Parents tell Chariho school committee repeated classroom disruptions are reducing instruction time; district outlines supports and FERPA limits

Several parents and residents told the Chariho Regional School Committee on Sept. 23 that repeated classroom disruptions at Charlestown Elementary are reducing instructional time and causing anxiety among students.

Why it matters: parents say disruptions — described as yelling, objects thrown and doorway blockages — have forced classrooms to evacuate and lose up to 30 minutes or more of instruction. They asked the district for clearer, timely notifications to families and stronger behavioral supports.

Multiple speakers described similar concerns. A letter read by Laura Rahm relayed a Charlestown parent’s account that frequent outbursts force classes to stop, cause children to fall behind and leave students feeling "scared and uneasy." Helen Sheehan of Richmond questioned projected repair costs and said taxpayers are concerned about budgets and tax impacts. Britney Morinzoni, a Charlestown parent, described classrooms evacuated for escalations and said parents receive no timely notice from administration; she…