience from our residents," Kennedy said. "They'll see those very soon, and I believe that they'll feel made whole at that point."City Manager Kennedy will join What'sUpNewp next on November 20 at 10 am.Watch The ConversationResources* Utility Billing: For more information, clarification, and updates, click here.* Question 6: For more information on the Newport bond question, click here.* Voting: The City of Newport's 2024 Election Guide is here. To see your sample ballot and find your polling location, click here.

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Lynn Underwood Ceglie, currently serving as an at-large Newport city councilor, is running to represent the Second Ward in the upcoming election. Ceglie, who previously held the Second Ward seat, cites a desire to focus more on constituent issues as her motivation for the switch."I was really a lot happier when I was a ward councilor. I felt as though I had more focus on constituent issues," Ceglie said in an interview with What'sUpNewp on Friday, October 11. "I feel as though my strength is working with the residents and the staff to try to resolve problems."Ceglie has served on the council for ten years and decided to run again to provide experienced leadership. "I think that we bring a breadth of experience and knowledge that is needed," she said.If elected, Ceglie plans to prioritize several issues specific to the Second Ward, including addressing restricted roads and traffic concerns. She highlighted problems with trucks and buses ignoring signage on streets like Farewell and Annandale."These restricted roads … are frankly being abused by truck drivers and bus drivers that don't pay attention to the signage," Ceglie said. She is exploring solutions with the police chief, including improved enforcement and alerting systems.The Broadway corridor is another focus area for Ceglie. As the main business district in the Second Ward, she emphasized the need to address challenges with homelessness while supporting local businesses."We want to make sure that people feel safe and we want people to come to Broadway," Ceglie said. She noted increased police presence on foot and bicycle patrols as part of efforts to improve the area.Reflecting on her tenure, Ceglie expressed pride in her responsiveness to residents. "I try to answer every email, every phone call," she said. "I think that that's my strength and, frankly, is my responsiveness."She also highlighted infrastructure improvements made during her time on the council, including an $40 million wastewater treatment facility, and school renovations.Regarding the upcoming $98.5 million bond question, Ceglie supports its passage. "I think that there are some projects on there that are extremely important," she said, citing the need to address issues at Easton's Beach and complete Rogers High School.Early voting for the Newport election begins Oct. 16, with the general election on Nov. 5. Ceglie emphasized her dedication to the community and fairness as key reasons Second Ward voters should support her."I'm here to stay. I'm here to serve Newport," Ceglie said. "I feel as though my responsiveness and my fairness … those are my strengths. And that's why I'm hoping that people agree with me and, you know, I'm asking for their vote."Voters can find their ward and view sample ballots at vote.ri.gov. More information about Ceglie's campaign is available at ceglie2ndward.com.Watch The Interview

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Newport City Council Chair and Mayor Xaykham "Xay" Rexford Khamsyvoravong is seeking re-election to Newport City Council At-Large, emphasizing the need for continued action on pressing issues facing the city.In an interview with What'sUpNewp on Thursday, October 19, Khamsyvoravong highlighted the council's accomplishments over the past 22 months and outlined his priorities for another term."We need to focus on housing for our middle class here in Newport. We need to focus on resiliency, specifically going out, getting the federal dollars that we should be getting," Khamsyvoravong said. "And then finally, we need to be focused on public education."The council chair pointed to the city's success in securing over $40 million in state and federal grants during his tenure. This funding is aimed at addressing infrastructure needs and supporting initiatives like education and housing.Khamsyvoravong stressed the importance of taking action rather than just studying issues. "Perfect is the enemy of good," he said. "And residents right now are at the point where they are being pushed out because they can't stand any additional studying. They need action."He cited the council's efforts to increase housing opportunities, noting that applications for nearly 300 new units of housing have been put into the pipeline in the past 18 months. This marks a significant change for a community that has historically added only one net unit of housing per year over the past two decades.The council chair also addressed the city's infrastructure challenges, including a $500 million deficit in capital infrastructure needs. A $98.5 million bond question will be on the ballot to address some of these issues."That $500 million hole that we mentioned is not 500 million to make sure we're set for the next generation. That's just to get through the next five years," Khamsyvoravong explained.He emphasized the need for bold action and honesty about the city's situation. "I'm not kicking the can on this, and I know that these things are not easy or popular. Nobody likes to say, hey, your taxes are going to go up a little bit, and we have to borrow some money to do this. But I'm being realistic about where we stand."On education, Khamsyvoravong highlighted the Learn 365 initiative as a model for improving the city's school system. The program aligns after-school activities run by community nonprofits with classroom curriculum."I think that is the key to Aquidneck Island meeting its educational potential," he said.Khamsyvoravong also addressed the challenge of balancing the needs of residents with those of the city's 3.5 million annual visitors. He pointed to efforts to shift more of the financial burden onto tourists, such as increasing cruise ship fees and implementing dynamic pricing for downtown parking."We've got to actually shift that burden," he said. "That means staffing up to ensure we can go after those resources and then being aggressive about working together."As the election approaches, Khamsyvoravong urged voters to look critically at candidates' records and proposed solutions. "Look to see if people are putting their money where their mouth is. Look to see if the actual things they've supported today align with where you're coming from."The Rhode Island General election will occur on November 8. Early voting begins on October 16.Watch The Conversation

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Charlie Holder, currently serving as Newport's second ward councilor, is running for an at-large seat on the City Council in the upcoming election. In an interview with Whats'UpNewp on Thursday, October 10, Holder discussed his campaign strategy, key city issues, and his approach to governance.Holder, who will turn 55 the day after the election, has served two terms representing the second ward. He decided to run for an at-large position after hearing from residents outside his ward who wished they could vote for him."I've been lucky enough to serve two terms for the second ward. So I'm like, you know what? Let's give it a shot. Let's go at large, see how it goes," Holder said.As director of operations at Gardiner House, a new hotel and event space on Lee's Wharf, Holder said that he brings a unique perspective to the council. He believes his experience in the hospitality industry gives him insight into both tourism and workforce issues facing Newport.Holder emphasized his approach to council business, which he describes as focused on listening and gathering information before forming opinions."You have to listen. That's the first thing," Holder said. "It's been very important that you have to get ideas, you have to get people's opinions. You have to listen to what's out there and then form your thoughts, form your opinions on that."The candidate highlighted several key issues facing Newport, including infrastructure needs, affordable housing, and balancing tourism with residents' concerns.Regarding the city's infrastructure challenges, Holder supports the $98.5 million bond measure on the November ballot. He identified Easton's Beach, King Park Seawall, and Rogers landfill as top priorities."Without the passing of this bond, then it's going to be difficult to get those taken care of," Holder said.On housing affordability, Holder acknowledged the complexity of the issue and cautioned against oversimplifying potential solutions. He noted that while the city has banned short-term rentals in residential areas, banning them in business districts is unlikely to significantly impact workforce housing availability."The reality is that's really not the case because those houses aren't going to go, you know, those aren't going to be 12-month apartments or, you know, $500,000, $600,000, $700,000 houses," Holder explained.Holder stressed the need for balance between the tourism industry and residents' concerns. He believes his daily experience in hospitality gives him a unique perspective on this issue."You have to have both. You can't have one and not the other," Holder said. "The best way, instead of trying to fight each other on it, I think trying to work together is the best way possible."Looking ahead, Holder hopes to continue improving the city's infrastructure and fostering better communication between the council and residents. He emphasized his non-partisan approach to governance."I'm a non-affiliated politician, if you will. I don't, you know, I'm not a Democrat, I'm not a Republican. I deal with people and deal with the issues at hand and find out the best solutions to them," Holder said.Holder is hosting two events to meet with voters: a "Chat with Charlie" at O'Brien's on Oct. 10 from 6 to 9 p.m., and an appearance at the Broadway Street Fair on Oct. 14 at Fifth Element from 1 to 4 p.m.The general election is scheduled for Nov. 5, with early voting beginning Oct. 16. Holder encouraged a strong voter turnout, emphasizing the election's importance for Newport's future."The public has to know that you have the opportunity to affect change," Holder said. "If you don't like the way things have been going, you have this opportunity to make changes."Watch The Conversation

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James Dring, seeking his third term on the Newport School Committee, is positioning himself as a voice of reason and fiscal responsibility as the district faces declining enrollment and budget constraints.In an interview with What’sUpNewp on Thursday, October 10, Dring highlighted his support for school regionalization with Middletown, a stance he says sets him apart from other committee members.“I was the only person on the school committee, the only one who was in favor of regionalization,” Dring said, referring to a previous proposal. “Now everybody is.”Dring argues that declining enrollment – projected to drop by 400 students over the next decade – makes regionalization increasingly necessary. He predicts the state may eventually mandate consolidation if local officials don’t act.“The only way it’s going to happen, truthfully, is exactly what you just said. The state’s going to step in and say, you guys have to do this,” Dring told interviewer Ryan Belmore.The candidate also expressed strong support for banning cell phones in schools, a policy currently under consideration.“I’m in favor of taking the cell phones away. My kids aren’t going to talk to me for probably six months, but I think it’s the way to go,” Dring said.He cited the difficulty teachers face in policing phone use and the potential benefits of increased student engagement.Dring emphasized the need to resolve the ongoing dispute between the teachers’ union and administration, which he says must end for the district to move forward.“Both sides need to sit down and you need to give a little. You can’t, we’re not going to solve this if everybody just says, nope, we’re not going to negotiate, we’re not going to give an inch,” he said.Looking ahead, Dring warned of a looming “fiscal cliff” as state aid decreases with enrollment. He called for a more realistic approach to budget negotiations with the city council.“There’s going to be a lot of pain to go around in this next budget,” Dring said. “That’s just a reality.”The candidate also expressed concern about plans to move automotive and cosmetology programs out of the new Rogers High School building, arguing it could further reduce enrollment and state funding.“We should not be building a new school for the high school and cutting programmes,” Dring said. “I’m going to, in my next term, do everything I can to make sure that that doesn’t happen.”Dring, who has three daughters, including two currently at Rogers High School, said his perspective as both a parent and taxpayer informs his decision-making.“I bring common sense to the table. If something makes sense, I vote for it. If something doesn’t make sense, I’ll vote against it,” he said.The candidate urged voters to support him in the Nov. 5 election, emphasizing his level-headed approach and commitment to improving Newport’s schools.“I don’t bring in, like, a national ideology to the school committee. I just bring up common sense from a local resident who wants to make the schools the best that they can be,” Dring said.Early voting for the November 5 General Election begins Oct. 16. Voters can find sample ballots and polling information at vote.ri.gov.Watch The Conversation

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Loretta "Lori" Burke, a candidate for Newport School Committee, is running on a platform of getting "back to basics" in education. Burke, who works at the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce, says her background as an Air Force child and deep family roots in Newport education give her a unique perspective on local school issues."Let's just get back to reading, writing, and arithmetic and having these children leave the school system being productive members of society," Burke said in an interview with What'sUpNewp on Wednesday, October 9.Burke expressed concern about distractions in schools taking focus away from core subjects. She believes there are "a lot of distractions within the school system that maybe take away from getting back to basics."On the ongoing labor dispute between teachers and the school district, Burke said it "should get resolved quickly" as it's affecting everyone involved. "It's really not good for a school system to be going on like this," she added.Burke strongly supports exploring regionalization of Newport schools with neighboring districts. She said she was "surprised" by how many other candidates also expressed support for regionalization at a recent forum."Where were you guys two years ago?" Burke asked, referring to when a regionalization proposal failed. "Now we're in for so much money that we kind of have to…get off the pot about this stuff."The candidate expressed shock at learning that 40% of Newport students are non-native English speakers. She sees this as a major challenge for teachers on top of other responsibilities.Burke believes changes in school leadership may be needed, saying some issues have persisted for too long despite ample funding. "Maybe a change, a little shake-up across the board would be helpful," she said.On judging educational success, Burke said test scores shouldn't be the only measure. However, she expressed concern about frequent changes to state testing methods, suggesting it may be to make tests easier to pass.Burke emphasized the importance of vocational and technical education programs. "This is a city of trades," she said, advocating for maintaining or expanding such offerings.The candidate pledged to vote against anything not directly related to core academic subjects if elected. "I'm not a fan of other types of programs being brought in," Burke stated.Burke praised her fellow candidates, saying they all seem to care about students but have different ideas on how to improve education. She encouraged voters to carefully consider their choices, noting they don't have to select all seven available slots on the ballot.Early voting for the Newport School Committee election begins Oct. 16, with Election Day on Nov. 5. Eleven candidates are vying for seven seats on the committee.Burke can be reached at 401-835-0884 or [email protected] for voters seeking more information about her campaign.Watch The Conversation

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