2026-10 Regional Academic Integration Advisory Committee

WHEREAS, The City of Newport ("Newport") and Town of Middletown ("Middletown") public schools must fully meet the needs and aspirations of all students while ensuring equitable access to high—quality education for every learner; and

WHEREAS, Successful partnerships between Middletown and Newport have demonstrated a strong foundation for improving student outcomes through collaborative initiatives, such as community partnerships that provide robust summer and after-school programs, the forthcoming joint Community Learning Center (set to open in 2026) and the achievement of multiple championship teams, underscoring the value of shared educational resources; and

WHEREAS, Innovative programs such as Multi-Language Learner programs, Learn 365, and the Newport Area Career and Technical Center have proven the transformative power of well-designed educational systems on Aquidneck Island, ensuring that all students have access to meaningful learning opportunities; and

WHEREAS, Newport and Middletown public schools face substantial and growing academic and budgetary challenges, underscoring the urgent need for strategic collaboration to maximize the impact of educational investments while maintaining a commitment to fairness and accessibility for all students; and

WHEREAS, Decisions regarding public education must prioritize student success and ensure that taxpayer resources dedicated to education are utilized effectively to enhance academic achievement; NOW THEREFORE BE IT

RESOLVED: That the Newport City Council supports the formation of an Academic Integration Advisory Committee ("AIAC") to advise on ways Newport and Middletown can collaborate to provide fair access and improved student outcomes and respectfully requests that the Middletown Town Council join in the formation of the same; and BE IT FURTHER

RESOLVED, That the AIAC shall be comprised of twelve (12) total members, with each council to appoint six (6) of these members. Members shall include educational experts from both communities, including superintendents or their advisors on curriculum and academic success, representatives from Parent Teacher Organizations (PTOs), public school educators, a designee from each school committee, representatives from community—based educational support programs such as each communities' Learn 365 programs, and other individuals with demonstrated experience in educational integration, school finance and school regionalization; and BE IT FURTHER

RESOLVED, That the AIAC's work will be supported by a consultant selected from firms approved by the Rhode Island Department of Education for such work, agreed to, hired, and compensated as mutually agreed to by the Newport City Council and Middletown Town Council; and BE IT FURTHER

RESOLVED, That the AIAC shall pursue a proposed action plan to identify the existence and adequacy of opportunities for educational improvement through integration across Newport and Middletown public schools; and by May 31, 2026, the Committee shall prepare a comprehensive report detailing such opportunities, and the governance and funding mechanisms necessary to pursue such opportunities to improve educational opportunities and the equitable access to such; and BE IT FURTHER

RESOLVED, That this Report may be used as a guide for current and any future efforts regarding educational regionalization under the present Council. The report's findings shall be reviewed prior to the Newport Council seeking to put forth to the voters any matter of regionalization.

ELLEN PINNOCK
XAY KHAMSYVORAVONG
CHARLES HOLDER

IN COUNCIL
READ AND PASSED
JANUARY 14, 2026

LAURA C. SWISTAK, CMC
CITY CLERK