Newport Public Schools
Newport Public Schools

Across Rhode Island, school systems are finding that the bond issues voters approved only a few months ago to build new, modern school buildings, are millions of dollars short of what they now expect the projects to cost. And so it is in Newport, where for months now educators have been trying to fill a gap between what voters approved a few years ago for a new Rogers High School and what it may cost.

As a result, Superintendent of Schools Colleen Burns Jermain and her staff have been finding ways to trim the hundred-million-dollar school building budget, and to find additional funding to fill the gaps.

Superintendent Jermain joined WhatsUpNewp today (Wednesday, May 3) at 1:30 p.m. for her monthly visit, and we focused on Rogers and efforts to close the financial gap.

We also explore other pressing issues, not only in Newport, but issues that persist in school systems across the country – school safety and teacher shortages.

Of course, we also asked the superintendent to give us an update on regionalization talks between Newport and Middletown.

And as we approach the end of the school year, we ask the superintendent about how much progress has been closed up the gap for the time lost to in-person learning during the pandemic, the graduation rate this year, and graduation plans for the class of 2023. 

The Superintendent is scheduled to join us next for a conversation on Wednesday, May 31 at 1:30 pm. Be sure to send in your questions prior to our next conversation.

Watch or listen to our conversation below.

Newport City Manager outlines next steps for approved $98.5 million bond; reasoning for new hires – What'sUpNewp Podcast (private feed for ryanmbelmore@gmail.com)

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 Thank you for subscribing. Share this episode.
  1. Newport City Manager outlines next steps for approved $98.5 million bond; reasoning for new hires
  2. Newport School Superintendent provides updates on new high school and educational programs
  3. Newport School Superintendent provides updates on Rogers High School Construction and teacher negotiations
  4. Rep. Carson outlines legislative priorities for upcoming session
  5. Newport City Manager addresses utility billing, early voting, and bond referendum

Frank Prosnitz brings to WhatsUpNewp several years in journalism, including 10 as editor of the Providence (RI) Business News and 14 years as a reporter and bureau manager at the Providence (RI) Journal. Prosnitz began his journalism career as a sportswriter at the Asbury Park (NJ) Press, moving to The News Tribune (Woodbridge, NJ), before joining the Providence Journal. Prosnitz hosts the Morning Show on WLBQ radio (Westerly), 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Monday through Friday, and It’s Your Business, also...