Newport Council approves academic integration advisory committee to study regional collaboration with Middletown

The Newport City Council on a 5-2 vote approved a resolution calling for formation of an Academic Integration Advisory Committee to advise on collaboration between Newport and Middletown public schools.

The resolution, introduced by Councilor Steph Penick, asks the Newport School Committee, the Middletown Town Council and the Middletown School Committee to support formation of the advisory group and directs the committee to include superintendents or their designees, curriculum and academic success advisors, parent–teacher organization representatives, public school educators recommended by bargaining units, policy‑committee designees from each school committee, community‑based educational support program representatives and others with integration expertise. "Within 90 days of its formation, the Academic Integration Advisory Committee shall present a request for necessary resources and a proposed action plan outlining strategies to advance educational integration and equity across Newport/Middletown public schools," the resolution says. The committee's comprehensive report is due to serve as a foundation for any future regionalization proposals by June 30, 2026.

Why it matters: proponents said the committee provides a forum to answer questions voters raised in 2022 and to explore whether administrative collaboration could secure higher state building reimbursements and operational efficiencies while protecting students. Opponents and some councilors urged more outreach before council action and warned against rushing decisions that could affect students and staff.

What councilors and speakers said: Councilor Penick, the resolution sponsor, said the committee is intended to make conversations public and “ensure that equity, access and academic success drive future actions, not just financial or administrative convenience.” Councilor John Napolitano urged caution and asked for a continuance to allow additional public education and intergovernmental outreach; that motion to continue failed. Councilor Gina Bennett and others said the resolution brings the topic into the open and allows stakeholders to be involved. Several public speakers — including longtime Newport education advocate Beth Cullen and Newport Superintendent Colleen Burns — urged careful, student‑centered planning and said the state’s capital‑reimbursement opportunity makes timely study important.

Public input: Dozens of residents and educators spoke in the council chamber and at the podium. Parent speakers said they want better communication and clearer answers than were offered in the 2022 discussion; others, including members of the Newport school committee, said administrative consolidation could produce longer‑term operational savings but emphasized student services and instructional continuity must drive any change. School committee members urged a clear public timeline and suggested an independent chair for the advisory panel.

Next steps: The council directed the city administration to draft the ordinance language and implementation steps necessary to establish the advisory committee and report back. The resolution specifies a 90‑day initial timeline and a final report deadline of June 30, 2026.

Context and constraints: The resolution references potential state building reimbursement (discussed in council testimony as an 80% reimbursement) and repeatedly invoked the Rhode Island Department of Education during debate, but it does not bind any other government body. The resolution requests, rather than compels, cooperation from Middletown entities. The committee’s recommendations would be advisory until and unless the council, school committees or voters approve policy or structural changes.

Ending: Council supporters said the advisory committee gives the public a structured, transparent process to explore regional collaboration while requiring a report and resource request before any decisions on regionalization are advanced.