Newport Public Schools Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain provided updates on multiple district initiatives during her monthly conversation with What’sUpNewp Thursday, including ongoing safety measures following a recent incident at Rogers High School and progress toward potential regionalization with Middletown.
Burns Jermain confirmed that an independent investigation into an assault at Rogers High School remains ongoing, with results expected to be made public upon completion. The Newport School Committee voted in November to hire an independent investigator following the arrest of four students in connection with a locker room assault of a special needs student.
“We had meetings before we broke for the Thanksgiving break,” Burns Jermain said. “We’ve also had meetings with whole group, the principal, the AD, the dean. Everyone has had meetings with the students.”
The superintendent said the district continues to provide counseling and social worker support while being careful not to interfere with the investigation process. No decisions have been made regarding the future of the football program.
Burns Jermain acknowledged broader concerns about student behavior and safety across Rhode Island schools, noting incidents at multiple districts this fall. She pointed to social media exposure, COVID-19 impacts, and changing family dynamics as contributing factors.
“I think we have a lot to learn about children today,” she said. “We have a lot to learn on what our expectations are of each other as adults and as of those adults that look over children.”
The superintendent confirmed her departure timeline remains on track, with her final day set for June 30. Burns Jermain has served as superintendent for more than 12 years, beginning her tenure in January 2014.
The Newport School Committee has begun the search process for her replacement, putting together a request for proposals to hire a firm to facilitate the search. Burns Jermain expects a posting to appear in February or March, with the position already generating interest in the education community.
“There will be a few more announcements” of superintendent departures across the region, Burns Jermain said, noting that this time of year typically brings such announcements.
Regarding potential regionalization with Middletown, Burns Jermain did not attend a recent joint meeting between the Newport City Council and Middletown Town Council but received positive feedback about the discussion. She expects both governing bodies to return in January with specific next steps and tasks.
“My understanding is both committee and council walked away and had some tasks,” she said. “My understanding also was they wanted to bring the school committees in together to see what some possible next steps they could do.”
Burns Jermain emphasized that regionalization would be a gradual process rather than an immediate change. She noted that high schools already operate with integration, allowing students to cross district lines for specialized programs.
“Most students that go from 8th to 9th grade are realizing the importance of the different programs they can participate in and take,” she said.
The superintendent identified middle school as the most complex level for potential regionalization, calling those “the formative years” when students develop physically and mentally.
Officials aim to place a regionalization question on the November 2025 ballot, which would require legislative action by August. The proposal would create shared administration while maintaining separate schools and communities.
Burns Jermain reported that the new Rogers High School continues to require adjustments as the district learns from its first semester of operation. Issues include parking lot configurations, HVAC system settings, and drainage concerns.
“The student parking lot is still down by Old Fort, but the parent drop off and the bus loop, I think we’re reimagining some of that,” she said.
The district will shut down the campus during the holiday break for major infrastructure work, including electricity, sewage, and water system improvements. The Seaside Cafe has proven more popular than anticipated, and the community construction technology program shows increased enrollment.
Enrollment challenges continue to impact budget planning, though Burns Jermain noted an unexpected jump in kindergarten numbers that required opening two additional classrooms. The district faces a decision in January about reconfiguring Pell Elementary to serve pre-K through fifth grade while making Thompson Middle School serve grades six through eight.
“With the shrinking enrollment, it is very challenging,” Burns Jermain said regarding budget pressures.
The district maintains steady multilingual learner enrollment, with most students receiving early intervention support that allows them to exit the program by fourth or fifth grade. However, a recent legal settlement has affected staffing plans for these students.
“We presently do not have the preferred number of teachers with certification in front of children,” Burns Jermain said.
Student attendance remained stable until recent weeks, when strain A flu caused absences to jump from an average of 60-64 students daily to more than 100. The outbreak particularly affected Rogers High School students.
Burns Jermain highlighted upcoming events, including a chorus and band concert at the new Rogers High School theater. She encouraged community members to attend school performances, noting the high quality of student musicians.
The superintendent confirmed that all teaching positions remain filled, though some special education paraprofessional positions need staffing. No union contracts are currently under negotiation, but the school committee has begun seeking legal consultation for future contract discussions.
Watch the entire conversation below.
