Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain discussed her decision to step down after more than 12 years leading the district during Wednesday’s monthly “Ask The Superintendent” conversation with What’sUpNewp’s Frank Prosnitz and Ryan Belmore, explaining that the timing feels right as major facility projects reach completion.
Burns Jermain announced in October that she will conclude her tenure on June 30, 2026, giving the Newport School Committee approximately eight months to conduct a search for her successor.
“I just felt that now is the time,” Burns Jermain said during the virtual discussion. “It’s been 12, it’s going to be 12 plus years. Been through a lot of different things in the district. We’ve done a lot of great work.”
The superintendent cited the completion of Rogers High School’s new building as a key factor in her timing. She emphasized her commitment to seeing the taxpayer-funded project through to completion.
“I had to see through this building project,” she said. “The taxpayers of Newport put, you know, voted for a large bond, and it’s just so critical to a community. You know, your schools are your community.”
Burns Jermain, a Rogers High School graduate who returned to lead her hometown district, said she wanted to ensure continuity between the district’s past and future. She noted significant demographic changes in Newport’s student population since she began her role in January 2014.
“One of the most important things for me was to make sure that everyone in our community knew who our children were,” she said. “I don’t believe they did when I arrived.”
The superintendent expressed interest in exploring new opportunities, though she declined to specify future plans. She emphasized her continued connection to Newport, where she grew up and plans to remain.
“I’m looking for other adventures. I’m looking to explore other options,” she said. “I’ll be here probably for the rest of my existence on the planet. This will always be home.”
During the conversation, Burns Jermain provided updates on several district initiatives and challenges. She addressed concerns about the potential impact of federal SNAP program cuts on students and families.
The district works with community partners including EBCAP to provide weekend food backpacks at the elementary level and maintains “share tables” in all three schools for unused food items. Burns Jermain said the district plans to increase these programs if needed.
“We’re going to be ramping it up now due to this,” she said regarding potential SNAP cuts.
The superintendent confirmed that federal SNAP changes will not affect the district’s free breakfast, lunch and dinner programs, which operate under a community block grant that provides meals to all students at no cost.
Burns Jermain reported that the district faces no current issues with ICE visits to schools and noted improvements in attendance, particularly at Rogers High School.
“We’re doing much better. It’s getting better. Especially over here at the high school,” she said.
The new Rogers High School building continues to receive positive feedback from students nearly two months after opening. Burns Jermain highlighted the installation of a large mural over the recent weekend and ongoing demolition work that will continue through March or April.
Parking remains a challenge, with staff using a tight parking lot while students continue parking on grass areas along Wickham Avenue. The district considers relocating senior parking to Wickham while moving underclassmen to a lot closer to the building.
“We’re thinking we’re going to try to keep the senior class… on Wickham and we’re going to put the underclassmen in the back right here of the north lot,” Burns Jermain said.
The district reports full staffing across all buildings, though some teachers work on emergency certification related to a December settlement agreement.
Burns Jermain provided updates on the ongoing discussion about moving the fifth grade from Thompson Middle School to Pell Elementary School. The administration continues holding public sessions to gather input on the potential change, which would reduce Thompson’s population to approximately 300 students in grades 6-8 while increasing Pell’s enrollment to nearly 700 students.
The next public session on the grade configuration is scheduled for Monday evening. Burns Jermain said the administration plans to present findings and recommendations to the School Committee in December.
The district recently hosted four students from sister city Shimoda, Japan, with three Newport families providing housing. Burns Jermain expressed hope that Newport students might visit Japan when city officials travel there for sister city activities.
“Those kind of experiences really, really change a young person’s perspective,” she said. “It literally opens up the world to them.”
Regionalization discussions with Middletown have resumed after the Middletown Town Council voted 7-0 to explore talks with Newport about combining districts. Burns Jermain said Newport’s School Committee and some council members support the discussions.
“I do believe it is about the money,” she said regarding regionalization benefits. “You can’t have programs. You can’t do certain things if you don’t have some kind of funding.”
The superintendent noted that Newport should be considered a “core city” similar to Providence, Pawtucket, Woonsocket and Central Falls based on poverty indicators and demographics, which could affect funding opportunities.
Burns Jermain concluded the session by conducting a virtual tour of the new Rogers High School building, showcasing wide hallways, collaborative spaces, and the recently opened Seaside Cafe in the culinary program.
The next “Ask The Superintendent” conversations are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19 and Wednesday, Dec. 17.
Watch the conversation below.
