A notable quote...

Evil is like a shadow - it has no real substance of its own, it is simply a lack of light. You cannot cause a shadow to disappear by trying to fight it, stamp on it, by railing against it, or any other form of emotional or physical resistance. In order to cause a shadow to disappear, you must shine light on it.

Shakti Gawain, teacher and author (b. 1948)

Our spotlight will be shining light on:

1. Fire protection
2. Union bargaining agreements
3. Functions that could be outsourced
4. Property valuation process

  Headlines & Opinions (Click "Archives" or "Articles" for older material)

SCHOOL HAS NEW PRINCIPAL
October 3, 2008

The School Committee has selected Mr. James M. Gibney to replace Fran Blaes as the Principal of the Wilbur & McMahon School.  Mr. Gibney retired from the Massachusetts school system after having held numerous positions during his tenure.  His contract with Little Compton is included in our "Labor Contracts" section.  We wish him well.

TIVERTON LAUNCHES A POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE
September 15, 2008

Over 170 people attended the Tiverton Citizens for Change (TCC) kick-off meeting at the VFW in Tiverton tonight.  They are intent on bringing fiscal responsibility and transparent government to Tiverton as a result of a taxpayers' win followed by a loss at this year's double Financial Town Meeting which resulted from what they consider to be political maneuvering and an unwarranted 2nd meeting.  Their President (Dave Nelson) called on three guest speakers as part of the meeting:

Robert Hayden, President of the Little Compton Taxpayers Association
Larry Fitzmorris, President of the Portsmouth Concerned Citizens
Harry Staley, Chairman of the Rhode Island Statewide Coalition (RISC)

We wish them well. Visit their web site at www.TivertonCC.com

SCHOOL COMM. & TEACHERS RATIFY NEW CONTRACT
September 10, 2008

The School Committee unanimously ratified a new 2-year contract with the teachers on this date.  The teachers ratified the contract the night before on 9/9/2008.  The specific details are not known yet, but the cost impact is known.  The total salary package for the 2008/2009 school year ($2,142,403) increased by 2.5% over last year ($2,090,096) and the amount of money the teachers pay for their health insurance increased from $44,892 to $52,306 or 14.5% more.  The salary package will increase by 2.3% in the 2009/2010 school year, and the health insurance copay will increase by 14%.

The School Committee awarded Montle Plumbing in Fall River a contract to replace a failed boiler for $43,435 (the original estimate was $75K).

Ten applications have been received for the position of Principal left vacant by Fran Blaes in August.  A screening committee will reduce this down to the top 3 applicants who will be interviewed by Superintendent Ron Devine.  Dr. Devine will make his recommendation to the School Committee at its next meeting on October 8th.

When asked, the School Committee indicted that the new school transportation operation with First Student when very well with just a few minor problems that were easily resolved.