Schools

Should Middletown and Newport Share a Superintendent?

With declining enrollment and tight budgets should Newport share the role of Superintendent with Middletown?

With Newport Superintendent John Ambrogi retiring in January of next year, should the school districts consider consolidating superintendents?

According to data provided by the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE), enrollment for the Newport District is 2102 for the current school year, down 28 percent from 10 years ago. There are currently 2423 students enrolled in Middletown Public Schools, which is down 15 percent over the same time period. 

When asked if Newport should share a superintendent with Middletown, here is what some had to say on Facebook:

Find out what's happening in Middletownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • Steve Renshaw Yes, it is time.

  • Jay Flanders There should only be 5 districts, one for each county. So yes, this would be a GREAT step in the right direction

Find out what's happening in Middletownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • Betsy Stebbins Yes, in this fiscal climate it makes sense.

  • Jani Brooks Absolutely! Stop being power-hungry and think about the taxpayers for a change! And Jay's idea is what this silly little state should be doing instead of sticking the property owners with outrageous taxes.

  • Janna Olson Yes! Newport public schools do NOTHING for a child of special needs unless they are non verbal or in a wheelchair

  • Dexter Hoag Most definitely. One school district per county is a great idea.

  • What do you think?  Is this a good opportunity to begin consolidating resources across districts?


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