Why OR Why Not?
School Unification
What the future holds for regionalization in Newport County
February 2021 - Organizational update
At the most recent meeting of Citizens Exploring School Unification (CESU), the membership agreed to disband the organization.
Incorporated as a Rhode Island Non-Profit organization, CESU worked to help the citizens of Middletown and Newport understand the educational advantages of combining Middletown and Newport school systems at the district, and especially the high school levels.
It is now apparent to CESU that there is no political will on Aquidneck Island for such regionalization.
Despite a Middletown Voter petition which collected 10% of Middletown voters’ signatures in favor of carefully studying regionalization, the Middletown Town Council refused to acknowledge the petition, preventing it from being considered by Middletown voters. Subsequently, the voters of Newport approved the construction of a new Rogers High School.
Thus, Middletown and Newport have chosen to maintain the status quo, two separate high schools within a few miles, each with 600-700 students and limited educational offerings. In these circumstances, the members of CESU could find no valid reason to maintain the organization.
The members of CESU remain individually committed to improving the educational opportunities available to Middletown and Newport students.
We wish Middletown and Newport schools every success in finding ways to cooperate, much as our students have found ways to consolidate athletic, performing arts and other activities where small enrollment levels at Middletown and Newport now prevent stand-alone programs.
On behalf of the CESU Board of Directors, I wish to thank all CESU members who regularly participated in our discussions of the way forward for improving Middletown and Newport educational performance. I especially want to thank those who collected Middletown voter petition signatures. Thank you!
Richard Adams
Former President, CESU
Richard AdamsFormer President, CESU
CESU - committed to unifying schools in newport county
November 2020 and beyond...
The members of Citizens Exploring School Unification (CESU) wish to congratulate all the winners of the Middletown and Newport Municipal Council and School Committee elections. And especially we would like to congratulate the citizens of Newport for voting overwhelmingly for a new Rogers High School.
CESU looks forward to working with Middletown and Newport to create a truly first-rate educational environment for our students. We understand that there will be many challenges ahead as Newport constructs a new high school and Middletown continues to improve existing facilities and programs. We are all committed to creating the best possible learning environment for our students.
We remain committed to the idea of unifying and consolidating our school facilities and programs. We believe that there is great value in combining the best of our separate school systems and look forward to assisting in that process. And we also look forward to working with the new municipal Councils and School Committees in that effort.
Richard Adams, President CESU
Increasing educational opportunities
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About Us
We are local parents, residents, neighbors and concerned citizens...
Please join us to learn more about the challenges and issues concerning school unification on Aquidneck Island. We will compile the questions and answers along with many important resources as we learn about what it takes to bring everyone together on this issue. Every person and point of view will be considered - and encourage you to learn more, and share relevant information and ideas with our group.
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