Newport Public Schools’ Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain shared updates on the Rogers High School construction project and other educational initiatives during her monthly live virtual conversation with What’sUpNewp on Wednesday.
The new Rogers High School building now has electricity, marking a significant milestone in the construction process. Landscaping work has begun on Wickham Avenue, and the interior is progressing rapidly.
“We have power now in the brand new high school,” Jermain said. “The outside work as far as starting the landscaping, as far as water retention ponds and everything else, we’ve actually on Wickham Avenue, we’re starting that work.”
Teachers at Rogers High School have received moving boxes and are preparing to relocate their materials to the new building in early June. The goal is to have all supplies and equipment moved within two weeks of receiving the keys, which is expected around June 15.
Jermain also discussed ongoing efforts to preserve the Career Tech building, which would house programs such as cosmetology and automotive studies, as well as administrative offices and exploratory CTE programming.
“We’re trying to make sure we can make that a reality,” she said. “We have the drawings. Gilbane yesterday we had a meeting, we had the whole city.”
The superintendent emphasized that no additional bond funding would be sought for the project. Cost estimates are expected by Feb. 14, with a decision on whether to proceed with the Career Tech building renovations needed by March 1 to keep the project on schedule.
Regarding the district’s strategic plan, Jermain reported that implementation is on track. The focus remains on rigorous curriculum, attendance, and classroom visits to support teachers and ensure quality instruction.
“We’re right on track. I think we have over 400 observations so far, if not more, and we’ll keep moving it the, you know, we’ll keep moving down the year and doing those checkpoints,” Jermain said.
She highlighted the need for improvement in student achievement and growth, as reflected in recent school report cards. Pell Elementary School and Thompson Middle School received one star for achievement and growth, while Rogers High School received two stars.
Jermain and members of the Newport School Committee will meet with local legislators on Saturday to discuss various topics, including public school funding and career and technical education. The meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. at the NACTC building off Old Fort Road.
State Legislators, Newport School Committee to host joint workshop on Feb. 1
The superintendent expressed concerns about the current structure of school funding and governance in Rhode Island. She suggested exploring alternative models, such as giving school committees taxing authority or integrating school departments more closely with city governments.
“I think it’s really important that people start to take a hard look at that. Either give the school committees taxing authority or and let the voters decide what they want to fund on schools or look at the entire structure and does it become part of a city government?” Jermain said.
In response to recent changes in immigration enforcement policies, Jermain reassured parents that the district has protocols in place to protect students. She emphasized that children are only released to parents, family members, or individuals on the emergency contact list.
“Our number one goal and priority in all our schools is to keep our children safe,” Jermain said. “We never release a child to anyone except a parent, family member or someone on the emergency contact list.”
Despite ongoing challenges, Jermain highlighted several positive developments in the district, including student athletic achievements and upcoming events such as concerts and sports competitions.
“School goes on, you know, no matter what, whether it’s a pandemic, new executive orders or whatnot,” Jermain said. “We have great students, great children. Our staff is doing a wonderful job and we’ll keep moving along one day at a time.”
Watch The Conversation Below
