To the Editor,
Having been a longtime teacher, coach and history department chairperson, 1962- 1994, in Warwick, I feel compelled to express my opinion regarding the building of two new high …
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To the Editor,
Having been a longtime teacher, coach and history department chairperson, 1962- 1994, in Warwick, I feel compelled to express my opinion regarding the building of two new high schools in our city. During my teaching career, I had the privilege of teaching at five city schools and also at West Warwick High School for fifteen years. This background gives me some knowledge and credibility in assessing the pros and cons of building new schools.
Moving to Warwick in 1957 and beginning my career in 1962, I remember well when Pilgrim opened its doors; it had problems almost immediately. Today, some of these problems still exist, like outdated classrooms and inferior playing fields that many of your readers remember oh so well. Of all the schools in which I taught, Pilgrim’s building was the worst.
Since its opening in 1972, the student athletes at Toll Gate have never had their own baseball, football or soccer fields. They must play their games at Warwick Vets or Bend Street. Isn’t it time that those students have their own playing fields?
If we build these schools, future students will have modern-day classrooms with 21st century technology and athletic fields everyone will be proud of.
Communities such as East Providence, Johnston, Providence, Newport, etc., are taking this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity from our state to pay for a large portion of the cost. It is my understanding that the state will pay about 172 million dollars to help with this cost. This would mean that Warwick would have to pay about 220 million dollars as its share. Due to the generous citizens of our city, who with 78% of the vote, passed a 350 million dollar bond to pay for the schools. To not take advantage of this would be unconscionable and a disservice to our voters. Remember Pilgrim is 62 and Toll Gate is 52 years old.
These new schools and other pending projects will certainly make Warwick a “go-to” city again as it was in the 1950s and 60s, the fastest growing city on the East Coast. Warwick needs to retain our current students and ensure future students stay in Warwick. Otherwise, Warwick will continue to send money to other cities and towns for Warwick students to attend out-of-district CTE or Pathway programs.
Finally, it would be great to see Warwick on the move once again. We have done it before — Vets (1956), Pilgrim (1962) and Toll Gate (1972). Now we can, in essence, build two schools for the price of one. What a deal! Build those schools!
Sincerely, Bob Salerno
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mlowney
This is Candidate for Mayor, Patrick Maloney, Here is a link to the actual Lawsuit. Please consider voting for someone who will NOT tolerate this activity. I would immediately take action.
Lawsuit 1
Bree Boulais vs City of Warwick and Mayor Picozzi in his official capacity
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Opjsqrq4wKoBNxw85BhFp5HXSPsT7OVM/view
Lawsuit 2
Peter Broomfield vs City of Warwick and Mayor Picozzi in his official capacity
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ozhehKxMP2d9o9OG23Y4KDtWdRRRB0S4/view
And here is a 2 minute video highlighting the most unbelievable things. HR knew, Picozzi Chief of Staff knew, Picozzi knew, did nothing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7G5WwkAlLU
Friday, November 1 Report this
JohnStark
In the day, Mr. Salerno was a good teacher and coach. Clearly, that skillset does not translate to public policy analysis. No one is moving to East Providence, Newport, Providence, or anywhere else due to new schools. And Mr. Salerno fails to mention that Warwick's rapid growth in the 50's and 60's was largely attributable to veterans returning from WW2. At the time, Warwick represented "country" living. Finally, and most importantly, never is it mentioned in these pro-school editorials that students will receive a superior education in the new school, or that Warwick kids will now have a competitive advantage in college acceptances or employability. Or that Warwick's deplorable academic outcomes will reverse course anytime soon as a function of new schools. Rather, it's the newest shiny object whose cost will continue to escalate while local pols attempt to put more lipstick on this grossly underachieving academic pig.
Wednesday, December 4 Report this