It’s incredible what a coat of paint, new auditorium seats, lockers and gym flooring can do for a pair of old schools. As an entourage of news media discovered in a tour of Pilgrim High School and …
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It’s incredible what a coat of paint, new auditorium seats, lockers and gym flooring can do for a pair of old schools. As an entourage of news media discovered in a tour of Pilgrim High School and what will be Veterans Junior High School, $3.2 million can go a long way to making the buildings practical and attractive environments for teaching.
When Philip Thornton was named superintendent, he visited all of the city’s schools with an eye to whether they were good learning spaces. Security was also high on his list.
Also, with consolidation he looked to reinvest those savings in the system and, where possible, bring equity to what are now the city’s two senior and junior high schools. The newer of the city schools, Toll Gate and Winman, which are more than 40 years old, have also undergone improvements. Within the last year, the Toll Gate gym was refurbished and the Winman heating system upgraded.
But the major work to Pilgrim and Vets, which both have seen new roofs in recent years, had to wait until the start of summer vacation. This was an ambitious schedule requiring the pre-ordering of materials and rigid deadlines for the work to be done by the time the buildings reopen at the end of this month. So far, according to Steven Gothberg, director of school buildings and grounds, it’s going as planned and the schools will be ready.
There’s more to this story that goes unnoticed by the public, for after all, if the work is being done and done as programmed, what’s the fuss? It is refreshing that city and school teams are working together. Department of Public Works crews and equipment are being used in the restoration of Toll Gate and Pilgrim football fields. Games will be played at Vets this academic year as the fields will need time to take root.
This is a good picture of improved learning environments and relations. They are reasons for us to feel good about our schools.
But, unfortunately, it’s not the complete picture.
Unless there is a remarkable turnaround, which doesn’t seem possible given the current litigious course, schools will open for a second consecutive academic year without a teachers contract. The differences between the parties hinge on the effects of consolidation, with the layoff of more teachers than allowed for under the prior contract and systemic changes Thornton believes need to be made for the system to operate effectively. These are not easy issues to resolve.
It’s a good step that school buildings will be ready for students and teachers.
Now let’s ensure that teachers and administrators are on the same page with a fair contract.
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richardcorrente
What good will the new renovations be if we don't have teachers? I have spoken to many that are interviewing elsewhere. Hey School Committee! Wake up! The teachers are willing to sit down and negotiate with you. You can't accomplish a damn thing until you join them, and in the court of public opinion the teachers have already won. Every day that goes by makes you look worse.
We can't have teachers working without a secure contract. Would you work under those conditions? I wouldn't. A lot of them are reconsidering also. It isn't too late to fix this. Soon, it will be. Make the call.
Richard Corrente
Endorsed Democrat for Mayor
Thursday, August 4, 2016 Report this
ThatGuyInRI
Man, is there any demographic this guy won't pander to?
Friday, August 5, 2016 Report this
richardcorrente
Dear ThatGuyInRi,
In answer to your question; yes, there are two demographics that I never have and never will pander to
1. a committee like the School Committee who are controlling more than half of all taxes collected and won't give an accurate accounting to the city council or the taxpayers and won't even TALK to the teachers about a new contract and
2. people like you, who hide in anonymity, never offer a solution and always condemn those that do. I can't and won't pander to a coward. I will however pander to the Warwick Teachers. I joined them on their picket line and I totally agree with their need for a new contract. If that upsets you, don't read my comments. If you have the courage to call me my phone number is 338-9900. When you call, please use your real name.
I hope that answers your question.
Sincerely,
Richard Corrente
Endorsed Democrat for Mayor
Monday, August 15, 2016 Report this
davet1107
Mr Corrente,
One comment on which I'd take issue with you is when you say that the SC does not give "an accurate accounting" on where they spend their money. That is patently false. Their budget is the Uniform Chart of Accounts that every district in the state has to use and it's a public document on which updates are given montly at each School Committee meeting. You may not agree with where or how they spend, but to to accuse them of being secretive about their budget is baseless. I want to believe that you are not like so many others who demagogue our schools but, sadly, that's difficult for me to do.
David Testa
Tuesday, August 16, 2016 Report this
JohnStark
If I have it right, ThatGuyinRi accused Mr. Corrente of pandering to the teachers' union. Mr. Corrente responded by calling ThatGuy a "coward" for such an insinuation, then went on to say: "I will however pander to the Warwick Teachers." Glad we got that straightened out.
Note to Mr. Corrente: I have never had a contract. An overwhelming majority of people in the dreaded private sector have never had a contract. We are paid exactly what we are worth in our chosen marketplace. Perhaps it would be helpful if you could explain your endorsement of public sector unions in the first place. To many, such archaic entities have long outlived their usefulness.
Tuesday, August 16, 2016 Report this