Chrissy Rossi Running for the School Committee at-large seat. "I want to support our kids. That's who I am."

Former School Committee & City Council Member a Candidate Again:

Saying that "I have never left," former East Providence School Committee member and City Councilwoman, Chrissy Rossi has announced her candidacy for the School Committee at-large seat. That seat is currently held by Joel Monteiro. "I have stayed involved with school issues and have been a friend to PTA's and other school groups. I have have joined and been active in the Whiteknact School PTA where I have a good friend. I just support kids all over," said Rossi. Rossi noted that she is helping with a playground project at Whiteknact School. "We're kicking off another playground project in the City. This is long overdue and I'm excited to get it off the ground,"said Rossi. Volunteers have picked the perfect spot and where going to put some designs together to see what suits us best. On my wish list are handicap accessible features, a slide, some swings and painted games on the side. This will be a community build so get ready to roll up your sleeves," added Rossi.

Rossi was an outspoken council member during her 2 year term from 2012 to 2014. "I really prefer to deal with education issues. I decided to run for the School Committee now as I am frustrated after watching their (School Committee) meetings. I know the history and some on the committee aren't correct a lot," said Rossi. "As an example, the state reimbursement fund is not properly understood and I've confirmed that with the proper local and state officials involved. Current member Joel Monteiro has been at odds with the council and city officials on how state reimbursement for portions of school funded infrastructure projects are distributed back to the City. When you do your homework you get a good grade," said Rossi.

"I watch their meetings on television and attend some school committee meetings. You can't just pop up at meetings to comment, so I decided to run and hope to make a difference," she said. Rossi said she likes the current members and it's nothing personal against Monteiro. "I honestly feel I can do a better job than Joel. I also like Nate Cahoon (Ward Three member) and like to work with him. But some have not shown even handed decisions," continued Rossi

Rossi went on to list some prior decisions of the School Committee that she disagreed with. "Oldham School should never have closed. It was in a great location for Riverside and was a solid building. We are now stuck with an empty building costing taxpayers money to keep it up minimally. There has also been a cost to bus kids way out of their neighborhood also." Rossi also said she disagreed with the actions of the now defunct Budget Commission. "We didn't need them, we needed better accounting. I support the current city Finance Director, Malcolm Moore, very much."

"I think Joel cares about kids and schools. My approach is different. I analyze differently. I have an accounting and construction background. I also trust our teachers and think teachers should have the upper hand in curriculum building. Teachers can build what's best for our kids, not a New York type program that Gina Raimondo supports," said Rossi.

Rossi said she also has many concerns with the City's special education department. "Parents shouldn't have to battle to get answers to their questions. Some needs of our kids are not getting properly met, at times, due to a bureaucratic path." I have been our teacher's biggest cheerleader. I've always been pro teacher and in the schools all the time. Teachers have too much paperwork. Let them teach."

Rossi pointed to her support of many other activities in city government. I push for Townie Pride on several fronts. I love what John Carnevale is doing for our city and support him and volunteers like him everywhere. I was supportive very early on with initiatives like the City Arts Council and Carousel Commission. I helped put a lot of these things in motion."
"I have no personal quarrel with Joel Monteiro. However I offer my experience and energy and desire to move quickly when action is called for. I don't care about politics, I really never did," said Rossi. "I have sat back quietly but I see a train wreck and want to help. I want to support our kids. That's who I am," she added.

For his part, incumbent at-large member Joel Monteiro said it was too early to discuss his reaction or plans for the next election. "I think it's more important to focus on completing the balance of my duties for this term and not the November election," said Monteiro.

Rossi served one term on the School Committee from 2010-2012. She then was elected to a term on the City Council from Ward 4 from 2012-2014. In 2014 she was defeated for council re-election by current Ward 4 councilman Tim Conley. Conley was also on the School Committee for a term. As of now no other candidates have publicly announced for this or any other elective office in the city.