State Education Commissioner Gist Has Brain Tumor

Rhode Island Commissioner of Education has been diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Rhode Island Commissioner of Education Deborah Gist has been diagnosed with a brain tumor, according to the Providence Journal. Doctors reportedly believe the growth to be benign and will operate on the commissioner in late September at an undisclosed hospital. Deputy Commissioner David V. Abbott will run the department in her absence. Gist is expected to be on medical leave for at least two months while she recovers. The tumor was reportedly discovered during a series of tests after Gist suffered a severe concussion in July while traveling to a conference in Atlanta. A suitcase placed in an overhead compartment on the plane slipped and hit her on the head, according to the Journal.  Gist reduced her duties as the state's top education …

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Middletown Schools Lauded for Improving Science Scores

Announcing the latest NECAP science results Tuesday, State Education Commissioner Deborah Gist noted only one in three Rhode Island students showed proficiency on 2011 science scores, while Middletown was 1 of 7 school districts with steady improvements.

Middletown's State Funding Cuts, Teacher Concerns Subject of Forum with Gist

Rhode Island Education Commissioner Deborah Gist met with Middletown parents, community leaders and educators Wednesday night as part of Gist's statewide community outreach and listening tour.

To the Middletown parents, educators and town leaders who met with her Thursday night at Gaudet Middle School, Rhode Island Department of Education Commissioner Deborah Gist acknowledged there remains some anxiety among teachers and parents over the continued overhaul of the state’s education system. But the state’s top education administrator also maintained with much conviction and confidence on Wednesday night that Rhode Island is "heading in the right direction.” To her critics who say she’s been moving “too fast,” Gist responded that the state “can’t move fast enough” and points to last’s year’s $75 million “Race to the Top” federal grant award as the vehicle to get Rhode Island there. “I have parents telling me that they have a …

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