Officials want answers from schools

Attorney may investigate Gorton incident

John Howell
Posted 4/2/15

While the School Committee has suspended a Gorton science teacher charged with first- and second-degree sexual assault without pay, some committee and City Council members want answers about an …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

E-mail
Password
Log in

Officials want answers from schools

Attorney may investigate Gorton incident

Posted

While the School Committee has suspended a Gorton science teacher charged with first- and second-degree sexual assault without pay, some committee and City Council members want answers about an unrelated incident in which the teacher allegedly drew inappropriate images on the hands or arms of two female students more than a year ago.

And going a step further, in a release issued yesterday afternoon, Councilwomen Donna Travis, Kathleen Usler and Camille Vella-Wilkinson and School Committee member Karen Bachus called for the City Council to take a vote of no confidence in Superintendent of Schools Richard D’Agostino, Director of Secondary Education Dennis Mullen and Director of Human Resources and Compliance Rosemary Healey.

Some answers may come at a public meeting of the School Committee tonight. That’s the aim of committee member Bachus, who pressed for the meeting and an investigation.

“This is all about what was done,” she said in a telephone interview Tuesday. “That’s why I’m calling for an investigation.”

Bachus didn’t elaborate. She said the meeting would be held tonight at 6 in the school administration building. According to the agenda posted Tuesday, the committee will consider the retention of attorney Vincent Ragosta.

Questions go deeper than what the teacher, Mario Atoyan, drew on the two students or the criminal charges brought against him. On March 20 the Attorney General’s office disclosed that the Washington County Grand Jury reported out a secret, sealed indictment charging Atoyan, 49, with one count each of first-degree sexual assault and second-degree sexual assault. It is alleged that on or about June 19, 2014, Atoyan sexually assaulted a 15-year-old female relative.

City Council President Travis said Tuesday she wants to know who knew about the incident at Gorton and what they did in response.

“If they’re covering up something like that, we should know,” she said.

And if there is a cover-up, Travis says, “somebody’s head should roll for it. I want to know the facts. There should be an investigation.”

Travis plans to attend tonight’s meeting, as does Ward 3 Councilwoman Vella-Wilkinson. Both council members showed up for Monday’s meeting but were told they had to leave when the committee went into executive session. Vella-Wilkinson wasn’t surprised by the action. In fact, she expected it.

“I knew they would be going into executive session,” she said. “I wanted them to understand we are keeping track of what’s going on.”

Vella-Wilkinson said she wants to learn “if the rumors are true.”

Allegedly, while at school, Atoyan drew a penis on the arm or hand of one student and feces on the arm or hand of the other student. According to reliable sources, when the incident came to the attention of school authorities, it moved up the administrative ladder and Atoyan was reprimanded.

D’Agostino would neither confirm nor deny the incident or whether Atoyan was reprimanded in an interview last week. He said it was a personnel matter and therefore he could not talk about it.

In an interview Monday, Police Chief Col. Stephen McCartney said Warwick Police looked into the Gorton incident. He would not elaborate what the police investigation entailed. For the record, he said, “There will be no criminal complaint.”

That’s not the end of it, in the opinion of the two council members and Bachus.

“First, I want to see if the rumors are substantiated,” Vella-Wilkinson said. “I want to see who knew and what action was taken.”

She wants to know if the students’ parents chose not to pursue the matter; the department’s procedures in such cases; and to what extent the administration investigated.

Reversing the tables, she said she imagined teachers would question a student who reported to school with a picture of a penis on his or her arm or wearing a t-shirt with an inappropriate image or wording.

“Would they allow that?” she asked. “If people knew and did nothing, as a parent, I would want to have some kind of action.”

But she cautioned, “I still don’t have a feel for who knew what and how much.”

If there was a cover-up, Vella-Wilkinson said she would expect a “swift response” from the School Committee and that whoever is found responsible would “be put on the street.”

Vella-Wilkinson said yesterday, “I have no faith or confidence in any administrator or School Committee member who are a part of this.” She said she would expect them to resign if they are found to have known about the incident and not taken appropriate action.

Ragosta said yesterday he was contacted by School Committee chair Jennifer Ahearn, who said he was highly recommended, and asked if he would be able to investigate the circumstances involving Atoyan “as well as the handling of the complaints against him.”

Ragosta said his hourly rate is $385, but he also has a “deeply discounted” public sector rate of $185 for longstanding clients. As this would be a limited engagement as well as a public sector matter, he said his rate would be $285.

Ragosta has practiced law for 36 years, much of it handling labor and employment litigation and public integrity cases. He has represented the City of Providence Retirement Board in pension divestiture proceedings stemming from corruption uncovered in the Department of Justice’s Plunder Dome investigation, and has for many years served as a labor attorney for the city of Cranston.

Ahearn confirmed Tuesday the committee voted in executive session to suspend Atoyan without pay. She could not be reached for comment yesterday on hiring Ragosta or the release issued by members of the City Council.

D’Agosinto was given a copy of the release. He called to say, “Rosemary [Healey] says it’s defamatory and you better not print it. I have no comment.”

In the release Vella-Wilkinson is quoted, “These allegations are very disturbing. Whether the parents of these students decided to file a formal complaint or not, this is not acceptable behavior from anyone entrusted with the care and safety of our children, and certainly not from an adult with a direct role of authority.”

Travis is quoted as saying, “First and foremost, we have a responsibility to protect our children. An incident like that should have been handled with more than the reprimand we have been hearing about. Regardless, this has shaken people’s confidence, and I think we need new leadership in the school department.” 

Bachus said, “This entire incident has been extremely upsetting to me, particularly as a member of the School Committee and as a long-time child protective professional. The community needs to be reassured that school officials will move quickly to investigate and quickly address even the hint of inappropriateness from a teacher or any district employee. This entire matter will be investigated, and we will get to the bottom of it one way or the other. This type of incident calls for zero tolerance when the safety and well-being of children are at stake.”

Usler says, “As a mother, this incident scares me and makes me upset to my stomach. We need to ensure that our leadership shows professionalism in all areas and works to ensure every day that children in all grade levels are in a safe environment. As a city councilor, I took an oath to serve our community and safeguard our residents. I take these allegations seriously and will work with my colleagues to make sure, moving forward, our children are safe.”

Comments

45 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here

  • Gonewiththewind

    Is this the same little clique that ran Horoshak out of town with " No comment." Now they'll plead the 5th on this one and then go back into their offices for another couple of years....

    Thursday, April 2, 2015 Report this

  • Reality

    What a joke....Backus, Vella-Wilkinson

    Thursday, April 2, 2015 Report this

  • Reality

    What a joke....Backus, Vella-Wilkinson, Travis and the latest stooge Usler are calling for a vote of no confidence. Has anyone seen them in action ? They are a disgrace.

    Thursday, April 2, 2015 Report this

  • RoyDempsey

    A vote of no confidence before the facts are known? What a group.

    Thursday, April 2, 2015 Report this

  • dickhurtz

    Reality you're the joke! everything with you is negative....even your 'girl' stacia has your negative mindset. If you really want to do good by the citizens of Warwick come up with some positive things for the city instead of tearing down the good some people are doing!!! And by the way, are all the mirrors in your house broken...you're no bargain buddy!! Just saying!!

    Thursday, April 2, 2015 Report this

  • .

    looks like a D'Agostino lynching to me! I wonder WHY?

    Friday, April 3, 2015 Report this

  • sadforspeced

    I know that the city counsel is not perfect and there are many who have their criticisms, but don't let that get in the way of the real issue - a superintendent who doesn't care, who thinks only of himself and has no understanding of the true needs of children except as they relate to his dollar signs and his own agenda. He should be put on administrative leave and let the superintendent interviews result in a new beginning. Let the SC do the job they were elected to do - and that they remember that safety is the most important thing that has to happen - has D'Agostino really kept the students safe?

    Friday, April 3, 2015 Report this

  • Notbornyesterday

    I see Roy and Stacia/Samuel are big D'Agustino fans. Go figure. The two most negative people on the planet. Lynching Stacia? Stay classy.

    Friday, April 3, 2015 Report this

  • danfire

    D’Agostino should lose his job either way because of the drawings. He knew and Dick D’Agostino let dick drawer stay in the class room teaching our students he should be let go. If Dick D’Agostino did not know then he should be let go for being the leader of the Warwick school system and not knowing 1 of his teacher was drawing Dick's on little girls. Ask your self 1 questions in 3 years what has Dick D’Agostino done to make Warwick Public schools a better place for Students, Parents,Teachers and community members. My answer is nothing but maybe I'm missing some thing. Dick could not get PARCC opt out form correct. He could not get school closing done 250000 is now being spent from an out side company. That money could be spent on students. He is also in court over the teacher elvation How much is this. It is time for the school committee to get rid of Dick and all others who took part in this scandal. Hope you are listening Neadue,Maderous,Furtado,Backus and Ahearn voter will dismiss you if you don't do the right thing for childern.

    Saturday, April 4, 2015 Report this

  • Ward5resident

    I don't understand. They know few to none of the facts, yet are calling on the council for a vote of no confidence for 3 of the highest ranking members of the school system? Where is the Warwick Teachers Union in all of this? What was their recommendation concerning these incidents? Where is the vote of no confidence for their leadership? Last I checked the City doesn't have the authority to fire tenured teachers whenever they feel like it.

    Nobody is happy to hear that an alleged pedophile was working as a teacher in Warwick. The teacher is currently suspended without pay, lets see this all play out a litlle bit before we start buring people at the stake.

    Saturday, April 4, 2015 Report this

  • Ward5resident

    BTW - I personally feel that D'Agostino SHOULD be fired, but this has nothing to do with it. There is more bad than good when it coems to the whole school system....bad teachers contracts that taxpayers are footing the bill for, an inept school committee that are too afraid to make any important decisions, aged deteriorating buildings, average test scores that are behind similar communities, declining enrollment yet we continue to pay the same amount of money year after year. We need leadership in here that is going to fix this MESS. We have too many great teachers and students, they deserve better!

    Saturday, April 4, 2015 Report this

  • RoyDempsey

    @Notbornyesterday. Only met Mr. D'Agustino once at a council meeting. I have not met the others. So be it if you believe that reporting numbers that have proven to be accurate is negative, I believe that you can start to solve problems by first recognizing where we have been as a city, where we are and where, if trends persist, we are heading. However, what is happening now with Mr. D'Agustino and the actions by this group of individuals and in fact by the Mayor, in my opinion is wrong, and has of now, unless proven otherwise, baseless.

    Saturday, April 4, 2015 Report this

  • Scal1024

    Mr. D'Agostino should've never been hired in the first place Roy. He was hired on an interim basis and lasted a full 3 years. For you and Stacia to hitch your wagon to D'Agostino shows how truly tone death both of you are.

    Once again, when you try and make every issue political people turn away. This is the reason "Warwick Watch" has 300 followers, Stacia's page is barely adding anyone these days, and you guys are stalking John Howells home looking for "scandals". Its over Roy, you guys had a small window to reach voters...you blew it!

    Monday, April 6, 2015 Report this

  • RoyDempsey

    @Scal1024. Regarding Mr. D'Agostino, I believe in HEARINGS and NOT LYNCHINGS.

    Monday, April 6, 2015 Report this

  • Gonewiththewind

    Guess the former superintendent got a hearing and not a lynching...! He probably needed to go but now we are seeing the results of replacing him with someone worst..

    Monday, April 6, 2015 Report this

  • StaciaClueless

    Roy Dempsey has never done anything for this city yet portrays himself to be some kind of savior for reporting exaggerated and misleading numbers. The city would be far better off without people like him and stacia in it.

    Monday, April 6, 2015 Report this

  • RoyDempsey

    @Clueless. My last post here. Please let me know what numbers are exaggerated or misleading. Tks.

    Monday, April 6, 2015 Report this

  • StaciaClueless

    Just look at all your pie charts on the warwick watch page and Stacia's page, I know you have access so I don't need to copy and paste them when I know you can just log in and view them. Honestly Roy, do you just do this for fun or do you really and truly think you are providing the city with a service? You are good for nothing. If you really think you are providing a service it is comical that you are that dillusional.

    Tuesday, April 7, 2015 Report this

  • StaciaClueless

    Leave it to Roy Dempsey and Stacia to take the side of the pedophile and the superintendent who covered for him, and then turn it around to try and blame the mayor. There should be lynchings, of the two of you morons.

    Tuesday, April 7, 2015 Report this

  • Pmaloneyjr

    Who is Karen Bachus? I have no confidence in her. Check out Warwick Police Report #12-5688-OF 10-26-2012. The charges are Felony Breaking and Entering and Misdemeanor Vandalism/ Malicious Injury to Property. Copy and paste the link to your browser to see the actual police report that has been hidden from you. This is public record and you can go to the Warwick Police Station and request your own copy.

    https://www.facebook.com/notes/patrick-maloney-jr/warwick-police-report-12-5688-of-10-26-2012-11-days-prior-to-the-election/10151197015478348?pnref=lhc

    She is calling for action? Why was this not investigated by the Warwick Police? I would like to call for action for this to be investigated.

    The schools can not make this public or they risk a lawsuit. I have no issue with them doing an investigation. The fact is this is completely political. D'Agostino is reapplying for his job and the Mayor and City Council is doing everything they can to put pressure on him so they can get their buddy the job.

    If I was the parent of a student who had something drawn on their arm that was inappropriate I would not have shut up about it until it was resolved to my satisfaction. Why did we hear nothing about this until well after the fact? Why did the parent say nothing at the time and let it go? There is more to this story that we don't know but again, this needs to be investigated the proper way or the schools risk a lawsuit.

    Wednesday, April 8, 2015 Report this

  • Pmaloneyjr

    One more thing, if Bachus was so concerned about having people aware of what is going on, why doesn't she tell us? She is on the School Committee. She can do it, why doesn't she? She certainly knows how to make a press release as evidenced by this story. Why didn't she do a press release when this started? She is an opportunist trying to create problems for administration. Why would she do that? Maybe it is because she is the 1st Vice President of her SEIU (State Employees) union, DCYF--Child Protective Services (Providence) 401-785-0206.

    I have a question for you Karen. Why is your DCYF department for the state in a major deficit? According to this Jan 21, 2015 article, "DCYF overspent general revenue appropriations by $2.5 million in fiscal 2014; $1.8 million in fiscal 2012; $3.2 million in fiscal 2011; and $500,000 in fiscal 2010. "As the above information suggests, the Department has consistent difficulty projecting and managing its costs," Reynolds Ferland wrote." Since 2010, DCYF has overspent their budget by over $8 Million. They have a projected deficit of $13.8 Million currently.

    http://www.child-advocate.ri.gov/news/index.php

    http://www.providencejournal.com/news/government/20141117-rhode-island-dcyf-director-asking-for-13.8m-in-additional-funding.ece

    http://ripr.org/post/social-workers-lawmakers-debate-blame-dcyfs-deficits

    Another Question, if you can't work within your budget at your full time job, what makes you think you are any better at it while "serving" on the School Committee? The fact she is on the school committee makes me sick. She is there to create chaos not to solve real problems.

    Wednesday, April 8, 2015 Report this

  • Pmaloneyjr

    I'm not going to defend this situation because I don't know enough about it. That being said, in any company that has 1000 employees and 20 locations when a problem occurs with an employee, it is handled by the immediate supervisor and a middle management team. Typically a note goes into an employee's record. The CEO of a company with a 1000 employees and 20 locations doesn't know what is going on every day in every location with every employee. The HR department has access to the employee records but management doesn't have the ability to just walk into the HR department and start reading records. It is possible that a year ago when this happened it was taken care of properly and didn't go any further. Once the situation has past and the employee received the appropriate disciplinary action, they can't go back and give them additional disciplinary action for the initial problem.

    The Mayor knows this is the same exact situation with the city employee who stole the equipment and materials to rebuild their Deck at their house. They were reprimanded for their actions and couldn't be reprimanded twice for the same incident. The employee was given their job back and received back pay.

    Check this link in the Warwick Beacon from 2011, http://warwickonline.com/stories/City-employee-disciplined-for-borrowing-tools,63430

    and this link where the charges were dismissed in 2013:

    http://warwickonline.com/stories/Charges-dismissed-against-DPW-worker-for-borrowing-city-equipment,83148?print=1

    and this

    https://www.facebook.com/WPRI12/posts/10151462699763202

    Of course the guy stole the equipment, he was guilty and how did that end up?

    What is happening now is a separate occurrence and what happened previously is not an indication that something like he is accused of now would happen. We can speculate. Again, if I was the parent I would not have let the initial situation just go away.

    The situation with the teacher is that he has been accused, the proper authorities are investigating. I hope it didn't happen for the sake of the girl and the family. If that is the case, this person has been persecuted for something that didn't happen. Imagine the lawsuit we will have if he is exonerated. On Facebook, people are saying the guy should be tortured, mutilated and killed. If he is guilty, the authorities will deal with it appropriately. For now, as far as I can tell, the schools have given all the information they (legally) can, they are not the authorities (even the authorities haven't commented other than to say it is an ongoing investigation), they do not have access to the information the police do, and if they did release something inappropriately it could have an effect on the outcome of this investigation and prosecution. He is removed from the classroom and the kids are safe.

    The last and most important thing is to think about the safety of the kids. What good would it do for the schools to release his previous records and have the person, if guilty, get off on a technicality. Imagine they release the info, he is found guilty but his lawyer puts in an appeal that the jury decision was tainted because of the previous problem he had swayed the jury to find him guilty. Then we have a guilty person out on the street because they got out on a technicality. It sounds far fetched but I would like the authorities to be able to do their job properly and if he is guilty he should pay.

    Wednesday, April 8, 2015 Report this

  • Pmaloneyjr

    In an interview Monday, Police Chief Col. Stephen McCartney said Warwick Police looked into the Gorton incident. He would not elaborate what the police investigation entailed. For the record, he said, “There will be no criminal complaint.”

    Is it time for the Council to have a vote of no confidence in the Mayor? After all, the Police Chief works directly for the Mayor. OR is this a witch hunt?

    Wednesday, April 8, 2015 Report this

  • StaciaClueless

    Add Pmaloneyjr to the list of pedophile protectors.

    Wednesday, April 8, 2015 Report this

  • StaciaClueless

    I think samuel1667 (stacia), Roy good for nothing dempsey, and never going to beat colantuono Pmaloneyjr should have to register as pedophile sympathizers, just like pedophiles have to register as sex offenders.

    Wednesday, April 8, 2015 Report this

  • Pmaloneyjr

    StaciaClueless, I am very angry with your statement. I am actually talking with and working with Joe McNamara to increase the distance pedophiles must be from schools right now. The law states they can live within 300 feet of a school. I talked with Joe McNamara and he agrees this should be increased. He is trying to increase it to 500ft minimum. I started talking with him about it prior to this situation occurring. What do you do besides post on the Warwick Beacon? What have you done to protect children? Nothing, I am sure. I am actively working to help all families in Warwick and the State with the help of Joe McNamara.

    All of my posts are based on fact. Fact, all people that are guilty should pay for their crimes. Fact people who are not guilty should not pay for a crime they didn't commit. If you were accused of something, would you want to have the right to go to court? Would you want the court of public opinion?

    I am ALL FOR FIRING, SENTENCING AND THROWING THE KEYS AWAY ON A CONVICTED PERSON!!!! I want the laws followed so they can put this guy away, if convicted. I DON'T want him getting off on a technicality and I don't want millions of dollars paid to him in a lawsuit. If he is guilty, throw away the key.

    Please meet with me anytime and we can discuss this in person. Or continue to hide behind a foolish screen name. I have NEVER hidden my name on this forum.

    Thursday, April 9, 2015 Report this

  • StaciaClueless

    I have done more for this city in the last 3 hours than you will do in your entire lifetime Peter Maloney. Running a failed campaign for city council doesn't count as helping the city. And don't try and ride the coattails of joe mcnamara, I know for a fact he does not associate with scumbags like you. He is actually an important person for our city, unlike yourself. It's 2015, the court of public opinion whether anyone likes it or not is prevalent. You should know all about the court of public opinion because you have run a failed campaign because the public opinion of you is as low as low as stacia's. I wonder how long it's going to take you and stacia to realize you will never be political leaders in this city...

    Thursday, April 9, 2015 Report this

  • Pmaloneyjr

    Thank you StaciaClueless for enlightening me. Thank you for the last 3 hours of work you have done, posting on the Beacon is quite an accomplishment.

    I was successful at a run for School Committee in 2008. I was unsuccessful at the re-election and my run for city council. I think I was a great leader for the schools for 4 years. As you are unfamiliar with my resume, please know I helped a lot of people while serving on the School Committee from 2008-2012 and I am proud of my accomplishments including saving the city over $4 million annually. I am not currently trying to ride any one's coat tails. Feel free to contact Mr McNamara for the truth. This will be my last post to you as you feel it is more important to insult me rather than look at facts.

    Thursday, April 9, 2015 Report this

  • StaciaClueless

    No wonder the school committee is in shambles the way it is, you served as a member for 4 years. That is 4 years this city will never get back. The difference between you and i? I actually work every single day in this city making it a better place for our residents. You just use Facebook and the warwick beacon Web page to try and make yourself look good. I post on here just like you do so insulting me for posting online is pretty funny. You are as a human being the same as your political campaigns - a FAILURE.

    Thursday, April 9, 2015 Report this

  • Pmaloneyjr

    wow

    Thursday, April 9, 2015 Report this

  • Pmaloneyjr

    I find it interesting the StaciaClueless has the same has the same initials as a current member of our City Council. Interesting, huh? Your words are big when they are hidden behind a fake name.

    Thursday, April 9, 2015 Report this

  • .

    why is the Warwick Beacon allowing a coward to use the name of someone else to make comments on news stories?

    Thursday, April 9, 2015 Report this

  • .

    "staciaclueless" is councilman Steve Colantuono? wow!!!

    Thursday, April 9, 2015 Report this

  • StaciaClueless

    Yeah, because councilman colantuono would stoop to your level stacia. Get real. You are all such a joke I'm glad I am able to goat you in to showing your true selves for the rest of the public to see.

    Thursday, April 9, 2015 Report this

  • StaciaClueless

    And I can assure you that my screen name does not have any hidden meaning. It's very straightforward. Maybe I should change it to Stacia Is Clueless to make it very clear for you samuel aka stacia. I knew you were clueless, but I figured you would be able to understand your own name!

    Thursday, April 9, 2015 Report this

  • Pmaloneyjr

    It's to Goad, not to Goat. I guess you are clueless. http://www.bing.com/search?q=to+goad&src=IE-SearchBox&FORM=IENTTR&conversationid=

    Friday, April 10, 2015 Report this

  • Pmaloneyjr

    Unless by "To Goat" you meant you were just "Kidding" around with us all day.

    Friday, April 10, 2015 Report this

  • Ward5resident

    "why is the Warwick Beacon allowing a coward to use the name of someone else to make comments on news stories?"

    "Your words are big when they are hidden behind a fake name."

    Why does Stacia and Company hide behind anonymous flyers and an anonymous Facebook page when disseminating their propoganda? They don't even take ownership of their meaningless words and then have the nerve to attack others for doing the same. COWARDS. Paul, I am sorry for including you into this group because you seem like a good guy, but the company you keep.....

    Saturday, April 11, 2015 Report this

  • Scal1024

    Pat, the removal of Horoschak was an embarrassment. There was no clear communication to the public and still to this day there hasn't been. The decision to hire in house was ok then, yet you mock the council members and mayor who want "their guy" now? D'Agostino has failed at multiple consolidation plans, teacher scandals at Gorton, as well. People no longer trust him after years of chaos in the schools. I'm not sure what "good" job you're referring to but his time has come. Its just a shame the 3 council members were the last ones to get on board.

    Sunday, April 12, 2015 Report this

  • Pmaloneyjr

    D'Agostino was put in the position as an interim on an emergency basis. We were able to choose someone on staff that had the requirements. I believe at the time there were only 2 staff members that met the requirements, D'Agostino and Mr McCaffrey. I would have voted to go out for a search if given the opportunity. During the short time period he was in charge while I was there, I thought he did a good job. The committee after me hired him full time by renewing his contract.

    The "good job" I think D'Agostino did when I was on the committee was his constant ability to always be within or under the budget he presented to the committee at the end of the fiscal school year. If you go back and review the budgets from 2008-2012 you will see that the Special Education Budget was always within budget, he actually saved the schools millions by applying for federal grants for special education. These federal grants are a reason the schools do not have a deficit at the end of each year. The same could not be said for all other departments. This was a major consideration for me as when I arrived on the School Committee and the previous superintendet and his finance director had amassed a $3.2 million dollar deficit in 2 years (a 900,000 and 2.3 million deficit which HAD to be paid back in the first 2 years I was on the committee.) Let me be clear, again, I had a chance to vote not to renew the previous superintendent and replace him with someone I thought was better.

    The previous superintendent was notified that his contract was not going to be renewed. If you remember correctly, I did not vote to renew the previous superintendent's contract back in 2010. At the time, I thought we could find someone better. Why would I vote to renew someone's contract if I thought I could find someone better? Three members of the SC thought he should be renewed, 2 did not vote to renew, I was one. I then voted to put him on leave. After my first year on the school committee, I felt we needed a change and that is why I voted not to renew his contract at any time his contract came up for renewal before the committee. I am on record multiple times saying I did not think his contract should be renewed. I voted to not renew it in 2010 and was outvoted. You can review any Warwick Beacon article at the time, the performance of administration was under just as much scrutiny then as it is now. If you thought you could find someone who could perform better, would you renew the person in the position? I know I wouldn't and I didn't.

    So, let me be perfectly clear when I say again, I was not satisfied with the previous superintendent's performance which is why the entire time I was on the committee, I voted to not renew his contract. Others felt differently so his contract was renewed 1 time while I was on the committee. The decision to hire from within Warwick on the emergency temporary basis is in the Policies of the School Committee. It is policy and it was temporary until a full replacement could be found. I did NOT have a chance to vote on a permanent replacement as I was no longer on the committee but would have opened it up to a nationwide search for the best candidate.

    How lucky for us that the best candidate comes from right within our own school system. I guess we don't need to look outside for someone who has new ideas to make things better. All the answers we need are here and the schools will certainly be better off with someone who has had all the answers to make it better all along.

    I mock the council and Mayor not because they want the superintendent out but because they do things based on the premise that they want to make the schools better and make things safer. If you have ever attended a SC meeting when a council person gets up to the microphone you would know it is a soap box and it is embarrassing. The fact is they couldn't care less about the schools and this situation like many others is a way for them to have a photo opportunity. They all want the school committee gone. They want direct control of the schools,give it to them and the school budget will be as out of control as the city budget. the budget will be put together based on politics and not education. They don't care about consolidation, they care about getting re-elected. I would be happy to see them work together. If the city and the schools worked together maybe they could solve some problems. They could consolidate departments. They could all stay within their budgets. Taxes could level off and not go up. People could stay here or not worry about moving here. We could have our population grow. We could widen our tax base so we don't have as much of a burden. We could find solutions to common problems.

    Feel free to contact me directly Patrick@Maloney4schools.com and I would be happy to share any information you want to ask me about the schools. When you contact me, we can meet in person to discuss it. I will be happy to meet.

    Sunday, April 12, 2015 Report this

  • StaciaClueless

    Peter, I mean paul, no patrick. Screw it, I'm just going to call you Judas Maloney. Judas, you say all the city council cares about is getting re elected right? You say you care so much about the schools and the school committee right? So why are you trying to run for city council then? Why don't you run for school committee again? You failed on the school committee, the voters told you so by not re electing you, so now you turn to city council. It seems to me, and to most or warwick, like you are just in it for yourself. You don't care what position you hold just as long as it's your name getting the honor. Well guess what pal, you are a joke and you will not win a city council election because I will be sure to anonymously drop flyers around whatever neighborhood you run in making sure people know that you are on the pedophiles side in the Gorton Jr high scandal.

    Monday, April 13, 2015 Report this

  • Pmaloneyjr

    I decided to draft this for anyone who would like to attack another person on the Warwick Beacon Website. I will be forwarding a copy to John Howell as well. This is an example of how a person uses facts when commenting rather than inducing disparaging, hostile, or disagreeable opinions or feelings against a person.

    I am sure the Warwick Beacon is aware of the 1st amendment of the constitution as written in the Bill of Rights. This amendment give citizens the rights of Freedom of the press and Freedom of Speech. The bill of rights also provides Amendments for a speedy trial, a public trial, an impartial jury, a Jury Trial for the accused, due process and an equal protection clause. All of these things together combine to form the idea that a person is innocent until proven guilty.

    I know a newspaper reporter is protected by the freedom of speech. Is a person who comments on a story protected by the freedom of the press. I would argue that they are not a reporter and are not protected by the freedom of the press. I would say that they are protected by the freedom of speech but I would hope that prior to posting a comment they have information to back up their claim. Without the ability to back up a claim it would be difficult for the person if confronted to defend themselves from a defamation suit.

    Defamation

    Any intentional false communication, either written or spoken, that harms a person's reputation; decreases the respect, regard, or confidence in which a person is held; or induces disparaging, hostile, or disagreeable opinions or feelings against a person.

    Defamation may be a criminal or civil charge. It encompasses both written statements, known as LIBEL, and spoken statements, called slander.

    The Warwick Beacon "Letters to the Editor" REQUIRE a name. The Warwick Beacon comment section allows for anonymous posts of comments. People hide behind screen names and comment on the articles. I have posted several times always under my actual name. When I post I regularly back up my opinion with facts, links to other articles or public records. Others simply lash out and name call thinking they are protected from libel, slander and defamation of character.

    The Warwick Beacon is giving anonymous people the ability and the avenue to defame and slander others. The Beacon doesn't give people the ability to edit their comments or delete their comments. The Beacon also doesn't have a person who reviews and approves the posts prior to public view.

    When a news reporter does a story that have the right to keep their sources confidential. Does a person who comments believe they have the same protection as a source when they are not reported on in the story? The fact is prior to writing the story, the newspaper has no idea who may or may not comment on a story. I do not believe a person who comments is a protected source. I do know that the newspaper allows for people to comment on a story anonymously but has a record of the name and email of the person who is commenting under a screen name.

    According to the Beacon Registration policy, Member registration requires "users agree to provide certain Personally Identifiable Information, such as your name, e-mail address, street address, and age".

    Users become "members" when they register and as the terms stipulate," If you become a Member, you accept responsibility for all activities that occur under your account." Additionally, the Warwick Beacon "reserve the right to terminate Membership and deny access to the site to any person who violates this Terms Of Use. "

    The Beacon has reserved the right to terminate an account of a person that does not follow the terms they agreed to when the registered to become a member. You state a user should " not use the Web Site for any purpose that is unlawful".

    Regarding contributing content and directly from the terms of use section all registered members agree that, "All contributions will be accepted for publication on the Web site provided they adhere to these rules:

    1. You agree not knowingly submit any false, defamatory, abusive, obscene, threatening, racially offensive, sexually explicit or illegal material to the Web site.

    2. In posting comments on the contributions of others, you agree not to harass other participants.

    3. You may not submit information that is libelous or defamatory or that discloses private or personal matters concerning any person."

    The terms also clearly state, "This web site does not endorse and is not responsible for any statement, opinion, advice given or made in discussion forums. Your use of the discussion forums is at your own risk." The Warwick Beacon seems to be protected from any remarks a person makes on the comment section but also seems to be warning that others who comment are doing so at their own risk.

    The terms also reference User Content Removal. It states to the member , "You acknowledge that this web site and/or its designees shall have the right (but not the obligation), in their sole discretion, to move, remove, or block any User Content for any reason, including without limitation that such User Content violates the Terms of Service or is otherwise objectionable. "

    "This web site does not intend to engage in any prior review of notes posted to discussion areas, but it reserves the right in its sole discretion and for any reason to delete or redirect any information or other content posted to this web site (including posts to discussion areas), regardless of whether the information or other content violates the rules for content described in above policies. Further, we reserve the right to limit or terminate service to participants who violate the terms of this Agreement. "

    I would suggest that any member who contributed to the comment section be aware that they are not protected by freedom of the press and additionally, freedom of speech does not give a person protection for slander, libel and defamation of character.

    I might suggest a warning pop-up for your comment section that members are not protected by freedom of the press and that the Warwick Beacon is not held responsible for the posts of others. I would also warn that while each person who comments has the right of free speech that free speech does not include defamation of character or libel and slander. The Beacon may require that upon logging on to the site the member agree to this in a popup as a reminder. Although once again the Beacon is covered by the terms a member agrees to when they register for a name. "This web site is not responsible for censoring or monitoring postings but it reserves the right to enforce the policies outlined in this document, and reserves the right to move or remove notes at its sole discretion and without explanation. "

    The individual providing comments is responsible for their post and can be held accountable by a court of law where they will be very happy that they are protected by the 5th, 6th, 7th and 14th amendments in the Bill of Rights. They will have the protection that they do not want to afford others. A person accused of the most heinous crime is innocent until proven guilty. If convicted I have always thought the punishment should fit the crime. Any person who commits a crime against a child, the elderly, the handicapped or any person who cannot defend themselves should, once convicted, have the maximum penalty levied against them.

    In closing, people have the right to freedom of speech and can comment but not slander, libel or defame. People who comment are not protected by freedom of the press. People who comment can have their posts deleted at any time. People who post have agreed to the terms of the Website including providing a name and email that can be traced to a screen name. A person Commenting is not a protected source for the newspaper and their identity is not protected by freedom of the press. People who decide they would like to induce disparaging, hostile, or disagreeable opinions or feelings against a person can be held responsible but the Beacon will not be held responsible.

    Sincerely, Patrick Maloney Jr.

    Monday, April 13, 2015 Report this

  • Scal1024

    Pat where were the facts when you claimed the council and the mayor wanted "their guy" to be hired superintendent? If that is indeed the case, why wasn't Mccaffery hired the last time the superintendents job came up?

    Also you had an erroneous claim about Karen Bachus causing trouble for the administration because she is VP of her SEIU chapter. Just curious what source you received that story from? Or was that just speculation?

    When you accused "StaciaClueless" of being councilman Coluntano, what facts did you base that on? I find all of this comical that when you want to engage in non truth and gutter snipes it's ok. There is evidence on here of you defending the superintendent multiple times. Not just in the past, but in how he's handled this so far. While the "you defend a pedophile" argument is over the top and unnecessary, your defense of the handling of this has been way off.

    Monday, April 13, 2015 Report this

  • Pmaloneyjr

    Scal1024, as I posted previously, feel free to email me to meet. I would love to discuss any of this in person. Patrick@Maloney4Schools.com.

    Tuesday, April 14, 2015 Report this

  • CameronClueless

    Hi, I'm a Whittaker who likes to also pretend I'm another someone else. I have no life except to spend my time online mudslinging others. It's because I'm a deranged little boy.

    Thursday, May 7, 2015 Report this