To the Editor:

To paraphrase Charles Dickens, “This is the best of times and the worst of times” for Warwick Public Schools. Dedicated teachers and support staff, coupled with eager students and a dedicated and engaged public, make this the best of times. Conversely, continued uncertainty with school consolidation, unproductive contract negotiations, and a lack of a clear vision for the future of Warwick schools has made this the worst of times.

For our schools to flourish, we must rebuild a consensus between our school committee and our citizens that includes a common vision of excellence in education. It is a vision in which all members of the community are given a voice. It is a vision that takes advantage of our once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to redefine our educational system with an emphasis on academic excellence for all students.

Furthermore, we need to negotiate an equitable contract for our educators and make them collaborative partners in defining an educational vision that is shared and supported by our entire expansion of career and technical opportunities as well as expanded access to dual enrollment courses. We must take advantage of this opportunity and use it to improve education for all.

I am Dean Johnson, and I am a lifelong resident of Warwick, a graduate of Warwick Public Schools and Rhode Island College, a decorated disabled veteran (recipient of the Soldiers Medal and the RI State Cross), a small business owner and, most importantly, I am a proud husband and a father of two incredible sons who mean the world to me. I am running for election to Warwick School Committee, and I humbly ask for your support and your vote. If we reach for the stars, we will make our school and our community the envy of Rhode Island.

Dean Johnson

Warwick