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Public commenters accuse Pawtucket committee leaders of politicizing Slater redesign and warn of media action
Summary
During public comment at the Feb. 20 Pawtucket meeting, residents accused committee leaders of withholding information, politicizing decisions, and failing to protect students; one commenter said she filed public records requests and would go to the media if the committee did not publish proof of an alleged racial slur.
Public comment at the Pawtucket School Committee’s Feb. 20 special meeting featured sharp criticism from residents who said the committee’s recent conduct had undermined trust.
Cameron Sagala opened the forum by calling the previous week’s meeting “shameful,” accusing leaders of playing politics and withholding information about Slater Middle School’s redesign status. Sagala told the committee it must act “as one body” and forward information promptly to all members rather than keeping it private.
Christine Bento followed, saying she has repeatedly raised concerns about conduct and alleged she had been targeted at prior meetings. Bento said she had filed a public-records request for evidence tied to an allegation that a teacher used a racial slur and warned she would share the records with media outlets if the committee did not publish proof or issue a statement.
Why it matters: Public-comment allegations about internal committee processes and student safety allegations can raise community tensions and demand timely, transparent responses from officials. Committee members acknowledged the need for clearer communication and asked district staff to circulate RIDE memos and CAB minutes in writing.
No in-meeting resolution was reached on the allegations; committee members and staff asked for documentation and proposed standardizing email distribution of official records so that every committee member and the clerk receives the same information.
The meeting later moved to a discussion of the Slater redesign process and CAB membership. The committee entered executive session for matters including possible litigation and student-record privacy, and upon reconvening reported votes to seal minutes and to adjourn the executive session.
