Jun. 9, 2025 - Special Meeting

At a Special Meeting of the Town Council of the Town of Middletown, RI at the Middletown Town Hall, 350 East Main Road, Middletown, RI in person on Monday, June 9, 2025 at 10:10  A.M.

Superintendent of School William Neimeyer opened the ceremony as follows:

“Good morning, everyone, and welcome to this momentous event in Middletown history!!

Before we begin today, we would like to acknowledge the tragic incident in Portsmouth this past weekend, where a young High school student lost her life, and others were critically injured. I am sure I speak for everyone, when I say our hearts break for everyone affected, and I know we will keep our neighbors in our thoughts and prayers. Please join me for a brief moment of silence.

Thank You

The Town Council meeting, School Committee meeting and School Building Committee meeting were called to order.

Members Present::

Council President Paul M. Rodrigues, Presiding

Vice President Thomas P. Welch, III

Councillor Peter D. Connerton, Sr.

Councillor Christopher M. Logan

Councillor Charles R. Roberts

Councillor Dennis B. Turano

Councillor Barbara A. VonVillas

POSTED – June 4, 2025

SPECIAL MEETING – June 9, 2025

The following items of business, having been filed with the Town Clerk under the Rules of the Council, will come before the Council at a special meeting to be held on Monday, June 9, 2025 at 10:00 A.M. at the Joseph H. Gaudet Middle School, 1113 Aquidneck Avenue, (Use Turner Road Entrance) Middletown, Rhode Island. Said meeting will be conducted in person.

Wendy J.W. Marshall, MMC

Town Clerk

Town of Middletown

Town Hall – 350 East Main Road

Middletown, Rhode Island 02842

Dear Ms. Marshall:

Pursuant to the provisions of Article II, Section 203 of the Town Charter and in accordance with Sections 42-46-2., 42-46-4., 42-46-5., and 42-46-6., RIGL, I hereby call a Special Meeting of the Town Council to formally consider, discuss and act upon the following items of business. All items on this agenda, may be considered, discussed and voted upon.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

1.    Groundbreaking Ceremony for the New Middle-High School.

Said meeting will be held at the Joseph H. Gaudet Middle School, 1113 Aquidneck Avenue, (Use Turner Road Entrance), Middletown, Rhode Island 02842 on Monday, June 9, 2025 at 10:00 A.M.

________

Paul M. Rodrigues, President

Middletown Town Council

cc :  Town Council                              Public Library              Finance Director

Town Administrator                     Town Solicitor             School Committee

This meeting location is accessible to the handicapped.  Individuals requiring interpreter services for the hearing-impaired should notify the Town Clerk’s Office at 847-0009 not less than 48 hours before this meeting.

Posted on June 4, 2025 at Middletown Town Hall, Middletown Public Library and Secretary of State Web Site.

1.    Groundbreaking Ceremony for the New Middle-High School.

On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to begin said Groundbreaking Ceremony for the New Middle-High School.

School Committee Chair Gregory Huet called the School Committee meeting to order, there was a quorum.

Edward Brady, School Building Committee Chair called the School Building Committee to order, there was a quorum.

Superintendent of Schools William Neimeyer:

At this time, I would like to introduce a fantastic group of students, our grade 6-8 Chorus, and our High School Chorus, joining together, symbolically like our middle and high schools will be doing in two years, to sing the Star-Spangled Banner. They will be led by Mr. Statser. Thank you all.

Beautiful, Now boys and girls in the crowd, would you lead us as we recite the pledge of allegiance.

Today is a truly special day for Middletown Public Schools and for our entire community. I'd like to thank all of our dignitaries, from the state level down to the local level, all of you have played an important role in this project, and we are honored by your presence. We also have members from our Town Council, our School Committee and the hard workers of our Building committee, all of which have done Yeoman’s work to make sure this project is where it is today. As we break ground on this incredible new middle-high school, we are not just constructing a building—we are laying the foundation for a bright future with a first of its kind, in Rhode Island, our new Middle High School.

This state-of-the-art facility will provide our students with cutting-edge learning spaces that inspire creativity and innovation. From STEAM labs to a modern media center, and from expansive CTE spaces to vibrant art and music rooms, this school is designed to bring out the very best in our students and staff. We look forward to teachers and administrators working together to create a cohesive 6-12 experience, where collaboration is the culture, and students thrive.

It will also help us expand our Career and Technical Education programs, giving our students the tools and opportunities they need to thrive in the world ahead. This school is a place where they can dream big, aim high, and make their ambitions a reality whether that is career, college or military.

But more than that, I anticipate this will be a source of pride for our community—a place where students, families, educators, and neighbors come together to celebrate learning and growth. Our students deserve the best, and today, we are taking a bold step to ensure they have it.

Now, I would like to have Emily McLeish come to the podium with me. She is going to share her thoughts on the new school being built.  These third-grade students will be  the first class to attend the new building grades 6-12, so we have invited many of them here today.

We also have Colton Chiriboga and Aylin Diaz Gomez, who would like to share a poem they wrote as a class.

Now, it’s my pleasure to introduce the distinguished speakers who have joined us to mark this exciting milestone.

Representing the Town of Middletown, please welcome Town Administrator Shawn Brown, who oversees the operations of the Town of Middletown and has been an integral part of the building project, and supporting educational excellence in Middletown.

Town Administrator Shawn Brown addressed the attendees, thanking all who attended.  Mr. Brown explained that this is an important moment for the Town, a major milestone and the next step for the future of the community. Town Administrator Shawn Brown noted that the community will have modern learning and educational spaces.  Mr. Brown thanked all involved in the project.

Superintendent of Schools William Neimeyer:

Now, we are honored to welcome Governor Daniel McKee, who has been a strong supporter of public education in his tenure as governor. He is our ”76th Governor of Rhode Island” and

Former public-school teacher and mayor of Cumberland, RI.

Governor Mckee has prioritized educational equity, school construction projects, and access to quality learning environments. We are happy to welcome him here today.

Governor Daniel McKee addressed the attendees noting that it is an exciting day with the community investing in education and young people, which brings pride to the community.  Mr. McKee spoke regarding his working on the state level to support Learn 365 and increasing school learning time.

Superintendent of Schools William Neimeyer:

I would now like to welcome Maxwell Shelton, Johnny Cawley and Danica Julius to the podium to share their musings.

At 10:26 am Councillor Turano left the meeting.

Superintendent of Schools William Neimeyer:

Next, I would like to welcome to the podium, Senator Louis DiPalma, he represents Middletown and neighboring communities in the Rhode Island Senate. A staunch supporter of public education, technology in schools, and workforce development. He has advocated for funding to improve educational facilities in Rhode Island.

Senator Louis P. DiPalma addressed the attendees, noting it is an exciting day for Middletown.  Mr. DiPalma explained that kids are special and are the future.  Senator DiPalma thanked all involved in the project and noted the learning center for the community will be used for decades to come.

Superintendent of Schools William Neimeyer:

From the Rhode Island Department of Education, please welcome Commissioner Angélica Infante-Greene, Rhode Island’s Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education. Focuses on closing achievement gaps, increasing access to STEAM and CTE programs, and promoting innovation. Committed to ensuring all students are college and career ready.

Commissioner Angélica Infante-Greene, Rhode Island’s Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, addressed the attendees explaining that this is a special day and thanked the community for either efforts in making sure students have state-of-the-art equipment and education. Ms. Infante-Green noted the science labs in the new building and noted that it is a proud day for the RI Department of Education.

Superintendent of Schools William Neimeyer:

We have two more student readers, Cooper Norris and Willa Cramer Fox will be sharing about why they are excited to go to the new Middle High School.

Superintendent of Schools William Neimeyer:

Please welcome the Chair of our Middletown School Committee, Gregory Huet, who has been a supportive school committee member and member of the building committee, helping to move this project forward.

School  Committee Chair Gregory  Huet :

Good morning. Today is a very special day for Middletown.  We are here to celebrate a groundbreaking for two new schools.  I would like to recognize several dignitaries:  Senator Reed, Senator Whithouse, Representative Amo, Governor McKee, Senator DiPalma, Commission Infante-Green, Council President Paul  Rodrigues and Town Council members.

I will start by offering a blanket “thank you” to everyone involved in this incredible process.  It is impossible to thank everyone deserving recognition in this setting, but I will publicly thank one group, the citizens of Middletown.  The citizens are funding this project and that is why it is possible.  Thank you!

The term “Groundbreaking” just doesn’t seem to capture the essence of “what has already happened” in preparation for construction, “what is happening” on this site, and “what will be happening” on this site.

This is what has already happened:

(a)   Our community leaders and residents made a monumental commitment to the youth of our community through their support of our public education system and the construction of these buildings.

(b)  Some of the most talented citizens in our community have volunteered thousands of hours in endless meetings to plan for the construction of a state-of-the-art learning environment for our students.  These new buildings will offer our students an amazing facility to pursue academic excellence and empower our teachers and staff to best utilize their skills in challenging our students.

Superintendent of Schools William Neimeyer:

And now, representing our local leadership, please welcome the President of the Middletown Town Council, Paul Rodrigues, who has been a staunch supporter of this project.

Council President Paul Rodrigues:

Thank you for coming to this monumental day in Middletown’s History.

We welcome Governor Dan McKee.  We appreciated you taking time out of your busy schedule to attend today.  We welcome Education Commissioner Angelica Infante Green.  Acknowledge Senator Lou DiPalma and our State Representatives Alex Finkelman and Terri Cortvriend.

My fellow Town Councillors, School Committee members let by Chairman Greg Huet.  Glad to have our Superintendent Bill Neimeyer and his staff of excellent teachers.

I would like to acknowledge our incredible Building Committee Team.  This team has been one of the driving forces in getting us here today.  Thank you for all your work and efforts.  You have forever cemented your place in Middletown’s educational history.

The other incredible driving force has been our great Town Administrator Shawn Brown.  Thank you for getting this project off the ground and more importantly keeping this ON TIME and ON BUDGET to date!  We are forever grateful for having you on this team and thank you for your incredible, tireless hard work.

We also have with us today some members of the first graduating class of this new Middle High School.  How exciting! Thank you for being here.

Today’s ceremony is a continuing demonstration of this Town’s commitment to providing high educational opportunities for all Middletown children now and for years to come.  I will stress enough that we cannot just have new educational facilities without great educational results.  We have the utmost confidence in our School Committee, Superintendent Neimeyer, our world class teachers and of course our parents.

We all know that schools are the single biggest economic driver of every successful community.  The only way to achieve this is that education MUST be a daily topic of conversation for everyone.  Education has to become a culture where everyone is involved in every aspect of education to create that daily culture!

When you shine a light on something it becomes a focus.  The new educational light gets turned on TODAY!

Lastly, I would like to thank the taxpayers of this Great Town for approving this project and for your educational vision.  This is a Great Day for Middletown!

Thank You!

At 10:244 am Councillor Turano returned to the meeting.

Superintendent of Schools William Neimeyer:

Finally, let’s welcome Edward Brady, Chair of our Building Committee, who has helped guide this exciting project towards completion. Ed has brought his many years of expertise and experience to the building committee, and he has kept a keen eye on the details of this project.

School Building Committee Chair Edward Brady:

Ed Brady introduced himself and the School Building Committee members.

We would like to thank the people of Middletown and fellow Rhode Islanders for their investment for the Children of Middletown and its Military Families.  This committee has and will continue to dedicate countless hours in the Planning, Design, Building and closeout of this new school.

We formed a project team to accomplish this: Colliers Project Leaders of Providence, Owners Project managers Civic Group of Providence our Educational Planners.  HMFH Architects of Cambridge Massachusetts partner with DBVW Architects of Providence along with the team of Engineering Consultants, Gilbane Building Company of Providence our Construction Manager. You have seen the display boards giving you a glimpse of our new school.  So now look out on the grass field, fenced and equipment on site waiting for us to break new ground so let’s get digging!

This is what is happening now:

(a)  Local skilled labor is building a place where generations of Middletown children will have the opportunity to make their dreams come true.  Union electricians, plumbers, bricklayers, pipefitters, carpenters, laborers and other tradesmen, contractors and architects each now and will forever play a significant role in shaping the future generations of Middletown students because without their skillset, the construction of these buildings would not be possible.

(b)  Pride in our school district is blossoming.  A feeling of excitement and enthusiasm for what is occurring in our school district is being unleashed.  This excitement and enthusiasm is penetrating every fabric of our community.

This is what will be happening here in the future:

(a)  Classrooms will be filled with students eager to learn and be taught by our dedicated teachers in state-of-the-art classrooms.

(b)  Our community will re-establish a new and solid foundation for our children to seek and attain their most ambitious goals and their biggest dreams.

(c)   Parents will feed off their children’s newfound appetite and enthusiasm for learning and they will become significantly more involved with the schools and their children’s education.

In closing, I am confident that this community will be extremely proud of our new schools and even prouder of the significant accomplishments our students will make.  As I look at the students that are here today, representing the first graduating class of this new school, I say, dream big and work hard.  If you do those two things, I promise you, that your future destiny will be filled with unlimited possibilities, Thank you.

Superintendent of Schools William Neimeyer introduced student Cody Velasco.

Cody Velasco, addressed the attendees noting she is proud to be in the first class at the new school.

Superintendent of Schools William Neimeyer:

Now, it’s time for the moment we’ve all been waiting for—the groundbreaking! I invite our dignitaries and honored guests to join me for this symbolic step forward.

Thank you to everyone who joined us today to celebrate this exciting milestone for Middletown. This groundbreaking marks the beginning of a new era of excellence and opportunity for our students and our entire community.

We look forward to the day when we welcome students into this beautiful new space, where they will learn, grow, and thrive.

Enjoy the rest of your day, and we can’t wait to see you again when we open the doors of Middletown Middle High School!

The Middletown School Committee adjourned their meeting.

The Middletown School Building Committee adjourned their meeting.

On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to adjourn said meeting at 10:52 p.m.

Wendy J.W. Marshall, MMC

Council Clerk