Portsmouth discussing potential school district merger with Newport

June 25, 2019 4:14 pm

By: Amanda Pitts

alpitts@abc6.com

@APittsABC6

PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (WLNE) – Portsmouth is tossing around the idea of a possible unified school district with Newport.

The town council voted unanimously Monday night to be open to discussing a potential merger after Newport Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain presented the idea. She did the same with Middletown’s Town Council last week, but they rejected it.

“We’re just open to the dialogue, and see what comes of it.”

Fred Faerber, a member of Portsmouth’s School Committee, said dialogue is all it is right now, but it could lead to major changes for students on Aquidneck Island.

“All three communities face declining enrollment, and the need for increased taxes to pay for new facilities. They may lead nowhere, but at least we did it. We didn’t close the door.”

Newport’s Rogers High School is quickly deteriorating. That’s why the Superintendent wants to take advantage of the $250 million school construction bond approved by voters last year, that would reimburse up to 80% of the cost.

“It seems like a good plan, but I’m not sure how the public will react. My friends personally aren’t for it.”

Portsmouth High School sophomore, Anthony Amaio Jr., has some worries, like class sizes being too big, impacting student/teacher connections.

“We already house Little Compton, so it’s just gonna be a whole lot of kids in one school,” said Amaio Jr.

His dad, who moved their family to the town 11 years ago for the schools, shares his son’s concerns.

“They’re already vaping in the bathrooms, so they’re getting exposed to plenty as it is, but will it get worse? I’d be for it, as long as it doesn’t ruin what we already have.”

Portsmouth’s Town Council President, Kevin Aguiar, said this is just discussion to explore the potential, and they can opt out at any time.

In order to be eligible for the reimbursement, school construction must begin before the end of 2022.