The Narragansett Times

Optimism wanes between teachers and school board

March 13, 2011

SOUTH KINGSTOWN--Feelings of positivity and optimism in the relations between teachers and the school committee waned Tuesday night as teachers from across the district expressed their disappointment in the school committee’s decision to send 144 teachers non-renewal letters.
There was much tension between the school committee and superintendent and the teachers as many teachers attended the committee meeting to express their concerns, causing the meeting to be held in the high school auditorium instead of the library to accommodate the crowd.
“We know the economic times are tough and we know the state aid is limited and we understand the need for flexibility, but laying off 144 teachers is excessive,” Martha Spiewak, a math teacher at South Kingstown High School said. “It is counterproductive to be so callous of the employees.”

Providence Poverty Institute hosts ‘Budget Rhode Map’

March 11, 2011

CRANSTON—Providence’s Poverty Institute hosted “Budget Rhode Map,” a discussion and lecture event sponsored by local non-profits to discuss the condition of the state and nation’s budget challenges. The conference was attended by various state representatives including Sen. Spencer Dickinson and representatives Teresa Tanzi and Donna Walsh.
The first speaker, Jon Shure, Deputy Director of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities’ State Fiscal Project presented a discussion titled “The State of State Budgets” and said that “in a perfect world” state leaders would raise the income tax in a time of recession, not the sales tax. The proposed increase in the sales tax would adversely affect the poor who spend more of their income on items that would be taxed. But Shure said that he would still support it if it was the only way to raise revenue.

According to Governor Chafee, the plan would raise $89 million in new revenue that state-funded programs need in order to serve Rhode Islanders. Shure also described how, contrary to popular opinion, states that raised taxes in a recession performed economically better because they made necessary investments.

EDC concerned over new property tax guidelines in South Kingstown

March 10, 2011

SOUTH KINGSTOWN–The Economic Development Committee met last Thursday, March 3 to discuss the new property tax treaty drafted by the town.
The ‘Tax Exemption and Stabilization Program’ was received by the council as a troubling example of miscommunication.

Do you have information on the Michael Woodmansee case?

March 8, 2011

South Kingstown reporter Kathleen McKiernan would like to hear from Narragansett Times readers and community members who may have information on the Michael Woodmansee murder case and are willing to be interviewed. Please contact her by email at kmckiernan@ricentral.com or call 789-9744 ex. 138.