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!