Across Rhode Island, school systems are finding that the bond issues voters approved only a few months ago to build new, modern school buildings, are millions of dollars short of what they now expect the projects to cost. And so it is in Newport, where for months now educators have been trying to fill a gap between what voters approved a few years ago for a new Rogers High School and what it may cost.
As a result, Superintendent of Schools Colleen Burns Jermain and her staff have been finding ways to trim the hundred-million-dollar school building budget, and to find additional funding to fill the gaps.
Superintendent Jermain joined WhatsUpNewp today (Wednesday, May 3) at 1:30 p.m. for her monthly visit, and we focused on Rogers and efforts to close the financial gap.
We also explore other pressing issues, not only in Newport, but issues that persist in school systems across the country – school safety and teacher shortages.
Of course, we also asked the superintendent to give us an update on regionalization talks between Newport and Middletown.
And as we approach the end of the school year, we ask the superintendent about how much progress has been closed up the gap for the time lost to in-person learning during the pandemic, the graduation rate this year, and graduation plans for the class of 2023.
Watch our conversation below or listen above.
The Superintendent is scheduled to join us next for a conversation on Wednesday, May 31 at 1:30 pm. Be sure to send in your questions prior to our next conversation.
The Latest from What’sUpNewp
Jamestown Newport Ferry kicks off its hop-on hop-off season on May 17
Stops include Jamestown, Rose Island Lighthouse, Newport’s Fort Adams, Ann Street Pier and Perrotti Park.
Town of Middletown: New school site gets strong grades
Recent testing shows the proposed site for a new middle-high school in #MiddletownRI earns strong marks.
Cities with the fastest-growing home prices in Rhode Island
Home values in the top city on the list grew by $95,175 over the last 12 months.
Newport School Superintendent provides weekly update
Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain shared the following community update with parents, families, and staff on Wednesday, May 3.
WUN-ON-ONE: A conversation with Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain
Superintendent provides WUN with an update on Rogers High School construction, regionalization, and more.
Transcending Tennis: 50 Years of the WTA Now on Display at International Tennis Hall of Fame
The new exhibit showcasing and celebrating 50 years of women’s professional tennis highlights a variety of spring and summer visitor offerings at the ITHF museum
What’s Up in Local Theater: We review ‘The Children’ at the Gamm
Final offering of 2022-23 season is “dialogue-driven, smart and frequently funny”
The most popular dog names of 2022 in every state
Find out if your canine companion’s name made the cut!
2023 Newport Folk Festival lineup announcements
Find out who’s playing at this year’s Newport Folk Festival.
The Ocean Race: Bursting through the tropical squalls
Tropical squalls keep teams on their toes as they leave the doldrums behind and push into the tradewinds
Heading to a beach this summer? Here’s how to keep harmful algae blooms from spoiling your trip
The tiny organisms that cause harmful blooms of algae can have a big impact on your trip to the shore. A toxicologist explains what causes these events and how to keep people and pets safe.
CVS beats Q1 expectations, cuts outlook after buying spree
CVS Health turned in a better-than-expected first quarter as revenue grew from all parts of its business. But the health care giant chopped 2023 earnings projections after closing a pair of multi-billion dollar deals that push it deeper into providing care.
WUN-ON-ONE: A conversation with Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain