SOS PORTSMOUTH

SOS Portsmouth can not make endorsements for candidates for Town Council or School Committee. We encourage you to review our previous posts leading to the Budget Referendum on October 5th. We urge all school supporters to advocate for and support pro-school candidates. No standing on the sidelines - email some friends and ask them to email some more.

Education in 2010 and beyond

This video was linked to a Portsmouth Patch story yesterday. The challenges facing our students in a global economy are many. This video uses some "fun" facts to highlight our challenges.

In the next week you may hear of the Aquidneck Island Math & Science Academy or AIM for short. I have been interested and researching STEM education for some years, and I will put forth a proposal to develop a "model" Magnet School at Portsmouth High. Stay Tuned...

Final Tally

Precinct 2701 (Prudence Island Fire Station) — Option 1: 51; Option 2: 6

Precincts 2702 and 2703 (Portsmouth Multi Purpose Senior Center) — Option 1: 373; Option 2: 270

Precincts 2704 and 2705 (Common Fence Point Community Hall) — Option 1: 352; Option 2: 197

Precincts 2706, 2707 and 2708 (Portsmouth Town Hall) — Option 1: 604; Option 2: 514

Precincts 2709, 2710 and 2712 (Aquidneck Island Christian Academy) — Option 1: 818; Option 2: 703

The voters spoke in a clear voice. And, the voters absolutely believed they were voting correctly. There is a general tenor of distrust, of anger, and a natural defense to blame an individual or group. The PCC and certain candidates took advantage of that by seeding facts out of context, created innuendo regarding found money, and generally put enough negative in people's hands to play on these difficult times. We can't allow truth to take a back seat to political ideology; and, we need to stand vocally for those candidates that take the time to understand and speak the truth. I believe SOS and everyone associated with us has done that, and I am proud that we stood for an open and honest election.

Election Results

It is with great sadness that I report we have lost the referendum. I will have final numbers tomorrow. The margin was approximately 10%, and was represented across all Districts. I pray there are clear answers that I can not see at this time. This is not a time to pull back, but a time to fight for those candidates who truly support our schools in November.

Thank You everyone! A special thank you to our Poll Captains: John McDaid, Len Katzman, Marge Levesque, and Andrew Kelly.

Dave

One last thing to do!

The key to our success tomorrow is to:

1. Get every registered family member to the polls by 8:00 PM.
   
   
2. Drop ten friends an email - just remind them the Referendum is tomorrow.
   
   
3. A positive outcome is not a victory but simply resetting the budget to "0"
   
   
4. We will have workers at each Poll, come spend an hour with us

I hope to be able to report the results by 10:00 on Tuesday night. This referendum is now in the voters hands. We need absolutely every vote!

Finally, please do not forget the misinformation campaign come November. Lies do not build a Town it will destroy it!

It has been an honor to work with all you fine folks - THANK YOU!

PATCH response to Ms. Perrotti

For all of you tired of reading about the referendum, I am more than tired of correcting the misinformation campaign against it. The Portsmouth Voters are smart and I should leave well enough alone, but there is a lot at stake and I would hate to leave a loose end. If anyone would like to question my facts please challenge me, to date I see no comments on my previous opinion piece.

I write today to correct the misinformation in Ms. Perrotti’s PATCH Opinion piece. Just last night I had a discussion (more like words) with Ms. Perrotti of the real damage this misinformation has to people, jobs, reputation and our community. I believe this misinformation is purely politically driven, but you decide!

Last evening I had asked her to correct her facts on the Portsmouth High School graduation rate, one of her core platforms. Ms. Perrotti claim that only 86.6% of the class of 2009 graduated, down from 96.8% in 2006 simply does not hold up. What she fails to state is that the reporting formula changed in 2008. Further before she used this fact as a core platform, she should have fact checked further. So, I did it for her. I ask the principal at the High School for a report on 2009 graduates. The school opened the year with 228 seniors of which 212 received diplomas in June, 5 graduated this summer, and 3 are scheduled to graduate in the next few weeks. That is 95% currently and 96.5% with the new graduates. Portsmouth High School never gave up on these students and worked with them well past June. This is one more reason to praise our schools – well done seniors!

How about Little Compton; Little Compton pays its own Special Education, Transportation, Administration and would not participate, per se, in the debt burden of the schools. So the best comparison I can think of is the “General Education Expenditures for Instruction and Instructional Support Per Pupil, by District”. Portsmouth’s General Education expense was $6,880 in the Infoworks 2009 report. Now that today may be about $8,000, but I use this in comparison to Little Compton’s payment. More importantly, Ms. Perrotti’s math looks more like credit-default swaps than a logical determination of value. Little Compton paid in $919,350 in FY 2010, that’s $919,350 of revenue the town’s taxpayer didn’t have to fund. The number of students is slightly greater than 100, but the cost to our system is certainly not the per-pupil fee. Little Compton provides critical mass in our grades and classrooms, and their cost is incremental. It would be difficult to quantify, but I would conservatively guess roughly $.60 on the dollar or $551,610 (I really think it is closer to $0.40 and $367,740). So by actual numbers I premise that Portsmouth is generating $367,740 in “profit”. That’s $367,740 that the tax payers do not pay.

Purchase of supplies; the school administration harps all year long on each department and school that they can only spend a % of their allocated budget. When I was on the school committee I think it was 80%, but I think it is far stricter these past few years. They squeeze as tight as they can to get through the year. Given the age of our buildings, and the propensity of our kids to use lots of toilet paper (used to the double rolls at home), the budget is horded for as long as possible through the year. Purchasing $60,000 at the end of the year is prudent – it didn’t get sold out the back of the Admin Building, it was used the following year to stretch that budget line-item the same way. A glass can be half empty or half full! This was budgeted, it was used for the proper purpose, and it certainly was not wasted (well you know what I mean). Making the jump from supplies to art education simply bears no comparison.

As to the budget, just three weeks ago Ms. Perrotti asked for the definition of Title I, a core Federal revenue line-item. I don’t mean to disparage but the budget process started last March and you are asking basic questions after the vote in September? BTW the answer she was directed to was in the Annual Budget Book. There were literally 40+ hours of public meetings focused on this budget. If you have attended a School Committee meeting Ms. Perrotti asks plenty of questions, I do not understand why she could not have asked for any detail needed. The problem may lie in her approach – always looking for that smoking gun.

Teacher ratios I do not have statistics on, but do understand that each student takes five classes, specials, sports, band etc. This is a statistic that looked good on the calculator but will never hold up to inspection.

I enjoyed my time on the School Committee because we focused on positive results. We didn’t have much to spend but we got a great return on our investment. (The republicans like ROI!)

PATCH response to Mr. Robicheau

We all live in a wonderful town with an incredible group of dedicated professionals in our schools. Most of you had the good fortune to send your children through the school system.

Just yesterday, the Portsmouth High School was awarded for having the highest proficiency in Rhode Island in the NECAP science assessment. This is a true achievement. We can both be proud of the education offered and the value we receive as taxpayers in Portsmouth. Do you know we spend thousands less per student than our neighboring communities Middletown and Newport. We are consistently in the bottom fifth in cost of education, yet we deliver in the top fifth year after year.

These past few days, the referendum has certainly been in the news and on our lips. As I said to Patch last night, even the negative serves the purpose of beginning a debate. I have had to spend an inordinate amount of my time these past few days being the fact police. I don't believe the average Portsmouth voter is naïve and I believe the use of misinformation is destructive to one's argument. The opposition to the referendum is misleading the community as to the risks of not voting for the additional monies, case in point Mr. Robicheau's current Opinion piece in Patch.

The school administration did report that they have ended the year with a surplus of between $200,000 and $400,000. A final figure will be reported by the auditor later this fiscal year, as often line-items are changed as part of the audit process. $200,000 of those funds will be earmarked for the FY2012 budget, as we did with a similar surplus last year. Mr. Robicheau's figure of $500,000 is exaggerated, but that's not my biggest gripe.

The school budget presently has a structural deficit of $765,000, meaning that to deliver a full school experience, we need these funds added to the core budget. Using one time dollars fills the hole for this year but not following years. Doing so this year in light of the $2,070,000 that will be cut from State Education Aid beginning next year ($207,000) would only put us in the hole $765,000 + $207,000 or $972,000 going into next year's budget.

Mr. Robicheau's argument that these one-time dollars should cover this year's deficit is financially shortsighted and politically expedient. This would leave the schools in crisis next year.

Speaking of one-time dollars, let's talk about Medicaid funds. While we have on account $428,000 we have budgeted $500,000 in revenue, so technically we presently have a $72,000 deficit. Now that will correct itself and we do expect to have a couple hundred thousand in account at year end. The problem here is two-fold: it's one-time money which will not solve a structural deficit and it is our reserve just in case.

What is a just in case moment, say a new family with a special needs child moves to Portsmouth, we will need to draw from these funds to pay for his/her education. Mr. Robicheau's argument would be advising you to take your emergency home account and wipe it out. Short term actions can have a more serious long term implication to our town.

Finally, they wish to paint the referendum proponents in the negative. But let me leave the reader with this thought: if we underfund our schools we will face a more serious and costly correction in the year or years ahead. We have been open and honest with the people of Portsmouth, there is no sleight of hand or smoke just a system that has been under attack for the better part of 10 years. If I were to see the future I see better contracts, changes in retirement, and increased revenue by being creative and entrepreneurial. We don't get there unless we have an honest investment in education.

Portsmouth High School #1 in Science in State

The 2010 NECAP Science Assessment results were announced this afternoon and Portsmouth High School is number 1 in high school proficiency in the State! Congratulations to Dr. Lusi, Ms. Jermain, Mr. Littlefield, and all those responsible for this achievement - this underscores the work being done in our Schools. SOS is proud of our students as Portsmouth was one of a handful of communities to increase test scores at all levels: Elementary, Middle and High School! My daughter would suggest: a school holiday?

Mr. Harris could you stay after class?

Jonathan Harris, a Republican candidate for School Committee, put out an email today, you may have received it. I will excerpt some of his key points. I don't really know Jon, and I am sure he is a reasonable man. Jon was a leader in the law suit to keep Elmhurst open; and, he was instrumental in delaying the closing of Elmhurst in 2009 when he projected a large enrollment increase from the Navy. That increase did not happen. I have never been asked my opinion from Jon or any of his running mates, but would be happy to sit with them or any of you - I'll even buy the coffee.

I must say I am simply crestfallen by the tenor of Jon's letter, the simplicity of his answers. Knowing what is at stake in this Referendum, and believe me it is the future of our system, having able minded people come to these conclusions is perplexing. My Letter to the Editor on Saturday was written with the knowledge that Jon and his running mates were working the soccer fields with innuendo. "The money is there, they have been hiding it." That is not true - Dr. Lusi and Mark Dunham are professionals and deserve our praise for keeping a steady tiller, ending the year with a strong budget surplus, and charting a course for the next five years. Mr. Harris asserts that the budget surplus was hidden, we actually reported it out earlier this year: August 10th vs. August 18th.

Jon's email began, "I am a supporter of high quality education and believe that, with the right leadership overseeing our schools, we can have a nationally ranked school district within two years." Hear hear! OK? Last time I checked this required investment, which requires a strong financial footing.

"Groups such as Save Our Schools "SOS", rightfully, are concerned about the reduction of programs and sports to our students. However, I do not agree with the SOS solution to the current budget issues, which is an additional increase to property taxes. Ultimately, a tax increase is a one year band aid and will bring us right back to the same situation next year unless true change is made." In fact Mr. Harris it is just the opposite. The complexity of the Maximum Levy Cap, commonly referred to as S3050, deeply penalizes budgets that are underfunded in any calendar year. This is the case this year in Portsmouth. If we fail to correct the structural deficit this year, we will carry it forward to fiscal 2012. The only way to correct that deficit at this time is new revenue.

I am going to pluck some sentences out of order, "I believe the budget referendum vote scheduled for October 5 is not necessary because the surplus and excess funding have provided our schools with $700,000 of funding not yet accounted for." I only wish this were true. Were we to follow Mr. Harris' advice we would begin the 2012 budget with close to a $1 million deficit. The budget is built based on the levy of the prior year, when one-time dollars are used we don’t add these funds to the base of the prior year. We then have to make up the one time dollars and the cuts to State Education Aid – or – cut even further?

“I should also point out that the day after hundreds of concerned and dedicated citizens submitted enough signatures to schedule a referendum budget override to fund the schools, the school department finance director disclosed that they had approximately $400,000 of unrestricted surplus funds which they failed to disclose prior to the signature drive.”

“I believe the majority of the school committee willfully misled the 1,800 people who signed the petition. I will vote against the referendum. What are the motives and capabilities of those running our schools in withholding this information and why has SOS not informed the public and signers of the petition regarding the budget surplus?” First, the referendum was not the School Committee’s doing but was mine & SOS, and I/we did not willfully mislead anyone. The Town Council level funded the schools and provided a smaller total budget than a year ago. They did so out of political expediency. SOS knows the difference between one-time funds and base-budgets, especially in light of upcoming cuts to State Education Aid. It matters little what the final surplus is, but it matters a lot as to how we use these surplus funds. Having a bank to draw upon to cover the cut in State Education Aid ($2,070,000 in total over ten years) and a reduction in Medicaid reimbursement these next few years is vital to our system.

Mr. Harris’ statement, “willfully misled” is so politically driven and is borderline libelous. As an employer I would not think this is a great job interview response for a future member of our School Committee. If Mr. Harris treats the unions as he has the school committee and as he has the administration in his legal action against the District; our system will fall off the edge.

Again, I do not know Jon Harris. I'd like to meet him, to correct his misunderstanding of the budget issues, and to channel his energy into positive constructive actions for our system and children.

Letter from Dr. Lusi

Below is a letter sent last evening from Dr. Lusi in response to a Letter to the Editor in Newport Daily News. Our responses to misinformation should be the facts. Let's maintain a positive approach to a clear minority willing to use misinformation to frame their argument.

Dear Members of the Portsmouth Community:

The editorial published in today’s Daily News entitled, It’s Time for Portsmouth Voters to Draw Line on School Spending is so full of incorrect information that I feel compelled to respond. I address some of the most glaring inaccuracies below:

Assertion: The budget referendum is “to vote on whether to increase the fiscal 2011 budget by $765,301 above the 4.5 percent increase approved by the Town Council.”

Fact:

- The original budget request of the School Committee was for a 4.5% increase in the Town appropriation ($1,263,345).

- The School Department actually received an increase of $129,532 from the Town (0.5%).

- If the referendum passes, the School Department will receive a total increase in Town appropriations of $894,833 (including the $129,532 referenced above) for a total increase in Town appropriations for the schools of 3.2%.

- Because of declines in revenue from the state and other sources, the School Department’s total budget will increase by 1.5% if the referendum passes.

- As it stands now, our total budget for this year is less than it was for last year.

Assertion: “The school budget now stands at $39 million with a $517,000 surplus from 2010 budget.”

Fact:

- I think the authors must be referring to the balance sheet showing fund balance from the School Department’s FY 2009 audit. I have attached this page from the audit with some notations.

- As noted, of the $516,965 of unreserved fund balance at that time, $200,000 was expended in FY 2010 and $200,000 is budgeted for FY 2011, leaving a balance of $116,965.

- We do anticipate having additional fund balance at the close of the FY2010 audit, which we will have in January. Again, we would earmark $200,000 for the next fiscal year and the district’s 5-year plan shows using any remaining fund balances to mitigate coming reductions in State Aid due to the new funding formula and to federal aid due to the end of the stimulus package.

Assertion: The increase was demanded without any consideration of increasing the co-pay for health insurance or modifying pay increases.

Fact:

- We are in negotiations with our teachers which include negotiating salary and benefit packages.

Assertion: “Teachers receive longevity and cost-of-living increases every year without fail and can make up to $10,000 per month in salary.”

Fact:

- No, no, and no.

- Teachers start receiving longevity at 20 years of service in Portsmouth. Longevity provides an additional $1,200 per year for years 20-24; $1,250 for years 25-29, and $1,300 per year for years 30 and above. Longevity payments have been frozen at these amounts since the 2007-2008 school year.

- In 2009-2010 no teacher received a cost-of-living increase; in 2008-2009 only teachers on Step 10 (about half the bargaining unit) received a COLA. Other teachers have received their step increases, but no COLAs; the steps have been frozen since 2008-2009.

- Portsmouth teachers cannot make up to $10,000 per month in salary. Given that teachers work 10 months per year, this would be a salary of $100,000. Our top step is $71,577. Even with additional payments such as longevity, coaching, etc., our teachers do not approach $100,000 per year in salary.

Assertion: “The School Department budget has increased more than 78 percent since 2004.”

Fact:

- This is grossly inaccurate.

- The School Department’s approved operating budget in 2004 was $26,170,614; our operating budget for this year, if the referendum passes, will be $35,527,720. This is an increase of 35.8%. I have not done the calculations around increased cost of living, etc., over this period, but the editorial overstates our increases by more than 100%.

- If you are wondering about our restricted funds, they totaled $1,628,508 in 2004 and $1,415,288 this year – a reduction of 13%.

I recognize that people have differing opinions regarding the referendum, but I would hope that people would form those opinions based on accurate information.

Sincerely,

Susan F. Lusi, Ph.D
Superintendent

Open Letter

Portsmouth voters will be asked in two short weeks to chart the course of Portsmouth’s educational future. Save Our Schools reminds all voters of the October 5th referendum and their ability to request an emergency ballot by October 4th. As the proponent for adding $765,301 to the Town Council approved budget, I encourage every voter to become familiar with the facts so that they can make an informed decision. I believe then you will agree that the $765,301 or an increase over last year of just 1.5% is both conservative and necessary.

What sacrifices have been made? The Portsmouth School Department has made deep cuts to this year’s budget: closing the Elmhurst School, eliminating 12.6 full-time positions, cutting bus routes, minimizing supplies, and eliminating select programs. This is nothing new for Portsmouth as we have been cutting for the better part of the past decade. While Portsmouth is in the bottom fifth in per-pupil spending in the State, we deliver in the top fifth in educational performance year after year. Portsmouth Schools have made sacrifices at all levels, and we can’t cut further.

Why is this increase needed? When the School Committee builds its budget it has two principal sources of revenue: state funds and town funds. The State of Rhode Island has cut back aid significantly this year to both the town and school. The only source to replace state funds is town funds or municipal taxes. Municipal taxes, however, are restricted by a property tax levy cap enacted in 2006; and, the levy can grow only as a percentage of the past year’s base. So budgets that form that base are critical to maintain. A structural deficit in the base will never be corrected. Unfortunately it only gets worse for Portsmouth Schools, under the new State Education Aid formula Portsmouth will lose $207,000 per year for the next ten years or $2,070,000. Faced with those additional cuts it is critical these referendum dollars be approved, the alternative is a true financial crisis.

Does the School District have cash reserves? Yes, in fact, the School Administration has done an excellent job managing expenses. The School Department expects to end the year with a surplus of $200,000 to $400,000. $200,000 of this will be earmarked for next year’s budget (2012), just as $200,000 of the prior year’s surplus was budgeted for this year. The balance of these funds fortunately can go to lessen the impact of the Education Aid cuts over the next three years, as was presented in the School District’s five-year forecast. The Medicaid reimbursement account currently has $428,000 of the $500,000 the District has budgeted, or presently a $72,000 deficit. The District, however, will receive additional Medicaid reimbursements and projects a positive balance at the end of this fiscal year. Again, based on the School Department’s 5-year plan, excess funds will be used to soften the incremental funding gaps in special education over the next three years and fill revenue gaps created by the reduction in Medicaid reimbursements with the end of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act .

These funds provide the District a very small cushion against additional changes throughout the year, such as the mid-year state aid reductions Portsmouth has experienced in the past or increased student need. These are all one-time dollars; meaning they will not be available in future years to cover similar expenses. It would be fiscally irresponsible to use one-time cash to fund our operations and create a structural deficit; doing so will only cause a $1 million deficit for the 2012 budget year.

What is the cost of $765,301? The cost to the Portsmouth tax payer is 20 cents per thousand of assessed value or $71.40 for the average home. This is slightly less than $6 per month. While I understand the economic difficulties many are experiencing in town, as well as the struggles our seniors’ face; these funds and the increase of 1.5% is the difference of our school system’s survival as we know it. I do not say that lightly, but a decade of cuts is enough.

I urge Portsmouth residents to vote for the additional funding (Option 2) on October 5th. I encourage you to watch Newport Daily News Editorial Board’s School Committee debate September 30th at 8:45 PM. I pray Portsmouth voters put ideology aside and ask themselves the importance of education for our children, our economy, our home values, and our community.

David Croston

Referendum Open House Handout

SCHOOL REFERENDUM
October 5th

Dear Parents:

On October 5th Portsmouth will have a critical ballot election. The ballot will read as follows:

You may vote for one of the following:

1. The Portsmouth Town Council appropriation for the School Department Budget shall remain unchanged in the amount of $35,527,720.00.

2. The Portsmouth Town Council appropriation for the School Department Budget shall be increased by $765,301.00 to a total appropriation of $36,293,021.00.

Approve Option 1
Approve Option 2

WE URGE YOU TO VOTE OPTION 2

Why?

Reason #1 – A Reasonable Increase

The current Town Council budget provides the schools less money to operate this year than last year. The $765,301 request represents a 1.5% increase from last year. This will allow the schools to operate in a similar fashion to last year. Without this money the Schools will be in crisis and will face the elimination of programs, a crisis we believe our school system will NEVER recover from!

Reason #2 – Significant cuts have been made

Already this year the School Committee eliminated 12.6 full-time equivalent positions from the budget. And, we sadly said goodbye to all the fond memories of the Elmhurst School. This on top of a long line of cuts to our system has made for the better part of the last decade; and, we are at the edge of our education cliff.

Reason #3 – We are an efficient system

Portsmouth has consistently delivered in the top fifth in academic achievement over the past decade, while being in the bottom fifth of per-pupil expenses. In fact, Portsmouth has consistently delivered the best value for the money in Rhode Island. In RIPEC’s report, RESULTS Education in Rhode Island 2010, Portsmouth is 33rd of 36 districts in per pupil expenditure. Portsmouth is well below the Suburban Average of per-pupil spending and $thousands (per pupil) below our regional neighbors Middletown and Newport.

Reason #4 – It's only going to get worse

Our legacy of frugality only hurt us in the new State Education Aid Formula relative to Portsmouth’s ability to pay. And, Portsmouth will lose $207,000 per year for the next ten years under the formula, a total of 2,070,000. One-time American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding will disappear after this year. We simply cannot run our system without these Referendum funds.

Reason #5 – Portsmouth is a leader

Many of our families moved to Portsmouth specifically for the school system. We believe a strong school system is this town greatest asset. Portsmouth leads in alternative energy. Portsmouth leads in open space. Portsmouth needs to lead in education to maintain our community’s collective value. A one percent devaluation in the average home is $3,500, a reasonable decrease if we had an underfunded school system. That represents 49 years of the increase proposed in the referendum.

Reason #6 – $6 per month

Were the referendum to be successful, the average home will see a $71.40 increase, or less than $6 per month. We, like many of you, have struggled these past few years; but, it's now that we need education, sports, guidance, arts, theater, and music more than ever. Those most affected by this economy need the stability our schools offer - it simply is not the time to abandon our schools.

Reason #7 – The referendum is binding

The School Committee voted on September 14th not to seek a Caruolo Act suit were the referendum to be unsuccessful. They voted to put their faith in this community to decide its own fate. We do support this, we need to decide (once and for all) what level of education we want in Portsmouth. Did we move here for the State Basic Education Plan or did we move here because there is magic in band, wonder in the art works of our students, and true success in our classrooms.

Reason #8 – Truly great things lie ahead

There is a vision of Portsmouth’s education future and it is bright. We need your vote to enable us time to affect change, to build a 21st Century education model, and to work with the community in an open and inviting manner.

We ask for your support at the polling booth on October 5th. This is a special election that replaces the old tent meeting. Absentee ballots are available for college-age students, military, and those unable to be in Portsmouth that day. We encourage you to speak to friends and family of the importance of this vote. Our children and grandchildren deserve a rigorous and well-rounded education.

YOUR VOTE TRULY COUNTS – supPORT SCHOOLS
Vote OPTION 2 on October 5th!

Voting Locations

2701 Prudence Island

2706, 2707 & 2708 Town Hall
2702 & 2703 Multi-Purpose Senior Center

2709, 2710 & 2712 Aquidneck Christian Academy
2704 & 2705 Common Fence Point Community Hall

FINAL DAY TO REGISTER IS SATURDAY

The final day to register to vote for the October 5th Referendum is this Saturday!

The Portsmouth Canvassing Authority Office will be open on Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. This is in addition to their regular hours Monday through Friday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

SOS files with State

SOS has officially filed with the Board of Elections as a Ballot Advocate. If you would like to support our campaign efforts, SOS will be accepting donations through PayPal. These monies will be used 100% for ballot advocacy to include flyers and advertisements. Your help will assist us in getting information to Portsmouth voters. Thanks!

Election Set for October 5th!

The Referendum Election has been set for October 5th. This date will allow for absentee ballots to be available from September 15th until October 4th. I want to thank Madeleine Pencak and everyone in the Canvassers Office for all their hard work. And, I want to thank Kathy Viera-Beaudoin and the Clerk's office for their assistance. Both these departments were incredibly supportive.

Students should visit the Canvassers Office before they head-out for school and sign-up to receive an absentee ballot. Emergency ballots will also be available up to the election.

Referendum Petition Signatures top 2,000

On Tuesday morning we will present over 2,000 signatures to the Town Clerk supporting our referendum petition to provide our schools with an increase of $765,301. The Clerk will formally accept the signature pages on behalf of the Town and the Canvassers Office will have two weeks to certify 1,294 of these signatures (the required minimum). Once certified, the Clerk shall call an all-day election on a Tuesday no less than 35 days or more than 45 days from certification. This would mean the earliest scheduled election would be September 28th or more probable October 4th.

Thanks goes to all the canvassers who assisted at the successful Sign & Drive and Transfer Station, walked neighborhoods, and brought petitions to friends and family. We had over forty volunteers who I simply can't thank enough! I want to personnally thank John McDaid, Jim Seveney, Dennis Canario, and Len Katzman for their leadership and support during the campaign. These gentlemen deserve a great deal of credit for our success. And, of course, thank you to everyone who took time out to sign!

In the weeks ahead you will hear a positive campaign about the value our system delivers daily for our kids and the Portsmouth community. We will speak of the investment in core educational services and what that means for the average taxpayer. We listened to all residents these past 10 days and we will build an information campaign to best educate the voters by October 4th.

RESULTS TO BE ANNOUNCED MONDAY

Referendum petition results will be announced on Monday. I want to thank all the volunteers who have been on the pavement this past week. We are counting twice and reviewing the forms this evening. Stay tuned...

Where to find us Saturday

The petition will be at the Transfer Station from 7:30, Sandy Point Beach from 9:00, we will be in the Elmtree area and Island Park after 4:00. Thank you Portsmouth for your support!

400 to GO!!

I passionately believe we are building our future, building an open and supportive educational environment for Portsmouth. This referendum will put the negative in our rear view mirror, and put an end to the attacks on our system. Am I naive? Together we can change the debate putting the PCC, the Tea Tottlers, and those who wish to paint us broadly into the background. How? We stand together. We take one positive step at a time. We speak openly. We engage the very silent majority. We honestly can do this, if we do it together. Join me in making this referendum the first positive step.

Thank you, I am proud to supPORT SCHOOLS!

500 to GO!!!

We are well on our way!!! Thank you everyone who is volunteering and everyone who is signing! This is the hardest 500 signatures, the last 1/3. Let's really step up our game and bring this referendum successfully home. We will be up at the High School this afternoon from 4-7, at the Transfer Station from 7:00 tomorrow morning, at Sandy Point Beach from about 8:30 tomorrow, and in your neighborhood! Lets double our effort!

This morning someone from the schools came out to thank me for all our efforts. He expressed how much they all care about the kids in our schools and how they have not sought raises. He reiterated what I know very well, the schools simply do not have extra anything. I, too, thanked him and expressed what I believe we all feel - Portsmouth has the best administrators, teachers and staff. It is an honor to support this group!

NDN Letter to Editor (Friday)

I want to first thank the Newport Daily News for its extensive coverage of our referendum drive. Newport Daily News is our community paper, binding our residents through knowledge of local events. The more facts we know the stronger we are-Thank You to Jim Johnson and NDN!

We are at the mid-way point of our campaign and a little more than half-way to reaching our goal of 1,500 signatures. I want to thank all the volunteers who have been canvassing neighborhoods and standing at sporting fields - they are the unsung heroes for our schools. I also want to thank the residents who have signed the petition for their support. As we come to our final turn, I wanted to put forth some truths as simply as I can. The Referendum requests the schools receive 1.5% more than last year. This is below inflation and represents a “bare-bones” budget for the Schools. There are no salary increases for our teachers other than the mandated step increases in the first ten years. Concessions have been made by the teachers in the past and will be made in the future. Do you know Portsmouth per pupil expense is $11,500 and ranks 34th of 36 Districts. This includes all salary, benefits and operational expenses. This compares to over $15,000 in Middletown and $18,000 in Newport. The referendum seeks to counter the Town Council’s cut of $1.1 million from the School Committee’s budget; that amount is less in a total dollar amount than this year. The Schools cannot run on that budget, so we have a choice. We can have a referendum were everyone in the Town can vote (up or down) at a cost of $15,000; or, we can spend as a Town $300,000+ on studies, reports, and legal fees on the second Caruolo law suit in five years. We implore you to support the referendum as the best and least expensive alternative.

You can follow the petition drive at www.sosportsmouth.com. We will be at the High School Friday night from 4-7, or until you have had a chance to sign. Come down and supPORT SCHOOLS.

David D. Croston

600+ is simply not enough

OK, let me change tone... I am quite frankly disappointed to not be further allong in our goal. Core constituants simply aren't in the game. Student's are not engaged. What will it take? Is coming 100 signatures short on the 11th (our 14th day) the ultimate wake-up call? We have volunteers spending days, multiple hours, gathering signatures; can I ask our supporters to give us 15 minutes? This is the bottom-line question, and it is up to you. This Thursday and Friday, Sign & Drive, Portsmouth High School from 6-9am and 4-7pm. We need you to swing by and give us your support - we need it!!!!

If you have questions, please email me at david@sosportsmouth.com.

Thank You

HONK FOR EDUCATION

Thank you to everyone who came out for the rally! We had good coverage from Newport Daily News and Portsmouth Patch (www.portsmouth.patch.com) so look for the headlines. We actually received a fair number of signatures as well. Thank you to the candidates for Town Council: Canario, Katzman, Seveney, Honnen, and Cortvriend; and, school committee: McDaid for their support.

Jim Seveney email - Thank You Jim!

To all of you (over 150) folks who emailed me with your concerns about our schools... The petition effort to collect the 1,400 signatures we need to hold a referendum is well underway. I don't have to tell you how critical it is to restore the funding cut by the council. So if you haven't signed the petition yet, please take advantage of one of several opportunities over this week:

• School support rally, Tuesday 8/3 starting at 4:30pm, at the corner of Turnpike and East Main (in front of BankNewport),
  
• Portsmouth High School, Thurs 8/5 & Fri 8/6, from 6-9am & 4-7pm... just drive up, sign, and drive off.

And when you come, please bring some friends with you.

If these times don't work for you, let me know and we'll find another way to get to you. Every voice, every signature... and every vote... is key to shaping our own future. It's all on us.

I thank all of you once again for your calls, emails, letters, and your presence at the budget meetings... now we need to push all the harder to get this question to a town-wide ballot.

I apologize if you have received this information previously... we just want to be sure that everyone gets the word in time to participate. If you wish, please feel free to forward this email on to anyone you think is interested in supporting the effort.

Best regards,
Jim Seveney

Where to find the Petition??

Thank You everyone, we are on our way WITH A LONG WAY TO GO! Monday at 5:00 petition volunteers will be at Seveney Field. Tuesday come down and join our rally at Turnpike & East Main (at BankNewport & Clements). And, our Sign & Drive campaign begins Thursday morning at 6:00 - Thursday and Friday 6-9 am and 4-7 pm at the High School.

I spent the weekend canvassing two neighborhoods and enjoyed meeting fellow neighbors. Two of three households were supportive. I could write a book on my weekend experiences... eight kids playing baseball in the front yard and "NO"; well who is going to educate your kids? "I'm sending my kids to private schools!" Do you care about the value of your home? And, far too many too busy gardening, flipping pancakes, painting... to even take the time to sign. We as a society are changing and placing walls around ourselves. Join me in fighting to keep Portsmouth a community!

12 Days to go

If you are interested in receiving a Referendum Petition please email your address to me at david@sosportsmouth.com and I will drop it by your home. We had a good first day but need more than 100 signatures per day to reach our goal. We need as many hands as we can get!

Tell family and friends to come to the High School next Thursday and Friday (6-9 & 4-7) for our Sign & Drive.

Thank You ALL!

Press Release

Portsmouth, Rhode Island – 7/29/2010 - At 9:00am this morning at the Portsmouth Canvassing Offices, David Croston, on behalf of all Portsmouth school supporters, submitted a request for referendum asking for an additional $765,301 for the Portsmouth Schools. That represents a total school budget request of $36,293,021 or a 1.5% increase from FY2010. If successful, the referendum would increase taxes $0.204 per thousand or $71.44 annually for a home valued at $350,000. Last evening, the Portsmouth Town Council voted a $0.036 increase per thousand. In total, were the referendum to be successful, the Portsmouth Tax Rate would increase $0.24 per thousand from $11.265 in FY2010 to $11.505 in FY2011.

The referendum campaign will kick off in earnest this weekend with a signing station at Sandy Point Beach and volunteers canvassing their neighborhoods. Volunteers will be present on Monday & Tuesday night at Seveney Field, a rally is scheduled at the intersection of 138 and 138a on Tuesday night, and signing stations will be manned next Thursday and Friday at the Portsmouth High School from 6-9 am and 4-7 pm.

“We need to stand-up for Portsmouth education. Our system has delivered the most efficient system for the dollar in all of Rhode Island. It is easy in these difficult times to blame the institution, but it is honestly misplaced. Education is a fundamental right and what drove many of us to Portsmouth. Our home values and the economic opportunities for our kids, grandchildren and neighbors hinge on a vigorous education. It would be shortsighted and purely politic not to see the benefits of our investment in education. As I have stated previously, a 1% decline in the average home is $3,500; which is very plausible were we to underfund our Schools. $71.44 or $5.95 per month is a worthwhile investment in our community,” states David Croston, founder of Save Our Schools.

TOWN COUNCIL DECIMATES SCHOOL'S BUDGET

Was there ever a doubt? The Town Council voted the top line FY 2011 budget for the schools at $35,527,720, a $1,115,301 cut from the requested budget. To provide some context, this years (FY 2010) top-line budget is $35,746,286, $218,566 more than FY2011! This, clearly, is unacceptable on all fronts and forces the referendum campaign and possibly legal action by the School Committee. Technically, the town appropriation is slightly more for FY2011 than FY2010- $129,542. Functionally, it is level funding the Schools.

Tomorrow morning at 9:00 at Town Hall I will submit our referendum question for certification by the Canvassing Department. I expect to have certified signature papers by days end, and will distribute to neighborhood captains on Friday. If you want a sheet, please email me at david@sosportsmouth.com. Please do not assume your neighbor is in charge - TAKE CHARGE. We need 1,500 signature or 30 people getting 50 or 50 people getting 30! Step up to help - WE HAVE 14 DAYS!!!!!

The referendum will ask to increase the school budget by $765,301. This represents the difference between the Schools revised budget (minus $350,000) and the voted allocation.

Next week we will have a rally at the junction of 138 and 138a (BankNewport @ Clements) on Tuesday night and will have our Sign & Drive Campaign Thursday and Friday (AM & PM) at the High School.

WE NEED EVERYONE! THIS IS THE HARDEST STEP OF ALL! 1,500 IS ALOT OF SIGNATURES!

Where from here? WEDNESDAY TC MEETING

You had to be there... the best word I could use is "Insulted". I simple felt insulted by the majority of the Council who was unprepared and ill-informed to reach any budget outcome last night. After countless hours in workshop after workshop, it was as if we were starting on page one - exactly where we will start on Wednesday. (If you dare, we really would love to share this sad theater with you on Wednesday.) As we predicted on our first post: politics is this Council's only master. The majority ignore the facts, manipulate the facts, and craft this vision of their own making. It paints our Schools, Teachers, Administrators, and School Committee in dark tones, which insults all their hard work and insults my intelligence. Now we pit the Schools against other Town Departments, and that insults our community and our needs.

Our answer will be a Referendum, which will kick-off in earnest next week. We will have morning and afternoon signing stations at the High School, please plan to attend next Thursday and Friday. We need 1,500 signatures, please do not assume your neighbors will sign and this is not worth your time. We need you, your spouse, and your neighbors. Come up to the High School next Thursday from 6-9AM or from 4-7PM to help us supPORT SCHOOLS!

Unbelievable! Simply Unbelievable!

There is no budget. The Provisional Budget was voted down; and, the majority of the Council seemed poised to level fund the schools. We litterally were left looking at one another as the Council had no answers. They wanted to cut another $502,131 from the budget to bring it in at "Cap". At the end they pushed the vote to Wednesday night.

This delays our referendum plans. I have had to cancel ads and a rally for Wednesday. Our Sign & Drive campaign will be delayed a week. Please stay tuned, we need your help to win this battle. All for now...

Finally! Final TC Budget Vote

This journey finds some answers this Monday night July 26th, the final Town Council vote on the budget. This is truly a time for leadership. The Schools are requesting a 2.51% increase, have stated clearly they could work with 1.5%. This is well within line of other Town departments; but, most importantly, this is only after difficult cuts to teachers, staff, and the Elmhurst School. The 1.5% increase will exceed the Maximum Levy Cap ("Tax Cap") and cost the average taxpayer about $8.33/mo. In an extraordinary year, a year the State has abandoned Portsmouth with cuts to State Aid, maintaining the foundation of our community: strong schools, safe streets, and trained first responders should be the Town Council's primary objective.

The Portsmouth Town Administrator has submitted all appropriate documentation to the State Municipal Affairs Department, and has the approvals to exceed the "Cap". So we have the right! Do we have the Leadership?

We pray that we avoid the signature campaign scheduled to begin this Thursday, avoid any further consideration of seeking Court assistance, and save the angst of our community.

School Counsel Weighs in on Referendum

See update below in Blue

Stephen Robinson, newly hired School Committee attorney, issued a legal opinion to the Schools yesterday. Steve guided the School Committee through the Caruolo action in 2007. Mr. Robinson states that the Town Council has on one hand budget authority and on the other hand taxing authority; and, a referendum question providing more money to the schools is in the budget hand. So, were a referendum to succeed providing more money to the Schools, the Town Council would be obligated to provide those funds. The Council, in turn, would have three possible sources for the funding: cut the municipal budget, take from the reserve fund (as was done in 2006), or vote to exceed the Maximum Levy Cap (which we have the right to do based on loss of non-property revenue in FY2011). The Council would have to find the funds. Steve is very good at what he does, and he represents a number of other School Districts.

Our belief was that our "Tent Meeting" was a Financial Town Meeting with all the rights afforded that in the Maximum Tax Levy legislation. Our Charter allowed us to override the Council with a Financial Town Meeting, which than gave the residents the power to vote to exceed the "Cap". Than we changed the Charter. The intent of the Charter change was not to change that right, but to make that right more fair for all residents of Portsmouth; and, extending that right to a full day vote with absentee ballots et. al. So, if I were deployed in Iraq but wanted to vote, I would be afforded that right. Were I a nurse who needed to work that Saturday morning, I would have a vote. We will be seeking a legal opinion as to whether any of those rights have changed under a Referendum. Stay tuned...

Update:

Is it the "or" or the "also"?

Lets go back to the Maximum Levy paragraph (e): Any levy pursuant to subsection (d) of this section in excess of the percentage increase specified in subsection (a) or (b) of this section shall be approved by the affirmative vote of at least four-fifths (4/5) of the full membership of the governing body of the city or town or in the case of a city or town having a financial town meeting, the majority of the electors present and voting at the town financial meeting shall also approve the excess levy.

At first read, it would appear that the law affords either a Town Council vote to exceed or a majority of the electors to vote in the case of a Financial Town Meeting. Our argument hinges on the meaning of "also". Does the Bill require both? Our quest continues... stay tuned.

The referendum campaign is in full force. There are numerous benefits to the referendum, but we first need 1,500 signatures over 14 days beginning on July 27th. Remember Sign & Drive begins on Thursday July 29th and Friday, July 30th!

Running Scared?

Thank you to those who took the time to attend last night’s Public Meeting on the budget. To quote John McDaid the residents spoke 3:1 in favor of funding the schools, but our work is just beginning.

The Town Council was not void of politics last night having Town Counsel provide an opinion as to whether a Referendum question would override S3050's (Maximum Levy) super majority vote (6 of 7 Councilors). Maybe the majority of the Town Council are running scared? Why would this be raised last night but to dissuade us from proceeding? Well, Donato Andre D'Andrea, Esq. stated that the Council’s super majority vote would still be required if the Referendum question appropriated monies to the Schools that exceeded the “Tax Cap”. So, let’s look at the wording:

(e) Any levy pursuant to subsection (d) of this section in excess of the percentage increase specified in subsection (a) or (b) of this section shall be approved by the affirmative vote of at least four-fifths (4/5) of the full membership of the governing body of the city or town or in the case of a city or town having a financial town meeting, the majority of the electors present and voting at the town financial meeting shall also approve the excess levy.

The last sentence seems more than clear, giving the electors full authority to exceed the “Cap”. Well, Town Counsel believes Portsmouth no longer has a Financial Town Meeting; therefore, the provision is moot. So, the Town Charter change, voted on by the majority of residents providing a one day election (Referendum) to replace the Financial Town Meeting, is itself not a Financial Town Meeting. So the intent and the will of the people be damned.

We sincerely look forward to challenging Counsel’s opinion and our planning continues on the Referendum. What concerns us most is the brazen intent to subvert the will of the voters, not just if a referendum succeeded but the voted Town Charter change. Just take a moment to think about it… is this Council really trying to rule in the minority? These next few weeks should be fascinating!

Please see Maximum Levy legislation text below:

44-5-2. Maximum levy. -- (a) Through and including its fiscal year 2007, a city or town may levy a tax in an amount not more than five and one-half percent (5.5%) in excess of the amount levied and certified by that city or town for the prior year. Through and including its amount levied and certified by that city or town for the prior year. Through and including its fiscal year 2007, but in no fiscal year thereafter, the amount levied by a city or town is deemed to be consistent with the five and one-half percent (5.5%) levy growth cap if the tax rate is not more than one hundred and five and one-half percent (105.5%) of the prior year's tax rate and the budget resolution or ordinance, as applicable, specifies that the tax rate is not increasing by more than five and one-half percent (5.5%) except as specified in subsection (c) of this section. In all years when a revaluation or update is not being implemented, a tax rate is deemed to be one hundred five and one-half percent (105.5%) or less of the prior year's tax rate if the tax on a parcel of real property, the value of which is unchanged for purpose of taxation, is no more than one hundred five and one-half percent (105.5%) of the prior year's tax on the same parcel of real property. In any year through and including fiscal year 2007 when a revaluation or update is being implemented, the tax rate is deemed to be one hundred five and one-half percent (105.5%) of the prior year's tax rate as certified by the division of property valuation and municipal finance in the department of revenue.
(b) In its fiscal year 2008, a city or town may levy a tax in an amount not more than five and one-quarter percent (5.25%) in excess of the total amount levied and certified by that city or town for its fiscal year 2007. In its fiscal year 2009, a city or town may levy a tax in an amount not more than five percent (5%) in excess of the total amount levied and certified by that city or town for its fiscal year 2008. In its fiscal year 2010, a city or town may levy a tax in an amount not more than four and three-quarters percent (4.75%) in excess of the total amount levied and certified by that city or town in its fiscal year 2009. In its fiscal year 2011, a city or town may levy a tax in an amount not more than four and one-half percent (4.5%) in excess of the total amount levied and certified by that city or town in its fiscal year 2010. In its fiscal year 2012, a city or town may levy a tax in an amount not more than four and one-quarter percent (4.25%) in excess of the total amount levied and certified by that city or town in its fiscal year 2011. In its fiscal year 2013 and in each fiscal year thereafter, a city or town may levy a tax in an amount not more than four percent (4%) in excess of the total amount levied and certified by that city or town for its previous fiscal year.
(c) The division of property valuation in the department of revenue shall monitor city and town compliance with this levy cap, issue periodic reports to the general assembly on compliance, and make recommendations on the continuation or modification of the levy cap on or before December 31, 1987, December 31, 1990, and December 31, every third year thereafter. The chief elected official in each city and town shall provide to the division of property and municipal finance within thirty (30) days of final action, in the form required, the adopted tax levy and rate and other pertinent information.
(d) The amount levied by a city or town may exceed the percentage increase as specified in subsection (a) or (b) of this section if the city or town qualifies under one or more of the following provisions:
(1) The city or town forecasts or experiences a loss in total non-property tax revenues and the loss is certified by the department of revenue.
(2) The city or town experiences or anticipates an emergency situation, which causes or will cause the levy to exceed the percentage increase as specified in subsection (a) or (b) of this section. In the event of an emergency or an anticipated emergency, the city or town shall notify the auditor general who shall certify the existence or anticipated existence of the emergency. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, an emergency shall be deemed to exist when the city or town experiences or anticipates health insurance costs, retirement contributions or utility expenditures which exceed the prior fiscal year's health insurance costs, retirement contributions or utility expenditures by a percentage greater than three (3) times the percentage increase as specified in subsection (a) or (b) of this section.
(3) A city or town forecasts or experiences debt services expenditures which exceed the prior year's debt service expenditures by an amount greater than the percentage increase as specified in subsection (a) or (b) of this section and which are the result of bonded debt issued in a manner consistent with general law or a special act. In the event of the debt service increase, the city or town shall notify the department of revenue which shall certify the debt service increase above the percentage increase as specified in subsection (a) or (b) of this section the prior year's debt service. No action approving or disapproving exceeding a levy cap under the provisions of this section affects the requirement to pay obligations as described in subsection (d) of this section.
(4) The city or town experiences substantial growth in its tax base as the result of major new construction which necessitates either significant infrastructure or school housing expenditures by the city or town or a significant increase in the need for essential municipal services and such increase in expenditures or demand for services is certified by the department of revenue.

Referendum FAQs

What is a Referendum?

It’s hard to forget the infamous Tent Meeting of the summer of 2006, the resulting law suit, and ultimate resolution. During that process many residents felt disenfranchised from the vote, having to work that Saturday morning or having existing vacation plans. Led by Sal and Chris Carceller, the residents voted to change the Town Charter calling for an all day referendum vote. Today, if 10% of the electorate (roughly 1,500 registered voters) petition the Canvasser, an all day election will be called.

Why would we call for a Referendum Vote?

We do not believe that the Town Council and the School Committee will come to an agreement on a Schools budget for FY2011. In order to adequately fund the schools this Town Council, in our opinion, would have to exceed the “Tax Cap”. We do not believe a Super Majority (6 of 7 Councilors) will agree to exceed. That means the Schools face a possible deficit of over $1 Million. This leaves the School Committee two options: go back to Court (as it did in 2006) or seek support through a Referendum Question.

I support the Schools, where do I sign?

Were you to support calling a Referendum, signature papers could not be available before July 27th, the day after the Town Council’s final budget vote. The Town Charter provides for the Canvasser to prepare Referendum Petitions as of the 27th, and gives proponents 14 days to obtain signature from 10% of the electorate. So, this is no easy task!

OK, then what is the plan?

We are hopeful to get the vast majority of our signatures on Thursday, July 29th and Friday, July 30th on Sign & Drive venues. We will have signature stations at each school in the AM and PM commuting hours. We will try to make it as easy as possible – it literally is a signature and your address. Stay tuned… Information can be found at www.sosportsmouth.com.

We will then begin a canvassing campaign to get the remaining signatures.

What would the Referendum Question be?

It is too early to be specific, but it looks like we will seek funding for the School at 1.5% greater than their FY2010 allocation. This is the figure the School Committee’s Finance Sub-Committee brought to a June Town Council Hearing, and what we believe to be the School’s “bottom-line”. That would fund the Schools for FY2011 at $36,023,601. This would cause a tax increase to the average property tax payer ($350,000) of a little more than $100 per year or $8 and change per month.

The FAQs on PORTSMOUTH SCHOOLS

What is being asked for and what is being provided?

If you are receiving this FAQ you are attending the Public Meeting on the FY2011 Town Provisional Budget. Tonight public comment will be asked for regarding the budget. There will be no votes or decisions made tonight, just the residents voicing favor or concern regarding the budget. The Town Council will vote the final budget on July 26th at 7:00 in Town Council Chambers, Portsmouth Town Hall. There may be an additional meeting for Council debate prior to the 26th.

The School Committee presented the Town Council with a $36,643,021 budget and has not voted to change that request. That request asks for a 2.51% increase in funding from FY2010. The Town Council voted to “level fund” the Schools in their Preliminary Budget (a $1.2 Million Cut); and, subsequently split that figure, approving a Provisional Budget for the Schools of $36,023,601. This represents a 0.78% increase. The Provisional Budget requires the Town to exceed the “Tax Cap” (Senate Bill 3050 Tax Levy Cap). There was a loophole at the time of the vote which allowed a simple majority to approve to exceed the cap that no longer exists. Therefore, as we sit tonight and with no expectation that 6 of 7 councilors will vote to exceed the cap, the Schools face over $1 million in cuts from their proposed budget.

The School Committee, through its Finance Sub-Committee, has offered for discussion a $36,293,021 budget or a $350,000 cut from their requested budget. This would represent a 1.5% increase. That is believed to be the “bottom line” for the School Department.

Clearly a $1+ million dollar cut to the School’s budget is devastating, as all sports, music, extracurricular, some arts, theater, no-step increases, no pay increases… don’t even total $800,000. Were the Town Council to maintain their super majority opinion against exceeding the “Cap”, the Schools are left two options: the Courts or a Referendum Election in September. Was the Town Council willing to accept the Schools 1.5% increase that would mean we would exceed the S3050 levy cap of 4.5% by roughly $1 million; for the average home ($350,000) that would equate to a property tax increase of about $100, slightly more than $8 per month.

How efficient are we?

The Portsmouth School System has consistently been one of the most efficient school systems in Rhode Island, and the facts consistently prove that out. We have for the past decade attacked ourselves within Town when our argument should be the parity of per pupil spending. In fact, our efficiency had a great deal to do with our loss in State Education Aid beginning in FY2012. To begin let me state the facts: (Source: RIPEC - RESULTS Education in Rhode Island 2010)

• Portsmouth is 33rd of 36 Districts in Expenditures per Pupil
• Portsmouth is tied for last in General Instruction Expenditures per Pupil
• Portsmouth spends $11,955 per pupil while the Suburban Average is $14,122 per Pupil
• Our oft mentioned “Region Partners” Middletown & Newport spend $15,102 and $18,450 respectively per Pupil.
• 76% of the cost of Education in Portsmouth is paid for by Local Taxes, compared to 61.5% in Middletown and 59.5% in Newport.
• Middletown (a smaller District) received $9.5 million vs. Portsmouth’s $5.9 million in comparable State Education Aid (FY2008). And, Portsmouth will lose $2.070 million of that aid beginning with a $207,000 cut in FY2011.

Barrington, who joins us in the top three of efficiency, will actually receive more in the new State funding formula. Why, because Barrington taxpayers have always supported their schools, covering 90% of the cost of education with local taxes.

Our debate this budget season has been focused on the unions, cost cutting, layoffs, and closing Elmhurst. Have we as a community stepped back and taken the time to understand our budget and what incredible things have been realized for so little all these years? Our labor costs are included in the RIPEC study; and, while changes are being negotiated, let’s not vilify our teachers or their right to make a living. Starting teachers are paid in the high $30K and top at Step 10 at $71K, which is not an unreasonable range. It is easy to take facts out of context and cherry pick an anomaly – ex: Step 8 to Step 9 Increase. Let’s understand the facts and reasonable plot a prudent course for Portsmouth education.

Clearly, the facts show that Portsmouth is one of the most efficient Districts in Rhode Island, but instead of celebrating that accomplishment we continue to ask for more. While Barrington will receive greater State Education Aid next year, Portsmouth will lose based on our ability to pay more from local taxes. So our frugality has actually come home to roost.

Why is this Year Important?

Rhode Island is clearly going a challenging fiscal period and to help balance its budget the State cut State Education Aid and State Aid for Cities and Towns. This has placed a terrible burden on local Council’s to balance this loss in revenue. This comes just a few years after passage of Senate Bill 3050. Under S3050, Portsmouth’s town tax levy increase is capped at 5.5 % to 4.0% by FY 2013 (FY2011-4.5%). The bill also established a cap on the budget adopted and presented by any School Committee at 105.25%, beginning in FY2008, of the previous year’s allocation. The cap would be reduced to 104% by FY2012. BTW: the same year we will begin to lose $207,000 in State Education Aid per year for ten years.

Fighting for proper funding in FY2011 is critical to maintain the integrity of Portsmouth’s education system. But, realizing that no one is at fault: the Town Council, the School Committee, Town Administrators; but, that the State is at fault, that we have a funding crises, that we need to protect our basic services; we need to exceed the Cap for FY2011. Most importantly, we have the right to exceed the cap by law due to the loss of non-property tax income: State Aid. That right may not be as clear in future years when we face cuts from the School Aid Funding Formula.

Town Council
Budget Public Meeting
Wednesday Night
7:00 PM
Portsmouth Middle School

Wednesday night is an important first step (of three) in letting your support for schools to be seen and heard. This is our one chance to speak to our Town Council & School Committee before their final budget votes. Believing we are still looking at a $1.2 million cut to schools, your second step is to join us in signing the petition for Referendum the week of July 27th (more information to follow). And finally, the third step is to vote in September’s Special Election to fully fund our schools.

Learn more at: www.sosportsmouth.com.

Visibility Campaign to Launch on 14th of July

Coming to a car near you... (maybe yours?) Lets build visibility and awareness for the schools. The below bumper stickers will be available for the Town Council Meeting on the 14th. We need volunteers to help hand out an information sheet and bumper sticker on that night. We will need volunteers to staff a Referendum Information Table to capture names and addresses of supporters.

State Closes Loophole - Referendum Certain!

Buried in a routine cleanup bill at the end of the legislative session was corrective wording closing the loophole in Senate Bill 3050; this allowed a simple majority to approve going over the "Tax Cap". The loophole required a 4/5ths majority to approve going over the cap in the first year, but not in subsequent years (this is over simpliefied). Well, we now need 6 of 7 Councilors to vote to exceed, so the Provisional Budget is meaningless - not that we thought it would stand as is. What this means is the Town Council has to go back to the $1.2 million cut (or pretty close to that) to keep it under the cap. We will not know the Councils final vote until July 26th, when they vote their final budget.

So, we can not wait and we can not stand silent. We have begun planning for the referendum, we will have 14 days beginning July 27th to get close to 1,500 signatures - NO EASY TASK. We have developed a visibility campaign that will be ready for the 14th. What we need now is EVERYONE at the Town Council public meeting on the 14th. We need to show our support. Second, if you would agree to collect signatures or stand at a collection point (drive and sign @ High School), please email me at david@sosportsmouth.com. We can only succeed with many hands.

Stay tuned for more...

Critical Dates to Save

There will be a Public Hearing on the Provisional Budget voted last night on Wednesday, July 14th at 7:00 PM in the Little Theater at the Portsmouth Middle School. The Final Budget could not be voted on until the next regular Town Council meeting, which would be Monday, July 26th. On that date the Council could again cut the Schools and vote not to exceed the cap. Were there to be a Referendum Drive, we would have 14 days from July 27th to get 1,350 to 1,400 signatures - this is no easy task! Therefore, we will proceed to plan and organize a Referrendum Campaign as if we still face a $1.2 million cut. We can not be caught flat footed. See the below post regarding the first planning meeting (To opponents - this is a closed meeting and I reserve the right to restrict entry)

Referendum Planning Meeting

I have reserved the Community Room at the Portsmouth Library for a Referendum Planning Meeting on Tuesday, June 29th from 6:30... If you have an interest in attending please email me at david@sosportsmouth.com.

And what a Council Meeting it was...

It has taken me hours to internalize last night's Council Meeting. Even though the Council voted back half the cut to the Schools, the Schools need to find $600,000+ in savings. You may remember that Dr. Lusi presented $800,000+ which included no sports, extra curricular, reduced FTEs etc; which the School Committee could not accept. I'm not sure if $600,000 isn't down that same path...

I feel a bit boxed-in and I think the School Committee will have a great deal of difficulty finding this money. Second, I am not sure if the Council will stand by their Provisional Vote because I think some members were not certain on what they were voting on. Third, there simply isn't enough support or concern from the parents. While I thank those who showed up last night, this is our budget and our school system. If we want great schools we need to come out and support them. We need a concerted effort to get everyone to the July 14th Public Meeting at the Little Theater (Portsmouth Middle School). I still believe we have a fight on our hands, so don't switch the channel off for the summer. Thanks!

Town Council Meeting 6/23

We must keep up the pressure. Please join me for the Town Council Meeting on Wednesday (June 23rd - tomorrow!) to stand up for our schools. This process is far from exciting, but our presence is critical. Come out and learn the true stripes of our Town Council!

Organize Organize Organize

In the weeks ahead, we do not expect a sufficient number of Councilors to change their vote (Please remember their names in November). We will make every effort to change their minds in the weeks ahead, this may include a petition for the Public Hearing on July 14th (tentative). But, more importantly we need to prepare a second signature campaign calling for a referendum election later this summer. This election replaced the infamous "Tent Meeting" with an all day election. If we are able to obtain signatures from 10% of the electorate, we can ask the voters to provide their financial support to the Schools. A referendum question or questions will be developed and presented to the Town. We will have only 14 days (closer to 12) to obtain these signatures. If we do not begin the planning process now, we will not be prepared later in July.

So what do we need? We need precinct captains and neighborhood leaders to organize their street(s). We need volunteers to canvass Portsmouth homes. This will be exceedingly difficult based on its mid-summer schedule, but we do not have a choice. We will build a visibility campaign that should be in full force for the Town Meeting on July 14th. Unfortunately, we can not begin to obtain signatures until the budget is finalized. Sometime after the 14th.

Please stay-tuned for organizational meetings and information nights. More will be posted in a few days! Thank you everyone for your continued support and interest. Any interested volunteers can email info@sosportsmouth.com, please list your neighborhood and street.

The Night the Music Died

or as Monty Python said, "Not dead yet!" We have just begun to fight for our community, and I do mean all of our community: students, parents, grandparents, and seniors.

Last night's Council meeting certainly separated the wheat from the chaff; an ancient agricultural practice of winnowing, one form of which was to expose, say, wheat to the wind so that the chaff blew away and the grains remained. Thanks to Councilor Dennis Canario for providing the wind last night to expose those Council members who purported to support the schools.

In summary: The School Committee met as a Finance Sub-Committee at 6:00 and found close to $500,000 in proposed savings, which is an actual savings of $350,000 due to a structural deficit in the original budget submission. The Town Council had over $200,000 in savings. We looked as if we were headed for a deal. Due to the States cut in Local Aid and Education Aid, these cuts still were not enough to bring us under cap. We stood at $1,005,000 over the cap. David Faucher stated that would mean roughly $100 tax increase per average home - $8.33 per month. This assumes a car excise tax and an exemption of the first $3,000, which looked like the approach favored by the Council. $8.33 a month... $8.33 a month!

Rational argument was made by Councilor's Seveney and Canario, but then the true stripes came out. Going back to last week most people unfamiliar with some of the players actually believed Ms. Gleason, Mr. Plumb, and Mr. Hamilton actually supported the schools. After all, thats what they said. But, last night there was no support and the schools remain level funded. To put this into perspective, this is worse than the "Tent Meeting" and the subsequent legal action. Please read below for more regarding the futility of politics.

Where is the rage? These are our kids, this is our community; do we want to errode what makes Portsmouth great one teacher at a time. Who will want to live in our community? Who will want to buy our homes? All over $8.33!