School committee candidates outline positions

by ETHAN HARTLEY
Posted 10/16/18

By ETHAN HARTLEY -- The Warwick Beacon has organized, with the help of the school department, a school committee forum to provide a chance for the public to gain insight into what candidates from each district have to offer...

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School committee candidates outline positions

Posted

The Warwick Beacon has organized, with the help of the school department, a school committee forum to provide a chance for the public to gain insight into what candidates from each district have to offer should they be elected (or re-elected) to the five-person board on Nov. 6. The forum is set to occur on Tuesday, Oct. 23 at the Pilgrim High School Auditorium at 6:30 p.m.

The Beacon is open to questions from the public to ask of the candidates during the forum. Students from the district’s high schools will also be assisting in the filming and production of the event, in addition to being able to ask some selected questions. Please send all question submissions to EthanH@rhodybeat.com

In advance of the forum, we reached out to each candidate – there are two candidates vying for each of the three open seats, one from each of the city’s three districts – with a short list of questions to serve as an introductory, surface level exploration of their thought processes and qualifications to serve on the board. The responses were edited for grammatical and stylistic purposes. Responses are posted here in full, as opposed to the shortened edition that appeared in print.

District 1 – Wards 1, 2, 3

Kyle Adams

How long have you lived in Warwick?

I have lived in Warwick since March of 1995, when my mother (who was raised in Warwick) relocated back here.

Did you attend Warwick schools?

Yes. I went to Randall Holden, John Brown Francis, Aldrich Junior High School, and Pilgrim High School.

Where are you currently employed?

I am currently employed at Citizen’s Bank in their Anti-Money Laundering Department.

What inspired you to run for school committee?

I was inspired to run for school committee because of the condition the schools are in.  Upon graduating from Pilgrim in 2010, I saw the poor condition of the schools and understood that there should be some changes to maintain them.  As I attended college and grad school, I found that conditions continued to deteriorate.  I made the decision to step up to make the schools better for future students, so they would not have to be exposed to a poor educational environment.

Why do you believe you would be qualified to sit on the school committee?

I believe that I am qualified to sit on the school committee because I was enrolled in the school system while it has been in a poor state. I understand and relate to what students are currently going through. I have also been through extensive schooling where I received my Bachelor of Business Administration from Bryant University where I concentrated in accounting and minored in communication. With this education, not only do I understand business in general, but I have been educated to where I can analyze and understand a budget. This is especially important since the school system is having budget issues. I continued my education and received my Master of Business Administration from Johnson & Wales University. Continuing my education to get my MBA just furthered my ability to understand how businesses work. 

In addition to my education, I have work experience in multiple different fields including office management, audio visual technology, information technology, project management, and financial analysis. I have a well-rounded knowledge base that allow me to thoroughly understand business from many different perspectives.

I also believe I am qualified for the school committee due to my belief in a communication system. At this point in the campaign, I have made it a priority to establish communication with most of the city council and other elected officials. I established this to build rapport with them. In doing so, they should trust me when I commit to something. They should also know that I am more than happy working with people to help our city’s public-school system.  Communication is huge because the school committee should not just be a conversation between the members of the school committee and the administration. The school committee should have open communication with the city council, the teachers, the parents, and the City of Warwick as a whole. This is what I bring to the table as a candidate and hope to bring to the school committee. 

What do you believe Warwick Public Schools does well? 

I believe that Warwick Schools attracts some of the best teachers. I received the best education possible despite the systems’ poor conditions. I owe that to the teachers I had.  Warwick Schools has maintained a great number of these teachers and they continue to do the good work they have been for years.

What do you believe can be improved about Warwick Public Schools? 

I believe that Warwick Public Schools could be improved with more accountability. Accountability is important because there needs be to a focus on essential things like safety, resources for the students, and custodians to keep the schools clean.  If we focus on these kinds of priorities, we can start to turn the school system around.  Once those things are adequately covered, then we can start to focus on the extras that are added to the school system. 

Richard Cascella

Richard Cascella has lived in Warwick for 55 years and is a graduate of the Warwick Veterans Memorial High School Class of 1980. He is currently working as a realtor.

What inspired you to run for school committee?

I have been interested in public service for a long time. I was appointed to the Charter Commission on Schools back in 2008. During that time, we debated many of the issues that have befallen our system today. I am pained to see that and I want to provide a positive presence on the WSC. I hope to bring the perspective of a parent, school PTA president and a business person to the committee.

Why do you believe you are qualified to be on the school committee?

I am confident in my abilities based on my 14 years as a parent of two Warwick Schools students, my experience as an active member of the Wyman PTA and Pilgrim Patriot Football Booster Club and as a property and business owner in Warwick. I think my positive disposition and communications skills also prepare me for the important discussions and negotiations that go into being an effective member of the WSC.

What do you believe Warwick Public Schools does well?

The logistics and organization that went into [consolidation of schools] were daunting. It was not easy. It is that way with most change. We are lucky to have such a dedicated faculty and staff. Despite the angst and trepidation that can go with something like this they were “all in” and are to be praised for that. It is always most difficult for those in the trenches. There should also be thanks to the administration for their effort.

What do you believe could be improved about Warwick Public Schools?

I aspire to bring all the stakeholders together in an effort to build unity rather than the disunity I feel when I see social media and hear from parents. There is a patina of animosity, disconnection and skepticism as it pertains to the relationship between the stakeholders in the Warwick School Department.

District 2 – Wards 4, 5, 6

Judith Cobden

How Long Have You lived in Warwick?

I was born and raised in Warwick (Governor Francis). I lived in Warwick until I was 21 when I moved to NYC to study and work. From NYC my career brought me to London, England. However, I did return to help take care of my dying father. After his death I returned to NYC where I worked until my mom was diagnosed with cancer. At that juncture I moved home to take care of her. I love Warwick—it is home.

Did you attend Warwick Schools?

I am a proud graduate of John Brown Francis Elementary School, Aldrich Junior High School and Pilgrim High School — Class of 1986. Once a Patriot always a Patriot!

Where are you currently employed?

I am currently working white collar crime investigations, as well as providing Educational Advocacy services (pro bono) to help parents and guardians make sure that their children receive the education and help to which they are entitled. I have 30 years’ experience as a paralegal, legal/compliance officer, sales practice investigator, the Head of Anti-Money Laundering and a white collar crime investigator at various institutions (i.e., The American Stock Exchange, Fortune 500 Investment banks, and insurance companies throughout the United States and Internationally). I also ran my own private investigation firm for many years.

What inspired you to run for school committee?

I am inspired to run for school committee to make our schools better than ever! Both of my parents were teachers. They believed in public education, and they instilled in me how important it is to future success. When I learned about what is going on in our Schools, I was horrified. I immediately became involved in trying to make things better. I have learned a lot since then. Serving you as an elected member of the school committee is my next step. I know that I can do more—I have the skills, energy, drive, creativity and passion to work with stakeholders to improve our schools. Together we will make Warwick Public Schools better than ever.

Why do you believe you would be qualified to sit on the school committee?

The job of the school committee is to set the vision and goals for our school district, setting policies that affect our students and schools, and to keep our school district on track — educationally, financially, structurally, etc. The school committee is there to oversee the district and make certain that the goals and desires of the community and her stakeholders are met.

I attended John Jay College of Criminal Justice and Roger William University. I hold a BS in Criminal Justice and a BS in Psychology. I will use my education, work, and life experience, to bring much needed teamwork, collaboration, transparency, and fiscal responsibility to Warwick Schools.

I have experience investigating some of the most intricate financial documents in the United States and Europe. This will certainly assist me as we look to develop a budget that offers our students a fantastic education, and the taxpayers a fair and reasonable cost. My educational experience and work history with issues concerning security, safety, and bullying will be a great assist. My proven dedication, tenacity, desire to be a public servant--not a politician, and ability to collaborate will allow me to bring success to this school district. I never thought of ever running for political office before. I am not looking for a political future. I just want to fix the schools so our students receive a great education like I did. I truly care.

It is time for our community to have school committee member who is here to listen, to care, to fix our schools, and protect our children.

What do you believe Warwick Public Schools does well?

We have caring, dedicated teachers, who no matter what is thrown at them or taken away, keep pushing through to help our students learn and excel. We have some very caring, strong administrators who do whatever it takes for our students. Add to that our amazing students and we have much of what we need for success. In addition, our Warwick Area Career and Technical Center is “diamond in the rough.” We need to need to build this center to promote and prepare our children for our 21st century.

What do you believe can be improved about Warwick Schools?

As my mother always said, “there is nothing that cannot be improved!” And improve we will. We will work to bring back or institute programs that help our children succeed and excel. So much has been squandered for such diminishing returns. Transparency, Fiscal responsibility, and strong, open communication are essential to our future success. Working together with all stakeholders—parents, students, teachers, school and city administration, elected officials, taxpayers, businesses, volunteers, and others—we will make Warwick Public Schools the place where our students and families want to be.

Mary “Terri” Medeiros

How long have you lived in Warwick?

12 years, but I have worked in Warwick since 1993.

Did you attend Warwick schools? 

No.

Where are you currently employed?

The Romerry School Child Development Center

What inspired you to seek another term on the committee? 

I wanted to be more involved in the school community. I’ve always felt responsible for preparing my Pre-K and kindergarten students to move on as confident learners. Since I have a working knowledge of educational policies, mandates and everything else that goes along with school life, it made sense for me to go for School Committee.

Why do you believe you continue to be qualified to sit on the school committee?

I’m a certified Pre-K through 2nd grade educator in the private sector for over 25 years. I have a working knowledge of the mandates, policies and curriculum that our district follows. 

I’m a hopeful person. I prefer to understand a person's frustration rather than judge it because a compromise is worth it. I have tutored, mentored, and overseen educational interns in Warwick for years. I’m a taxpayer living on a tight budget and co-run a small business in Warwick, also on a tight budget. 

I see each person in the school district as equally important and equally responsible in how they have an impact  in a student’s educational life. I see how parents, students, and staff have been part of the challenging but needed improvements to our district. I want to build a school district that provides the best programs for every student. I’m hopeful that the city council and school committee are almost on the same page regarding funding for our district to offer the best to our students. I want to see that through.

What do you believe Warwick Public Schools does well?

Shines a light on student and teacher successes in the newspaper, on the district’s social media pages, in the school newspaper and local tv stations. 

What do you believe can be improved about Warwick Public Schools?

It would be great if the community could hear from the people who are taking on the challenges needed to move our district forward with optimism. This was clear to me after going to many of the open houses. There are so many positive, professional and kind staff members; team players. These people took on the changes needed, even though change can be inconvenient and frustrating at times. It really shows.

District 3 – Wards 7, 8, 9

Nathan Cornell

How long have you lived in Warwick?

I have lived in Warwick for 17 years.
Did you attend Warwick schools?

I attended Warwick Public Schools from kindergarten at Cedar Hill to 12th grade at Toll Gate High School, where I graduated.
Where are you currently employed?
I am a student at URI where I am a history major.
What inspired you to run for school committee?

I started getting involved when I was in high school because I believed the students should have a voice at School Committee meetings. I started attending meetings and spoke regularly at public comment as a representative for the student body. Even after graduating, I have continued to be involved in my community, and I have attended every monthly School Committee meeting for the last three years.
In attending these meetings, I have seen the School Committee make decisions that are not in the best interests of the students or the community and refuse to listen to people during public comment. I believe that the School Committee would make more educated decisions if they spoke with their constituents, students, and teachers first before they voted. If elected, I would make sure that I had all the facts and was informed before making a decision that could have massive ramifications in the city.
Why do you believe you would be qualified to sit on the school committee?

I believe I am qualified because I know the issues from attending years of School Committee meetings as well as City Council meetings. I believe that if elected, I could bring a unique perspective to the School Committee as being a recent student who knows what it is like being in the schools. I have experience serving on a number of boards in the city, such as the Warwick Community Outreach Educational Committee, which I helped create, and the Warwick City Charter Review Commission. I also grew up in this city and want the schools to be run properly, and for the students to receive the best education possible.
What do you believe Warwick Public Schools does well?
The Warwick Area Career and Technical Center has a number of successful programs which prepare students for the requirements of today's workforce.
What do you believe can be improved about Warwick Public Schools?
The schools need more funding from the state in this fiscal year, so the budget can be balanced. This would allow the custodial positions that were eliminated from the budget and the mentoring program to be restored.

Corey Smith

How long have you lived in Warwick?

About 10 years.

Did you attend Warwick schools?

No, I grew up in Massachusetts.

Where are you currently employed?

I am a partner at Citrin Cooperman, a CPA firm with offices in NY, NJ, MD, MA, and RI. I am also a member of the faculty at Johnson & Wales University in Providence where I teach undergrad and grad level accounting and finance courses.

What inspired you to run for school committee?

I am running out of a sense of civic duty. The results of my interactions with the School Committee and Administration last year while I was advocating for several children and their parents was disappointing and convinced me that there is a need for members of the Committee to truly represent the citizens that vote them in. There is work to be done in repairing the relationships that have been strained over recent years between the School Committee and our teachers, parents, and City Council. I feel more transparency and collaboration is necessary in order to rebuild the trust necessary to make the role of the school committee more effective.

Why do you believe you would be qualified to sit on the school committee?

I am a certified public accountant and business consultant. I work with businesses in helping them resolve various challenges that are impeding growth or profitability. In many cases, I help them find opportunities for operating efficiencies and improvements. I routinely provide assistance to my clients with their accounting, budgeting, and forecasting processes and in managing their working capital.

What I most often find with troubled businesses is a lack of communication between operations personnel and the accounting/finance team. Being able to overcome barriers to open and transparent communication is key to any business’ success and I believe the skills I’ve developed will be directly transferrable to my role on the school committee.  

What do you believe Warwick Public Schools does well?

I think we have excellent teachers and staff who are committed to their students and communities. Those I have met who are working within the School District are dedicated and willing to do whatever it takes to help their students. I was particularly moved by a recent conversation I had with a custodian - her sense of pride and the responsibility she feels towards her school is a compelling reason to believe we have the foundation for a better district.

What do you believe can be improved about Warwick Public Schools?

I believe the manner by which the current School Committee and Administration communicates and shares information can be improved significantly by a change in attitude and commitment to do so, and by a reestablishment of expectations between the  committee and those to whom it reports.

Comments

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  • richardcorrente

    As I see it, Richard Cascella has an enormous advantage over Kyle Adams in experience and heart. Rick has been hugely involved in school activities on a volunteer basis for the three-plus decades that I have known him. He has my support.

    Judy Cobden is the hands down winner over Terri Mederious for integrity and honesty. Mederious told me "The Ragosta Report is verbal!" That was an out-and-out lie. Attorney Ragosta had over 600 pages of testimony written by Allied Court Reporters. Mederious, and several others before her, HAVE to go. Cobden will be the greatest addition to the School Committee. She is the proverbial "breath-of-fresh-air", in that contest. She has my vote.

    Finally, Nathan Cornell deserves to sit on the School Committee. He has given more time and effort to matters involving the Warwick Schools than anyone else has. He has dedicated hundreds of uncompensated hours of his time to making Warwick schools better. That alone gives him the edge over his opponent. Good luck Nathan. You deserve this.

    Regardless as to the winners, the Warwick School Department will has a fresh, new look going into 2019. I, for one, believe it is also a greatly improved look, one that has been long, long overdue.

    Happy Autumn everyone.

    Rick Corrente

    The Taxpayers Mayor

    Tuesday, October 16, 2018 Report this

  • Justanidiot

    thanks master mayer of taxpayria. nows dat we has yer endoresents we know how to vote on november 7. hows about the other races like president, speaker of the house, guvner, etc. if you holds back we will haves to leave those spots blank.

    Tuesday, October 16, 2018 Report this

  • richardcorrente

    Dear Justanidiot,

    Thanks for making me smile...again.

    As far as president, I think we have some time, but Trump has been good for the economy, I just wish he would learn some Ronald Reagan-like diplomacy.

    As far as Governor, I have spoken to all three candidates, first hand, at various events. I admire Joe Trillo's "Cut Taxes" platform, but I haven't made up my mind between him and Alan Fung. When Gina took away pensions, she lost my vote.

    And as far as "Speaker-of-the-House", I can't think of anyone better than you. You "speaks" really "goods". Who do you like for Governor, Mayor, School Committee? ("master mayer of taxpayria" ...No one has EVER called me that. HA!)

    Rick Corrente

    The Taxpayers Mayor

    Tuesday, October 16, 2018 Report this

  • CrickeeRaven

    Any candidate named by the two-time election reject would be wise to follow the example set by honest, taxpaying voters and stay as far away from him as possible.

    Tuesday, October 16, 2018 Report this

  • Justanidiot

    master mayer is a trumpie. no serprise der.

    Wednesday, October 17, 2018 Report this

  • richardcorrente

    Dear CrickeeRaven,

    I had the courage to campaign for over 1,000 days in a row and spend over $40,000 of my own money to promote "Cut Taxes - Cut Spending". You don't have enough courage to state your own real name. And the fake name you chose is a combination of a cricket and a raven. How sick are you Mark? Don't answer. We already know.

    Stay in the shadows Mark. You belong there.

    Happy Autumn everyone.

    Rick Corrente

    The Taxpayers Mayor

    Wednesday, October 17, 2018 Report this

  • Justanidiot

    pounding 40,000 into a rathole for 1000 daze is not courage, it is stupidity

    Wednesday, October 17, 2018 Report this

  • Homewardbound

    Just to clarify- In May 2015 Attorney Ragosta gave a verbal report to the school Committee. Mr Corrente approached me after the meeting in May asking if I thought the public should see the report. Mr Corrente handed me a business card and said,” I assume you know who I am” . I apologized saying that I didn’t know him. He asked if I thought the public should be able to read the report. I replied that “ We weren’t given a written report, only given a verbal report”. The findings remained sealed at the attorneys office.

    I’m only responding here because I have been called a liar.

    Wednesday, October 17, 2018 Report this

  • Homewardbound

    Just to clarify- In May 2015 Attorney Ragosta gave a verbal report to the school Committee. Mr Corrente approached me after the meeting in May asking if I thought the public should see the report. Mr Corrente handed me a business card and said,” I assume you know who I am” . I apologized saying that I didn’t know him. He asked if I thought the public should be able to read the report. I replied that “ We weren’t given a written report, only given a verbal report”. The findings remained sealed at the attorneys office.

    I’m only responding here because I have been called a liar.

    Terri Medeiros

    Wednesday, October 17, 2018 Report this

  • CrickeeRaven

    Thank you, Terri Medeiros, for joining the rest of the readers on this site who have exposed the two-time election reject for the liar and pathetic ego-driven person that he is. You are among thousands of voters who had no idea who the two-time reject is, despite his use of this website for free political advertising in support of two failed campaigns.

    I would only add, as has been pointed out to him before, that the city eventually released the complete transcript of Mr. Ragosta's testimony to the school committee, meaning there was, in time, a written report. But as you rightly point out, Mr. Ragosta did not initially provide a written report to the school committee.

    In keeping with his this lying behavior, the two-time election reject continues to claim that he "campaign[ed] for over 1,000 days in a row," when his first campaign ended on Election Day, 2016, and his 2018 campaign started in December of 2017.

    That is not 1,000 days in a row -- it's not even 1,000 days total.

    His conspiracy theory about who uses this screen name is only further evidence of his delusional ideas and defects as a candidate, which our honest, taxpaying neighbors recognized in rejecting his candidacy twice.

    Wednesday, October 17, 2018 Report this

  • richardcorrente

    Dear Terri Mederious AKA ideashaveconsequence,

    If you honestly felt that 600 pages of testimony transcribed by Allied Court Reporters and handed to the School Committee by Attorney Ragosta, was a VERBAL REPORT then, in my honest opinion, you are not being honest with yourself, let alone those who count on you to protect their children from harm.

    Today you say IN WRITING that "the findings remain sealed at the attorneys office." Are you kidding me????????

    HEY TERRI! Didn't you know they were printed in the Warwick Beacon???!!!???

    Didn't you know the matter went to court?

    Didn't you know that the Beacon printed The Ragosta Report WORD-FOR-WORD???!!!???

    Don't you remember my writing about it in The Warwick Beacon calling for your and Jennifer Ahearn's resignation???!!??

    You and the other members of the School Committee (with the exception of Karen Bachus) were quoted several times trying to sweep the Mario Atoyan tragedy under the rug in The Ragosta Report. Viewers can read it -- The Warwick Beacon March 30, 2016.

    TERRI!!! You are NOT being honest with yourself! Those findings ARE NOT "sealed in the attorneys office". It's time to wake up, smell the coffee, and START being honest...at least with yourself. Maybe it's time for you to drop out of the race.

    Happy Autumn Terri.

    Happy Autumn everyone.

    Rick Corrente

    The Taxpayers Mayor

    Wednesday, October 17, 2018 Report this

  • Scal1024

    Corrente giving anyone campaign advice to "drop out" is so rich with irony I almost fell out of my chair laughing. To further embarrass himself he continues to use a self annointed nickname that no one has ever given him, he had to give it to himself, pathetic.

    Rick also likes to say there are "80,000 taxpayers paying the tab" which is of course, false. There are 80,000 residents in Warwick, not taxpayers. Anyways, lets say that there really are "80,000 taxpayers" which of course THERE ARE NOT...of those 80,000 LESS THAN 3,000 supported Rick Corrente in the 2018 Democratic Primary. That is right around 2%. The Make Believe Mayor can use any kind of spin he wants to when he says he "represents 80,000 taxpayers" the truth is only 2% of those people even wanted him to be Mayor in the first place.

    This continued Corrente Circus doesn't show any signs of stopping. He will continue to use this page to try and prop up a political career thats been on life support since the day he announced his candidacy in 2016. I will be here each time to point out his hypocrisy, lies, propaganda and pathetic attempts to paint himself as anything other than a TWO TIME LOSER!!! Voters will continue to reject this failed candidate, and his TWICE FAILED campaign.

    Wednesday, October 17, 2018 Report this

  • richardcorrente

    Scal1024,

    We agree that there are approximately 80,000 people living in Warwick.

    I believe that they ALL are taxpayers directly or indirectly. You don't that's your choice, but it doesn't make you right and me wrong.

    Except in your mind.

    Happy Autumn you anonymous coward of a critic.

    Happy Autumn everyone.

    Rick Corrente

    Wednesday, October 17, 2018 Report this

  • CrickeeRaven

    Scal, don't let the two-time election reject's false claim and whining get to you. There aren't 80,000 taxpayers in Warwick, and it's not a matter of opinion.

    Besides, he can't even spell Terri Medeiros's name correctly.

    He's not someone who voters take seriously, and his only accomplishment on this website, if it can be called such, is further humiliating himself with every new comment.

    Wednesday, October 17, 2018 Report this

  • Eddieblake5

    So this goofball who I've never heard of, but believes he's a big fish in this small pond, seems like he was butthurt at the fact that Ms Medeiros had no idea who this clown is. That for one would lead me to lean more towards her....secondly this FALSE mayor believes all residents pay taxes.....apparently my 10 year old has been evading taxes then.

    If you claim yourself as the TAXPAYERS MAYOR, then you may refer to me as THE COMEDIAN.

    Go campaign for another 1000 days in a 2 year stint math genius, and stop with the keyboard bullying warrior act here. Its not working

    Wednesday, October 17, 2018 Report this

  • Scal1024

    Rick, facts are stubborn things. When I say there are not 80,000 taxpayers in Warwick that DOES make me RIGHT and you WRONG. That is literally what that means. Just like your tax delinquency and eviction letters are facts that can be verified, so too can the number of taxpayers in a given city. Just like every issue on this website you ignore facts and type the same talking points that have led to voters rejecting you twice. Rick, take a hint. Voters are not buying your lies. They could care less about your empty rhetoric, your dime a dozen slogans and your self given nicknames. You can call me whatever name you'd like Rick, it doesn't change the fact you're a two time election loser.

    Wednesday, October 17, 2018 Report this

  • Thecaptain

    The fake mayor, buffoon Corrente, states that Nathan Cornell "DESERVES" the seat on the school committee. Nathan visited my house 3 weeks ago and we had a 20 minute lively conversation. When asked about simple budget questions pertaining to the city, the school department, the new teacher contract, etc.. he was unable to answer one question.

    He is a nice young man that I am sure comes from a wonderful family. He is NOT a taxpayer. He DOES NOT own a car registered in his name. He DOES NOT own a piece of property in the city, and he has never written a check for any kind of tax bill. This, by his own admission. Having said that, any person over the age of 18 has the right to run for office, however, that in itself DOES NOT make it right for that person to run for office.

    This young man lives at URI and is engaged in his education which should be his prime and only responsibility. The dysfunction of the city of Warwick, and of its politics, should not be a deterrent to this young mans educational progress.

    Let me reiterate, fine young man, but does not DESERVE the seat as the buffoon has stated.

    Wednesday, October 17, 2018 Report this

  • CrickeeRaven

    Scal, it's good to see that Eddieblake5 has now joined the rest of the commenters who see the two-time election reject as the liar that he proves himself to be so often.

    As Eddie and Terri Medeiros prove, the two-time election reject has an undeserved sense of his own importance and influence in the city, leaving the only explanation for his behavior to be that he desperately wants attention, and stubbornly refuses to understand what you and I and thousands of our honest, taxpaying neighbors already know: He is a failure of a candidate with no support except in his delusional mind.

    Have you also noticed how he comments to the women on this site? The yelling and condescending tone (only to follow it with his hollow salutation of "happy autumn") is no way to speak to them (or anyone else), which exposes yet another defect in his behavior.

    He has routinely disgraced himself, and as you rightly suggest, he seems intent only on continuing that trend.

    Wednesday, October 17, 2018 Report this

  • CrickeeRaven

    I'm sure you noticed, too, Scal, that Terri Medeiros truthfully stated "The findings remained sealed at the attorneys office," only for the two-time election reject to twist her words and falsely claim that she was somehow stating that the transcript of the Ragosta report is currently sealed.

    That's a lot of effort to expend only to prove himself a liar again.

    And Terri Medeiros: Don't worry about the two-time election reject. Nothing he says will affect the race for school committee -- or anything else.

    Wednesday, October 17, 2018 Report this

  • Iceman32_89

    Any school committee member that would support Mercurio at Cedar Hill who was charged for hurting children and not reporting sexual assault but would not support Gannon for actually wanting to keep the children safe has very poor judgement and doesn't deserve to sit on the committee. Hopefully Terri Medeiros losses her bid to sit on the committee as we need a committee that will hold people accountable for their actions

    Thursday, October 18, 2018 Report this

  • Homewardbound

    Mr Corrente,

    Again, to clarify, —at the time that you asked me - May 2015- it was a verbal report and the report was sealed at the attorneys office . In April of the following year, ( 2016) AFTER the report was released, you were able to read it . You, Mr Corrente, You reported during Public Comment that you did read the report . You reported that you read it at the April 12, 2016 school Committee meeting.

    I stand by what I said. When you asked me in 2015, my answer was correct. The report was verbal.

    I’ve never done anything to you Mr Corrente. Only met you that one time, only had that brief conversation with you.

    I respect your right to free comment of course. I just don’t understand the meanness in your writings to me.

    I hope this is more clarifying for you.

    Terri Medeiros

    Thursday, October 18, 2018 Report this

  • richardcorrente

    Dear ideashaveconsequence, AKA Terri Medeiros,

    (apology for previous misspelling)

    Terri, you're right in saying that we met in May 2016, but you are STILL saying "it was a verbal report and it was sealed in the attorneys office".

    TERRI! You can't seal a "verbal report".

    The fact that you agree it was "sealed" proves it was a "written" report. I honestly don't think you know the difference!

    The Ragosta Report was a written (600+ page) report. You told me in person that "it was all verbal". That wasn't the truth Terri, and when I called Attorney Ragosta and learned that Allied Court Reporters had transcribed over 600 pages I called for your resignation and Jennifer Ahearn's as well. Your loyalty to Ahearn completely clouded your judgement, I believe. The Ragosta Report quoted many statements protecting the teacher who committed the most disgusting act in the history of Warwick, by drawing a horribly sexual picture on the arms of two young girls. ONLY Karen Bachus spoke up saying, "This is a zero-tolerance issue". Why didn't you? Why did you protect Mario Atoyans' sexually explicit behavior. He should have been prosecuted immediately to the fullest extent of the law. Only Bachus was willing to protect our children. You, Ahearn and the rest were perfectly happy to allow this sexual degenerate to continue teaching our children. I'M NOT! And I'm sure that the vast majority of voters feel the same way.

    You should be removed from the School Committee for your gross negligence. In my opinion, you should also be charged as an accessory. In either event, there is NO WAY you should sit on the School Committee. You had an opportunity to protect our children and you protected their assailer instead. You asked me why I'm being "mean" to you. That's why.

    Happy Autumn everyone.

    Rick Corrente

    The Taxpayers Mayor

    Thursday, October 18, 2018 Report this

  • Homewardbound

    Mr Corrente,

    I’m going to try one last time to clarify the event that you reference .

    We met in 2015-

    We met in 2015

    You spoke at public comment in 2016.

    You spoke at public comment in 2016.

    I voted for the investigation to occur.

    I voted for the investigation to occur.

    I truly am trying to be as respectful as I can Mr Corrente while clarifying.

    Terri Medeiros

    Thursday, October 18, 2018 Report this

  • CrickeeRaven

    Terri, don't waste any more time on the two-time election reject and his rants. He is a pathetic, failed candidate who has shrunk his entire world to this website.

    Your factual reply is not any less true because he doesn't like it.

    Thursday, October 18, 2018 Report this

  • WarwickFreemason

    First let me say this, I sold my home and moved out of Warwick last August, primarily due to school system. My 8-year daughter, who has special needs, needed a better school system to help her. I lived on Warwick Neck and not once in her 3 years of a Warwick education did she ever attend Warwick Neck School. She was bussed to 5 different schools during her short educational career. Every time my wife and I met with the folks within the special education department, to explain why my daughter was being moved again to another school, they would say they did not have the resources and the ability at "X" school, so she was going to be moved to "Y" school. In the end, it was in her best interest to sell our home and move to another town.

    If programs like "School Choice" was available or more access to charter schools, then maybe we would have considered staying in Warwick. But for the majority of her school career, teachers didn't have a contact; as a result, we never had Parent / Teacher's Conferences or Open Houses... If there was ever a vote to disband unions I would be more than happy to cast my vote. At one time, I think unions had a purpose (60 years ago), but now, in my opinion, there is no longer a need for them and tax payers should not have to foot the bill to their excessive demands without getting something good in return for their investments. Teacher's salaries are unbelievably high, but our kids are no where near the top of the list when it comes to their peers in other school districts.

    Fortunately, we were able to get my daughter into a charter school where she is now thriving! The teacher are committed to the students rather than to a union and you can totally see the difference when a teacher is teacher for the right reasons!

    I do miss living in Warwick, but I was tired of the Warwick School System constantly dropping the ball and being disingenuous to my daughter year-after-year.

    Happy Waxing Gibbous Moon Everyone

    Warwick Freemason

    The Taxpayers' Freemason

    Thursday, October 18, 2018 Report this

  • Cat2222

    Terri Medeiros ,

    There is no need for further clarification. The readers (other than RC) understood you in your first post. Unfortunately, RC only chooses to see what he wants to see. He tries to make facts work in his narrative even when they are not correct. While I can appreciate you responding to clear your name, please know, no one takes him seriously. Not in the city, not in the Beacon. Just white noise you get used to after awhile.

    Good luck with your campaign.

    Thursday, October 18, 2018 Report this