As a new school committee member, I’ve spent the past eight months learning our Newport School District inside and out—listening to teachers, students, administrators, and community partners. What I’ve seen makes one thing clear: we must refocus resources on student success in the face of declining enrollment and shrinking funding.
Our children’s education is at a crossroads. Each year, millions are wasted on duplicate administrative overhead—money that should be fueling classrooms, not offices. That’s why the School Committee and City Council must approve this week’s consolidation resolutions.
Imagine what millions saved by merging administration functions with Middletown could bring: smaller classes, expanded career and technical programs, stronger mental health supports, and better professional development for teachers. Instead, we continue to fund two superintendents, duplicate central offices, and operate redundant services. Holding onto two administrations doesn’t protect “local control”—it drains resources from our students and teachers.
Without common-sense change, the path ahead is clear:
- More taxpayer dollars spent on administrators, not students.
- Fewer resources for student support services, extracurriculars, and academics.
- Fixed costs rising while student enrollment falls.
If we act now, we can free millions each year to restore programs, empower educators, and build a sustainable future for our schools.
In 2022, Middletown overwhelmingly voted to regionalize. Newport missed the mark by a narrow margin—largely because there wasn’t a clear vision for how consolidation would directly benefit students. Bringing the question back isn’t anti-democratic—it’s the heart of democracy to revisit decisions when new facts, new opportunities, and higher stakes emerge. This time, the benefits for students are concrete and compelling.
It’s time to choose students over the status quo. I urge readers to contact our elected officials today and tell them to support this first step towards consolidation with Middletown.
Let’s invest wisely in our children’s futures.
Contact the Newport School Committee: https://www.npsri.net/page/2024-2026-school-committee
Contact the Newport City Council: https://www.cityofnewport.com/city-hall/city-council/councilor-biosSincerely,
Beth Cullen, Newport School Committee
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