What'sUpNewp: The Podcast Podcast Por Ryan Belmore arte de portada

What'sUpNewp: The Podcast

What'sUpNewp: The Podcast

De: Ryan Belmore
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From the award-winning team behind WhatsUpNewp.com, The Podcast bring you the latest news and information you need to know about, plus interesting and exciting conversations from Newport, Rhode Island, and beyond.

What'sUpNewp, LLC Arte Política y Gobierno
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  • Newport City Manager outlines next steps for approved $98.5 million bond; reasoning for new hires

    Newport City Manager outlines next steps for approved $98.5 million bond; reasoning for new hires
    Nov 21 2024
    Newport City Manager Colin Kennedy provided updates on the city's plans following the approval of a $98.5 million bond measure and discussed recent staffing changes during his monthly interview with What's Up Newp on Thursday, November 21.The bond measure, approved by voters on November 5, gives the city authority to sell bonds over the next seven years. Kennedy emphasized a cautious approach to utilizing the funds."We have time to rationally figure out what the best use of those funds are," Kennedy said. "We'll probably sell bonds in no more than two tranches."He indicated the first bond sale could occur between March and July 2024, depending on interest rates. Initial priorities include Perrotti Park improvements and beach nourishment projects.Kennedy stressed that all bond-funded projects will require city council approval before proceeding. "I can't just wave a magic wand and say here's a bunch of money," he noted.The city manager also addressed recent staffing additions, including a new deputy city manager and a resilience and sustainability director. He framed these hires as necessary to meet Newport's growing demands."We're like a city of 100,000 people," Kennedy explained, citing the impact of seasonal residents and visitors on city infrastructure. "The government that we have has traditionally been focused on and the size of the staff we've had has been focused on a city of 25,000."Kennedy highlighted the workload facing his office, mentioning he receives about 700 emails weekly during peak periods. The new deputy city manager, Mike Caruolo, will focus on day-to-day operations, allowing Kennedy to concentrate on strategic planning and community engagement.Regarding ongoing projects, Kennedy provided updates on the Naval Hospital property transfer and the Coggeshall School redevelopment.He dispelled rumors that the Navy would retain the hospital property, confirming it will be conveyed to Newport. Discussions are ongoing with naval authorities regarding environmental restoration of the site."Our main goal of that property, if we get nothing else out of it, is public access to the water," Kennedy said.The Coggeshall School project, intended for workforce housing, has faced delays due to litigation. Kennedy expressed optimism about reaching a resolution soon."We're very close to coming to an amicable solution with the developer and then we'll be able to move forward," he said.Kennedy also addressed concerns about short-term rentals and parking regulations. He noted the city is closely watching litigation in Narragansett that could impact Newport's policies.A comprehensive overhaul of the resident parking sticker program is in progress, with another council workshop expected in January.The city manager concluded by expressing gratitude to Newport voters for approving the bond measure."My commitment and our staff commitment and our council commitment going forward is to be absolute efficient stewards of that revenue, to pay it off as soon as possible, to make the most optimal use of it as possible," Kennedy said.He encouraged residents to support local businesses during the holiday shopping season and invited community members to volunteer for various city boards and commissions.Watch The Conversation

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    47 m
  • Newport School Superintendent provides updates on new high school and educational programs

    Newport School Superintendent provides updates on new high school and educational programs
    Nov 20 2024
    Newport Public Schools Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain expressed gratitude to Newport City Council for recent funding approvals and provided updates on the new high school construction during her monthly live interview with What'sUpNewp.The City Council recently approved an additional $2.9 million for the school committee, completing the funding needed for the new high school project. Jermain said this will allow them to obtain the Certificate of Occupancy and move forward with the planned September 2025 opening."We're very appreciative of the City Council and their awarding the funding from the ask that the school building co-chairs put forward," Jermain said. "We're looking forward to September 2025 and opening the new building. It's a very exciting time."Construction is progressing, with crews finishing the exterior and fine-tuning the interior. Jermain noted there is still significant work to be done but expressed optimism about the timeline.Regarding the Newport School Committee-elect, Jermain confirmed that James Dring was chosen as School Committee Chair and Rebecca Bolan as Vice Chair at a caucus meeting of the Newport School Committee-elect members on Tuesday night.The superintendent also addressed ongoing efforts to restore cosmetology and automotive programs to the new high school. While not currently included in the plans, Jermain said there is community support for fundraising campaigns to bring these programs back.“Dr. Robert Power did run on the campaign platform of restoring both those programmes [cosmetology and automotive] into the new building. So we're trying to think of ways we can do that. And I know he's been very active throughout the entire community, as well as talking to city council members about how we can work together to keep those programs,” Jermain said."We want to try as best as possible to get the cosmetology and the auto program into the new building," she said. "That work is underway."Attendance remains a focus for Newport schools. Jermain reported improvements across all schools compared to previous years but acknowledged more progress is needed."We're doing well each day at every school. We're seeing improved attendance from the previous year, which is great because last year we were seeing improvements from the previous year," Jermain said.The district employs various strategies to boost attendance, including outreach to parents, home visits, and sharing data on how absences impact student achievement.Jermain highlighted the district's efforts to support multi-language learners, particularly at the elementary level. She noted that when students become more proficient in English, they often outscore native English speakers on standardized tests."We have learned with our MLL population that when they start to attain the language and they become more English proficient, they have actually outscored our English-speaking children on standardized testing," Jermain said.The district is looking to expand its multi-language learner support, with plans to certify more teachers in this area. Jermain said they expect to need additional ML-certified teachers in the coming year.Budget discussions for the next school year are underway. Jermain said staffing, which accounts for about 82% of the operating budget, will be a key focus. The district has secured a new bus contract and is reviewing other contracts.Jermain encouraged high school seniors to start planning for their post-graduation futures. She emphasized the importance of completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for those considering college."Financial aid is so important and the FAFSA … they need to fill out that FAFSA," Jermain said. "That application process opens up the world to a variety of different grants and money opportunities."Jermain suggested exploring career opportunities and internships for students not pursuing higher education, particularly those enrolled in Career and Technical Education programs.The superintendent concluded by reminding the community of upcoming events, including a school building committee meeting on December 9 and a regular school committee meeting on December 10.Watch Our ConversationMore From What’sUpNewpJames Dring to lead Newport School CommitteeJames Dring to chair, Becky Boland remains vice chair; Dr. Robert Power and Beth Cullen join amid discussions on cosmetology and auto programs“No Place Like Home” exhibit is raising awareness about the growing homeless crisis in Rhode Island“For this to be addressed, it’s going to take every single one of us.”Newport Hospital breaks ground on Adolescent Mental Health Unit$5 million raised from donors to fund new 8-bed facility addressing critical need for youth behavioral care“Our Town: Jamestown Part II” set for community screeningRhode Island PBS and The Public’s Radio invite residents to view documentary on Dec. 3, ahead of Dec. 11 broadcast premiereNewport Police Arrest & Dispatch ...
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    39 m
  • Newport School Superintendent provides updates on Rogers High School Construction and teacher negotiations

    Newport School Superintendent provides updates on Rogers High School Construction and teacher negotiations
    Oct 30 2024
    Newport Schools Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain provided updates on several key issues during her monthly interview with What's Up Newp on Wednesday.The new Rogers High School construction project is progressing well, Jermain said. The building's exterior is nearly finished, with brick work almost complete and utilities being connected."It's a stunning building," Jermain said. "It really is as far as the natural sunlight that comes into it."Interior work is underway, including painting, gym flooring, and auditorium seating. Furniture bids are in final review and expected to be settled by March or April, with deliveries starting in May.Teachers have begun preparing for the move, with some already receiving boxes for personal items. Professional development on new technology is ongoing.The school is set to open in September 2025, with the current junior class slated to be the first to graduate from the new building.Finances for the project remain a concern. The school building committee has requested just under $3 million from the city council to complete the project, down from earlier estimates."We're really sharpening the pencils," Jermain said. "We're really getting down to nitty gritty and in the weeds to save as much as possible for everyone."On teacher negotiations, Jermain reported that the teachers' union has requested a new arbitrator, replacing Judge Frank Flaherty. The school committee will discuss this development in executive session next week."At this point in time, I believe the school committee has requested our attorney to find a new arbitrator as soon as possible and get dates," Jermain said.Despite ongoing negotiations, Jermain said school activities appear to be running normally, with teachers participating in after-school programs and events."If you saw interactions between me and the teachers and all of us, I don't think you'd think there was anything going on," she said.The superintendent also discussed a recent survey of families regarding the potential relocation of fifth grade to Pell Elementary School. About 69% of respondents supported the idea.Jermain cited declining enrollment and curriculum alignment as reasons for considering the move. She noted that the fifth-grade curriculum at Thompson Middle School is the same as what's used at Pell."We also think possibly for some families and for some children developmentally, maturity wise, et cetera, that it's a better age to keep at the elementary level," Jermain said.If implemented, the change would not occur before the 2026-27 school year.Jermain also addressed student absenteeism, reporting improvements but acknowledging more work is needed."We still have a lot of work to do," she said. "We really do still need everyone to emphasize the importance of attendance at school every day for all of us."Looking ahead, Jermain noted several upcoming events, including girls soccer quarterfinals, girls tennis semifinals, and parent-teacher conferences on Nov. 7 from noon to 5 p.m. at all schools.The superintendent encouraged parents to bring their children when voting to set a good example."Whatever happens in the results of the election, schools will remain open and we will continue to do our best to deliver high quality instruction for our students," Jermain said.Public tours of the new Rogers High School are expected to begin in summer 2025, a few months before its scheduled opening.Watch The Conversation

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    40 m
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