Statements from the At-Large Candidates for School Committee

(Some responses were edited for length.)

School Committee: Dean Johnson

Age: 39

Pilgrim High School, 1995

Rhode Island College, Education 2008

1.) What makes you qualified to be a member of the Warwick School Committee?

I believe my experience in business, the Military, the PTO, and as a parent give me a unique perspective on the job of school committee.

2.) The superintendent has proposed a $90.8 million bond as the first phase of a $250 million program to renovate our aging school buildings. Do you favor this program and out of whose operating budget - schools or the city - should principal and debt payments come if voters approve the bond?

While I am for any new money for maintenance of our aging buildings, I would prefer the discussion to be about building new schools. While it would be nice to have a centralized sport complex, I believe the $7 million [projected cost of a stadium] would be better invested in a new school.

I also believe the city should be responsible for the bonds and interest rather then the school department. The school should be responsible for only the education of our children.

3.) (Question submitted by the Central RI Chamber of Commerce) What do you think is being done - needs to be done to better prepare students to be truly work ready and a valued employee?

I think the schools have a responsibility to prepare our children to become productive members of the workforce. I would encourage and seek out opportunity to partner with local business and trade unions to have them help guide our curriculum that deals with those jobs. Hopefully allowing our children to gain access to the jobs and training opportunities those particular business and trade unions offer.

4. (Question submitted by Mayor Scott Avedisian) Many believe that the key to making gains in student achievement is to accurately measure what students know and are able to do. Can you discuss your understanding of current grading procedures? And what changes do you advocate for a better way to measure what students are learning?

The regular grading system, PARCC and STAR, show different aspects of how each student and the district as a whole is doing. The best evaluators are the teachers who interact daily with the students. We need more emphasis on how teachers think our children are performing rather than standardized testing.

5.) (Question submitted by Mayor Scott Avedisian) How do you feel you can best support the Superintendent and the School system to advance to the next level?

I believe I can support the superintendent by providing clear guidance on what the future of Warwick should be and what we as a community want. Then once we start down that path provide all the support he needs to accomplish this goal. This includes trying to improve funding level with the city.

6. (Question submitted by WTU President Darlene Netcoh) If you are elected, what steps would you to take to facilitate a conclusion to the contract? (50 words).

I would reopen negotiations with new negotiators as soon as possible. I think with new people negotiating the contract we can get it done in a timely manner that is fair to the teachers and gain flexibility for the school department.

7. (Question submitted by WTU President Darlene Netcoh) Do you know what the school department is paying for administrators and on a public relations firm? Would you conduct an audit of the school department so you can comprehend exactly how the budget is being spent, and would you make any necessary changes to ensure that the district is not wasting the taxpayers' money? (25 words).

I would do an audit of the whole department and stop wasting money on a public relations firm. I would also try and find a way to downsize the administration and to find saving where I can.

School Committee

David Testa

age: 53

Cranston West 1981

Providence College, B.A. Political Science, 1985

Occupation: Category Manager, Gordon Food Service

Community organizations of which you are, or have been, a member:

John Brown Francis PTA

Aldrich PTA

Warwick Schools Parent Community Advisory Committee since inception in 2008, Chair from 2009-present.

1.) What makes you qualified to be a member of the Warwick School Committee?

My kids have been enrolled in Warwick schools since 2002. I’ve been the chair of Parent Communication Committee since 2009. I understand the issues, budget, and needs.

2.) The superintendent has proposed a $90.8 million bond as the first phase of a $250 million program to renovate our aging school buildings. Do you favor this program and out of whose operating budget - schools or the city - should principal and debt payments come if voters approve the bond?

I strongly favor this because it’s critical for improvement. Parts of our facilities haven’t been touched since they were built and our newest building is 45 years old! Deferred maintenance and neglect have become an art form! I’ve said repeatedly and publicly, debt payments must be made by the building owner - the City.

3.) (Question submitted by the Central RI Chamber of Commerce) What do you think is being done - needs to be done to better prepare students to be truly work ready and a valued employee?

Offer and make required for all students more practical application courses like personal finance. Engage with businesses, colleges and universities to help develop and tailor curriculums to meet 21st century needs. Accurately measure student progress and allocate resources to areas that need improvement/support. Our CTC is already making students work-ready!

4. (Question submitted by Mayor Scott Avedisian) Many believe that the key to making gains in student achievement is to accurately measure what students know and are able to do. Can you discuss your understanding of current grading procedures? And what changes do you advocate for a better way to measure what students are learning?

New elementary grading implemented SY2016-17, which will eventually roll-up to secondary level, should be beneficial because it aims to better measure student understanding of the material. PARCC testing is new, but is much better aligned to our curriculum than NECAP ever was. PARCC should more accurately measure student achievement.

5.) How do you feel you can best support the Superintendent and the School system to advance to the next level?

Rebuild trust among all parties. Eliminate ’us vs. them.’ Build consensus collaboratively. Promote initiatives that support all learners via creative curriculum, better technology and other critical teaching tools. Engage, involve and support all stakeholders. Respectfully acknowledge and respond to concerns of all parties. When we disagree always do so respectfully.

6. (Question submitted by WTU President Darlene Netcoh) If you are elected, what steps would you to take to facilitate a conclusion to the contract?

Again, rebuild trust. Essentially start over - promote open communications, be conciliatory, have mutual respect, all while actively listening and acknowledging each other’s concerns. Work together towards a fair & objective middle ground that fully considers all sides, with our students at the center. Negotiating is always better than litigating.

7. (Question submitted by WTU President Darlene Netcoh) Do you know what the school department is paying for administrators and on a public relations firm? Would you conduct an audit of the school department so you can comprehend exactly how the budget is being spent, and would you make any necessary changes to ensure that the district is not wasting the taxpayers' money?

Administration costs $7 million and includes principals/assistant principals. PR firm is $50K. Budget already audited annually. Top priority must be to support all students while spending prudently.

School Committee

Danny Hall

Age: 34 years old

Toll Gate 2000

Attended CCRI and RIC

Correctional officer at the RI Department of Corrections in Cranston, RI for 12 years

-Organizations past and present include:

Apponaug Improvement Association

Warwick Neck Improvement Association

Riverview Improvement Association

Arnolds Neck Improvement Association

Warwick Boys and Girls Club volunteer coach

Community Development Advisory Board

Historic Cemetery Commission Volunteer

1.) What makes you qualified to be a member of the Warwick School Committee?

I strive to be part of a positive and constructive team; contributing new ideas is a strong trait of mine. I prefer working toward compromise and solutions rather than personal agendas.

2.) The superintendent has proposed a $90.8 million bond as the first phase of a $250 million program to renovate our aging school buildings. Do you favor this program and out of whose operating budget - schools or the city - should principal and debt payments come if voters approve the bond?

I support renovating our schools to improve safety and learning conditions. Should the Warwick voters approve the bond, ultimately the principal and debt payments fall onto the taxpayers regardless if it be school side or city side. I would prefer payments be made from the city side of the budget.

3.) (Question submitted by the Central RI Chamber of Commerce) What do you think is being done - needs to be done to better prepare students to be truly work ready and a valued employee?

Our district offers many valuable programs such as Introduction to Tourism Marketing and International Business. I’ve heard Forensic Science classes and Video Communication classes are informative and interactive. These programs develop crucial critical thinking and problem solving skills. Senior projects expose our students to careers. The Career and Tech Center is an asset.

4. (Question submitted by Mayor Scott Avedisian) Many believe that they key to making gains in student achievement is to accurately measure what students know and are able to do. Can you discuss your understanding of current grading procedures? And what changes do you advocate for a better way to measure what students are learning?

My understanding is every student must show proficiency in core subjects, technology and arts. I would advocate including more input and proposed solutions from our educators for a better method of measuring learning. It is imperative that the proficiency of our students mirrors that of our neighboring cities and states.

5.) How do you feel you can best support the Superintendent and the School system to advance to the next level?

As a united team, the school committee members can best support the Superintendent by having transparency and a completely compromising working partnership.

6. (Question submitted by WTU President Darlene Netcoh) If you are elected, what steps would you to take to facilitate a conclusion to the contract?

I could assist in bridging the gap between the union and the administration by bringing composure and understanding to the table. Being a current union member myself and not having a working contract for 5 years, I understand the frustrations and eagerness to conclude a negotiation by both parties.

7. (Question submitted by WTU President Darlene Netcoh) Do you know what the school department is paying for administrators and on a public relations firm? Would you conduct an audit of the school department so you can comprehend exactly how the budget is being spent, and would you make any necessary changes to ensure that the district is not wasting the taxpayers' money?

In the FY 2017 budget, the total amount for professional management and administration salaries for 44.2 FTE’s is $4,669,636.00. We spend approximately $5,000.00 monthly for public relations. I support an audit to comprehend exactly how the budget is spent. I would also support necessary changes to ensure the district is not wasting the taxpayers’ money.

School Committee

Nathan Cornell

Toll Gate High School 2016

Attends the University of Rhode Island

Organizations: Warwick Students’ Advisory Council, The Warwick City Charter Commission; theWarwick Schools Public Relations Committee, The Community Outreach Educational Committee

1.What makes you qualified to be a member of the Warwick School Committee?

I have experience working with students, teachers, parents, School Committee members, school administrators, and City Council members while serving on various Committees in the city.

2.The Superintendent has proposed a $90.8 million bond as the first phase of a $250 million program to renovate our aging school buildings. Do you favor this program and out of whose operating budget-schools or the city-should principal and debt payments come if voters approve the bond?

I oppose the proposed $90.8 million bond. The bond is poorly structured, with 7 million earmarked to a new sports development by Mickey Stevens. There’s not enough money for that, so, let’s focus spending on what’s necessary and what would get the most use: facilities at the schools.

3.What do you think is being done-needs to be done, to better prepare students to be truly work ready and a valued employee?

The schools need to better prepare students for the workforce. Vocational training should be expanded, and, more specialized classes should be offered. Also, students should be required to take a personal finance course so they can learn how to budget their income, save money, and spend wisely.

4.Many believe that the key to making gains in student achievement is to accurately measure what students know and are able to do. Can you discuss your understanding of current grading procedures? And what changes do you advocate for a better way to measure what students are learning?

Currently, students are mandated by the state to take the PARCC test. I oppose PARCC because it takes away far too much time and encourages “teaching to the test” rather than learning actual skills. “Test taker” is not a job. Cheating aside, taking tests doesn’t teach students how to work together.

5.How do you feel you can best support the superintendent and the school system to advance to the next level?

The best way to advance our school system is to visit the schools and listen. School Committee members should be educated in how the schools are run and see it in-person. And, let’s make education more individualized, recognizing that students’ have different abilities and that all benefit from smaller class sizes.

6.I you are elected, what steps would you take to facilitate a conclusion to the contract?

First, stop taking contract issues to court as it leads to division and waste of money. Ideally, we should be able to agree on a contract through mediation. As long as both sides come to the table in good faith there is no reason why a fair contract can’t be agreed upon.

7.Do you know what the school department is paying for administration and on a public relations firm? Would you conduct an audit of the school department so you can comprehend exactly how the budget is being spent, and would you make any changes to ensure that the district is not wasting the taxpayers’ money?

Yes, and an audit is necessary. The wasteful spending by the current school committee shows that they are more interested in protecting themselves than in the needs of the students.

Chadd Huddon

Age 20

Bishop Hendricken High School 2013

Attends URI, studying biology

School Committee Questions

1.What makes you qualified to be a member of the Warwick School Committee?

My experience in Warwick Schools, my first hand experience with college readiness, and my drive to make Warwick a better place to raise a family.

2.The Superintendent has proposed a $90.8 million bond as the first phase of a $250 million program to renovate our aging school buildings. Do you favor this program and out of whose operating budget-schools or the city-should principal and debt payments come if voters approve the bond?

Our schools are in desperate need of repairs, and one does not need to look further than Warwick Veterans failed heaters to see this. The burden should be carried jointly by the city and the school system. After all, both organizations are answerable to the people of Warwick.

3.What do you think is being done-needs to be done, to better prepare students to be truly work ready and a valued employee?

We need to provide an excellent education to students who choose to attend college as well as those who choose to learn a trade. I will work to double our college readiness rates, increase funding to our vocational programs, and keep our guidance counselors up to date on the ever changing needs of the economy.

4.Many believe that the key to making gains in student achievement is to accurately measure what students know and are able to do. Can you discuss your understanding of current grading procedures? And what changes do you advocate for a better way to measure what students are learning?

I support the “menu” option for standardized testing. A student should be able to choose to take the SAT, PSAT, or the PARCC depending on their goals. It is most important that we deliver a balanced and quality education to our students.

5.How do you feel you can best support the superintendent and the school system to advance to the next level?

It is high time we repair the relationship between the Committee, the administration, and the teachers. I plan to open new avenues of communication so that we may create a more efficient way of dealing with issues that arise.

6.I you are elected, what steps would you take to facilitate a conclusion to the contract?

I have sympathy for the teachers. I have seen them work without a contract before and nothing good ever happens when these things stall. I will hold more meetings and negotiations so that the two sides can come to a quicker agreement on what is best for both the teachers and the students.

7.Do you know what the school department is paying for administration and on a public relations firm? Would you conduct an audit of the school department so you can comprehend exactly how the budget is being spent, and would you make any changes to ensure that the district is not wasting the taxpayers’ money?

An audit is absolutely necessary. It would be cost effective to hire a professional now and reap the benefits of his analysis over the coming years.

Photo on file

http://warwickonline.com/stories/huddon-sees-youth-as-asset-in-bid-for-school-committee,114644?

Karen Bachus, age 53

Born, raised, and educated in Newport, Rhode Island

Providence College, BA in English and Education (Certified in Secondary English)

In her 27th year working for the State of Rhode Island, DCYF, RI DOC, and BHDDH (formerly MHRH) in various capacities to include Child Protective Social Caseworker II, Child Protective Investigator, Clinical Psychologist, and Clinical Social Worker.

Teacher in various schools in the Diocese of Worcester and Diocese of Fall River University of Rhode Island, (earned over 40 credits in both graduate and undergraduate coursework in Psychology) West Chester University, MA in Clinical Psychology

Organizations: 10 years -- First Vice President of SEIU-Local 580

Member, Democratic City Committee, Warwick, RI

Member, Ward 7 Democratic Committee, Warwick, RI

Member, District 20 State Representative Committee, Warwick, RI

Member, City of Warwick Charter Review Commission

Co-chair Educational Outreach Committee for Warwick, RI

1.What makes you qualified to be a member of the Warwick School Committee?

I am qualified based on my voting record, and my willingness to fight for what is right for our students, teachers, and citizens.

2.The superintendent has proposed a $90.8 million bond as the first phase of a $250 million program to renovate our aging school buildings. Do you favor this program and out of whose operating budget - schools or the city - should principal and debt payments come if voters approve the bond?

I am not in favor of the $250 million renovation program. The secondary consolidation plan did little to upgrade teaching and learning spaces—the exterior entrances and auditoriums look great. I have yet to find another community in New England that saddles their school system with principal and debt payments.

3.(Question submitted by the Central RI Chamber of Commerce) What do you think is being done - needs to be done. to better prepare students to be truly work ready and a valued employee? (50 words)

Students must be provided with the tools/knowledge to succeed in a 21st century workplace. Literacy is a major key to learning. Our Schools changed and diminished literacy education in grades 1 through 12. I voted against this, and would resurrect it immediately. Our students deserve no less.

4.(Question submitted by Mayor Scott Avedisian) Many believe that they key to making gains in student achievement is to accurately measure what students know and are able to do. Can you discuss your understanding of current grading procedures? And what changes do you advocate for a better way to measure what students are learning?

Diagnostic assessment drives our current system of letter/number grades that indicate success/failure in each subject. I advocate that we explore Standards Based Grading. This practice involves measuring mastery on well-defined course objectives that our students are expected to learn as they progress in their education.

5.How do you feel you can best support the Superintendent and the School system to advance to the next level?

I have tried to counsel the Superintendent to keep an open mind and listen to parent, teacher, and student concerns on issues occurring in our district. I further encouraged him to respond to these concerns in a thoughtful, transparent manner, and will continue to do this when I am reelected.

6.(Question submitted by WTU President Darlene Netcoh) If you are elected, what steps would you to take to facilitate a conclusion to the contract?

I would mandate that all parties involved in negotiating the teacher contract be “locked in” until a tentative agreement (TA) is reached and ready for ratification by the members of the WTU.

7.(Question submitted by WTU President Darlene Netcoh) Do you know what the school department is paying for administrators and on a public relations firm? Would you conduct an audit of the school department so you can comprehend exactly how the budget is being spent, and would you make any necessary changes to ensure that the district is not wasting the taxpayers' money?

Central Administration costs over $4.5 million annually, and the public relations firm upwards of $80,000. An audit must be completed and changes made accordingly.