Middletown effort to regionalize schools moves ahead

Middletown RI

10 June, 2020

5:32 PM

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Read More Here - https://cesu.news/f/middletown-effort-to-regionalize-schools-moves-ahead The proposal is on the docket because Citizens Exploring School Unification obtained 1,183 signatures of registered Middletown voters on a petition that were recently certified by Town Clerk Wendy Marshall. By Sean Flynn Newport Daily News staff writer Posted at 2:44 PM on June 10, 2020 MIDDLETOWN — A proposed ordinance that would create a Regional School District Planning Committee to study the benefits of establishing a unified high school with Newport will come before the Middletown Town Council on Monday night. The proposal is on the docket because Citizens Exploring School Unification obtained 1,183 signatures of registered Middletown voters on a petition that were recently certified by Town Clerk Wendy Marshall. CESU volunteers had to collect at least 10% of the town's 11,788 registered voters on the petition requesting the ordinance. Under the town charter, the council must take up the ordinance. If the council votes in favor of the ordinance, the planning committee will be appointed. If the council rejects it, or even passes a revision of the ordinance, the petitioners' original ordinance will go on the November ballot. "The simplest solution is for the council to approve it," said CESU President Dick Adams. "If it goes on the ballot though, we believe it will be approved." By statute, for an ordinance to be enacted, the council must approve it on first and second readings at two separate meetings. "We'll receive it on Monday," said Council President Robert Sylvia.