The Teachers Association of Newport (TAN) today announced their support for a resolution regarding funding for the Rogers High School construction project.
The resolution is proposed by Mayor Xay Khamsyvoravong and Councilor Charles Holder and will be considered by the Newport City Council during their Regular Council Meeting on Wednesday, June 25.
“This resolution provides a comprehensive plan to fund the completion of the Rogers High School Project, prioritizes student safety, and affords the School Committee resources to provide essential support for classroom educators throughout Newport,” TAN says in a press release provided to What’sUpNewp.
According to TAN, the resolution “focuses on key initiatives vital to advancing educational excellence:
- Completion of the High School Project: The resolution outlines a comprehensive plan to provide the funding needed to finish the high school project, allowing the School Building Committee to meet critical construction deadlines which qualify the project for State funding. By providing a comprehensive plan for funding the entire project, not just the immediate shortfall, the resolution allows for the Newport School Committee and Administration to refocus their attention on supporting kids in the classroom.
- Prioritization of Student Safety: Recognizing the importance of student safety, the resolution maintains funding for improvements to the entrance of Thompson Middle School.
- Support for Classroom Educators: The resolution encourages the School Administration to reverse its recent decision to cut educators dedicated to providing interventions to academically at-risk students, and protects any funding dedicated to doing so”.
“Mayor Xay gets it. Our community needs to put students first, not only by providing safe and warm schools, but also by supporting the educators in the classroom,” said TAN President Jennifer Hole in a statment. “This resolution reflects both – I strongly support it and I encourage the Council to support it.”
“Over the past month, the School Administration displaced over forty-five interventionists and classroom educators,” TAN says in the press release. “The most heavily impacted programs are those supporting academically at-risk students. Despite deep cuts to educators working directly with students, not a single administrative position was impacted.
“We need a School Administration that is centered on supporting students, not making excuses,” said TAN Vice President David Koutsogiane in a statement. “This resolution provides a clear plan to hold accountable those responsible for the construction overruns and it refocuses the School Committee and Administration on supporting educators who are working hard to address areas where kids are struggling the most.”
“Members of TAN eagerly anticipate the passage of the proposed resolution and its positive impact on Newport’s educational community,” TAN concludes.
Proposed Resolution
