Dear Editor,
I met Beth Cullen while we served on the Alliance for Livable Newport (ALN). Five years ago, we then partnered on Citizen’s Exploring School Unification (CESU), a group that requested Newport and Middletown officials explore potential benefits of school regionalization.
Beth consistently presented cogent analyses, compelling case studies, and well-reasoned arguments that could have saved millions in construction costs, enriched course offerings, provided new career paths, and offered more extracurricular activities for all students.
Regrettably, our efforts in exploring unification were stymied by a short-sighted Middletown town council. As a result, Newport and Middletown have continued on their unsustainable paths, delivering little benefit to our students beyond new buildings.
Ironically, recent informal polls of ALL candidates for the upcoming Newport and Middletown council elections have revealed a newfound interest in “further exploring regionalization”—but only after over $300 million in separate facilities has been committed.
This is but one example of Beth’s determined advocacy for what is sensible, far sighted and just.
Your vote for Beth Cullen on Newport’s School Committee will infuse fresh vision and tireless energy that addresses the many challenges facing our school system.
Respectfully,
John Hirschboeck, Newport
