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I agree/appreciate with most comments, both in and about this article regarding the future of our schools. The stalemate here,understandably, seems to be those thinking within their own responsibilities/"box", and in traditional, longstanding models, rather than in terms of collaborative, innovative, long term solutions. However, that is how every major change begins and it is a process to bring everyone together, understand all perspectives, and change traditional thinking for the common good. This article, the viewpoints John brings to the public, and the subsequent comments are exactly the dialog needed for real change, everyone's voice is important and needs to be part of the solution. For what its worth, here's my voice at this point...

The LTFPC did a decent job within the limits they were given. They crunched data and came up with their best option to save money/work within the constraints of the current/established limitations. The Mayor is correct in saying that the infrastructure across the system is crumbling, but ultimately the proposed LTFPC solution would do little to improve that situation or create a future vision for our schools we could all be excited about and look forward to for our children. Those that advocate for a middle school model and all day kindergarten are correct, both should be a focus, even within our current buildings/structure there are some changes that could be made immediately to begin that process. Why is it that all our sixth graders (or actually all 4th grade and up as in many other districts) do not currently rotate teachers for subjects at all elementary schools, even those schools with two classrooms per grade could benefit from changing classes for Math and ELA (and those with three classes could add another subject). Has significant thought gone into making one of our junior highs a citywide sixth grade? Why did the proposed change focus on uprooting one geographical segment of our population (I live in Toll Gate district), and only designating funds toward updating one school? Shouldn't we have the goal of updating all buildings and creating stronger educational offerings across the city? Equity across the City should be a major guiding principle in any plan and I do not believe there was a significant mention/discussion of that fundamental educational planning concept, that I believe any major system change should hold as a top priority. I do disagree with the comment that businesses do not hire consultants for long term planning. Successful businesses, even very large ones, understand that some expertise makes absolutely no financial sense to have in-house and facility long term planning is a classic example that warrants a national, well respected consultant to bring the knowledge and expertise of innovative solutions to a local level. I agree that some form of consolidation/reconfiguration should occur in Warwick, but maybe we need to think in terms of educational programming instead of geographical districts, especially at secondary level. Imagine the educational offerings (and cost savings) we could provide our students if they were grouped by interests instead of geography? Wouldn't it be nice to create a plan that improves the education and physical environment for all students across our city? Maybe we could institute the first public school IB program in the state? I certainly don't have all the solutions, but still have many questions regarding the full extent of options explored. We need to envision a bright future for our schools, identify the true infrastructure and educational needs, long term costs to update/maintain our buildings and technology and collaborate across all boundaries to achieve all in one long term plan with the City fully engaged as a partner. The City of Warwick also needs to view the schools as a critical partner in City planning. The Warwick Comprehensive Plan should acknowledge and fully incorporate the schools as key factors in the long term vitality/viability of the City. If we value neighborhood elementary schools (or schools at any geographical level) then they should be viewed as integral community centers/resources in City planning and there should be long term initiatives to better incorporate them into all neighborhood/City plans, including improved walking/biking to access them and partnering with the schools to

jointly plan, update, and fund facilities and grounds for appropriate use by all residents, to be viewed as community resources, not just "schools". The joint use of schools is a common solution by many communities to increasing financial constraints and should be fully explored as an option not only for increased City use/funding but also for business and nonprofit partnerships/sponsorships. I was a bit disheartened by the disconnect that seemed to exist within the Warwick Comprehensive Planning process and the school LTFP processes, occurring during the same general time period but neither recognizing or engaging the other as a key component of the others' plan.

I do believe that hope should not be lost, nor should we think that the past couple of years have been wasted. I believe that everyone involved has the same goal of the best possible educational system for our City, its only a matter of defining what that is, how to obtain it and over time period is obtainable.

Very thoughtful leadership, committee and private citizen discussions regarding the schools are taking place across the city, awareness of the situation has never been higher, and it is the perfect time for substantial, long term change. We shouldn't focus on blame, the situation we are currently face is a product of decades and not one that anyone intended. Many communities face similar, if not worse issues, and our energy is best spent on positive, forward thinking solutions. Even if it takes a year or longer (and I say this with two children that will continue to deal with short term issues and will not benefit from long term change), if done carefully and thoughtfully, with innovative and creative expertise, the future of our entire city will benefit greatly. Warwick has the ability to be a state and national model for reform, and it can be done...don't give up hope, continue to voice your opinion, offer your help, and support those who are engaged in long term, substantial change.