March 28, 2024

Why I am running for school committee.

Posted

I believe in three core principles that I plan on supporting with every decision I make. The first principle is we can run a school district that is both enriching for our students and fiscally responsible for the two towns it serves without having proposition 2 1/2 overrides repeatedly. With the proper checks and balances in place along with prioritization of goals and needs this school district can provide our children with a great education and strong foundation for whatever path they choose to take after graduation. Recently though discussions have strayed from money being spent directly on student needs to discussions of public relation groups to sell the message of the schools. You don’t need a public relations group if the message is sound to begin with, parents and the citizens of Rehoboth have proven they are invested in our kids and I believe these choices move in the wrong direction. The second principle is planning and collaboration. In order for our school budget to get the appropriate funding it requires to meet the needs of our students, members of both the school and the two towns need to work together early on in the process in order for all parties to know of the impending economic needs that will be in the upcoming budget. Respecting this process will encourage an open line of communication and understanding of why various line items are essential and for those that may be able to wait for future consideration. In recent meetings the school discussed adding five new positions for the chairing of team meetings of special education. These additions would enable the school psychologist to be freed up to service students more directly and in turn support the social emotional needs that are increasing. Although this does seem to be a credible want at this time, it may not be a need. I would go one step further and say I don’t believe it is at this time. My final reason for running is for the students themselves. Two years ago over ninety teachers were pink slipped until the town of Rehoboth passed an override. Even then, many teachers had left the district already to find positions that they felt were more stable. This was a huge loss as many were very qualified and enjoyed by the students. Last year we witnessed a year when all student sports and activities were left unfunded until the last possible minute. Having watched that process across the entire funding cycle, I completely disagreed with how it was agreed upon. The cost this had to the district was even more devastating with a loss of trust from families. This time the students left, and will be leaving again this year in large numbers. They are leaving not only to go to BP and Bristol Aggie, but to private schools. When you lose the support of the families you are counting on, you need to re-evaluate what is going on. I think we can do better.

On a final note, the biggest problem this district faces is the assessment funding formula for our district. Our problems began back in 2014, the assessments to the towns in the regional school district were not properly calculated, apparently for nearly seven years. A more aggressive plan for an alternate funding formula needs to take place now.

Ellen Corvi

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