Newport’s newly elected city council and school committee members took their oaths of office Sunday at the CCRI Newport Campus, ushering in the 2024-2026 term with promises of collaboration and progress.
The ceremony, steeped in tradition, began with the presentation of colors and the national anthem performed by the Rogers High School band.
Judge Joseph T. Houlihan administered the oaths, reminding the officials of the honor and responsibility that comes with public service.
“City service, whether it’s elected, appointed, hired, is an honor,” Houlihan said. “These positions are important contributors to economic development, education, public safety and the well-being of our community.”
Jim Dring, sworn in as chair of the school committee, outlined several priorities for the upcoming term. Chief among them is completing the new Rogers High School without further cost overruns.
“We need to finish the high school with no more overages, and we need to have the kids moving in in September,” Dring said.
He also emphasized the need to address cell phone use in schools, increase student achievement, and explore regionalization with Middletown.
“We need to find a way to regionalize with the town of Middletown,” Dring said. “It makes no sense for us to have $200 million high schools within 10 minutes of each other.”
Rebecca Bolan, returning for her ninth term and serving as vice chair, expressed excitement about the progress on the new high school.
“If you haven’t been out there to see it yet, it’s coming along. It’s beautiful,” Bolan said. “And with the support of the city council, we’ve gotten all the money we need to finish this building.”
Elizabeth Cullen, the top vote-getter among school committee candidates, pledged to approach decisions with careful research and practical solutions.
“We face significant challenges and I promise to approach each decision with careful research and practical solutions,” Cullen said. “Let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work. We have to build a brighter future for our students and for our community.”
Robert Leary, a veteran educator, reflected on Newport’s transformation over the past five decades, from a Navy town to a tourist destination. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong middle class to support the school system.
“The middle class has left Newport and the school system shows it,” Leary said. “The backbone of a school system … it’s amazing how the middle class can really keep a system together and it’s disappearing in Newport.”
Sandra Flowers called for celebrating the positive aspects of Newport’s schools and government while acknowledging the challenges ahead.
“We should celebrate the good things that are going on in the city of Newport,” Flowers said. “Celebrate the good work of the people who are elected and who are hired and appointed … to help to run the city.”
The school committee consists of Dring as chair, Bolan as vice chair, and members Cullen, Stephanie Winslow, Leary, Flowers, and Robert Power.
The 2024-2026 Newport City Council will be led by Charlie Holder as mayor and chair, with Lynn Underwood serving as vice chair. At-large members include Steph Smyth, Xay Khamsyvoravong, and Jeanne-Marie Napolitano. Ellen Pinnock will represent Ward 1, Underwood Ward 2, and David R. Carlin III Ward 3.
As the newly sworn-in officials begin their terms, they face the task of guiding Newport through educational improvements, economic challenges, and community development in the coming two years.
Watch The Inauguration Ceremony
