Hello everyone...
I have received numerous phone calls of outrage regarding the recent newspaper headlines and TV reports that ''the new Jacqueline M. Walsh School for the Performing Arts in Pawtucket is slated for possible closure'' after having only been open for a few months. For those of you not closely following this Pawtucket school crisis, the Pawtucket City Council and Pawtucket School Committee appear to be at loggerheads regarding a 2.9 million dollar school department deficit, which ultimately may lead to a court battle. Right now, both sides appear to be pointing fingers at each other as they search for an answer to this dilemma. One 'rumor' that has been circulating like wildfire was the suggestion of closing the new Pawtucket Arts High School, as a way of easing the budget crunch. I'd like to pass on some suggestions that members of the community in Pawtucket may find helpful.
1) The ultimate recommendation regarding the closing of the JMW Arts High School, or any budget cuts will come from our School Committee. Make an attempt to attend their meetings, especially if you are a Pawtucket resident. There is a school committee meeting TONITE at 6:30pm at Jenks Jr. HS on Division Street (across from McCoy Stadium. They provide an 'open public input' opportunity 1 hour before their meetings begin (which is usually 5-6pm). If nothing else, it is an excellent opportunity to become educated about this situation. Right now there is a lot of speculation. Become familiar with your school committee members and learn about the issues. Visit the Pawtucket School Committee website at: psdri.net for a list of school committee members and school committee meeting times.
2) Some of our Pawtucket artists have begun circulating petitions to show support of keeping the JMW Arts High School open. Currently, Rich Watrous at 80 Fountain Street, Pawtucket is collecting signatures.
3) It is important to sort out the truth from the rumors. There is much speculation at this point in time. Through our different community organizations, the Pawtucket Foundation, PADS, the Pawtucket Arts Collaborative - we will continue to learn and share information as it develops.
By Pat Zacks
I have received numerous phone calls of outrage regarding the recent newspaper headlines and TV reports that ''the new Jacqueline M. Walsh School for the Performing Arts in Pawtucket is slated for possible closure'' after having only been open for a few months. For those of you not closely following this Pawtucket school crisis, the Pawtucket City Council and Pawtucket School Committee appear to be at loggerheads regarding a 2.9 million dollar school department deficit, which ultimately may lead to a court battle. Right now, both sides appear to be pointing fingers at each other as they search for an answer to this dilemma. One 'rumor' that has been circulating like wildfire was the suggestion of closing the new Pawtucket Arts High School, as a way of easing the budget crunch. I'd like to pass on some suggestions that members of the community in Pawtucket may find helpful.
1) The ultimate recommendation regarding the closing of the JMW Arts High School, or any budget cuts will come from our School Committee. Make an attempt to attend their meetings, especially if you are a Pawtucket resident. There is a school committee meeting TONITE at 6:30pm at Jenks Jr. HS on Division Street (across from McCoy Stadium. They provide an 'open public input' opportunity 1 hour before their meetings begin (which is usually 5-6pm). If nothing else, it is an excellent opportunity to become educated about this situation. Right now there is a lot of speculation. Become familiar with your school committee members and learn about the issues. Visit the Pawtucket School Committee website at: psdri.net for a list of school committee members and school committee meeting times.
2) Some of our Pawtucket artists have begun circulating petitions to show support of keeping the JMW Arts High School open. Currently, Rich Watrous at 80 Fountain Street, Pawtucket is collecting signatures.
3) It is important to sort out the truth from the rumors. There is much speculation at this point in time. Through our different community organizations, the Pawtucket Foundation, PADS, the Pawtucket Arts Collaborative - we will continue to learn and share information as it develops.
By Pat Zacks
