Parents want school playground at Colt Andrews

BRISTOL - Parents with children who will enter the Colt Andrews School next school year told the Bristol Warren Regional School Committee Monday night that the school complex needs a play area.

"I certainly do not need to tell you how much students need exercise and fresh air," said parent Kara Cromwell.

Ms. Cromwell said that the new plan for the Colt Andrews School ignores students' need for a play area and as a result, students for years to come will suffer negative consequences.

"There will be tens of thousands of students that will not have a place to play because of 38 parking spaces," she said.

Ms. Cromwell, along with other concerned parents, introduced two sketches that show alternative plans they say will accommodate both parking and a play area behind the Colt School. Ms. Cromwell reminded the board that they are seeking a budget-neutral solution to the problem and are not asking for playground equipment — simply a place for children to play.

Susan Donovan, a physical education teacher, reinforced Ms. Cromwell's speech by suggesting "that 20 minutes (recess) is the only time some students will get out and be active."

School committee members said they will take the suggestions under advisement and formally discuss the proposal at their next school committee meeting.

Meanwhile, work on the schools' renovation continues. School committee members said the project is on time and on budget, and should be complete by May.

District e-mail

School committee chairman William Estrella addressed his concern for e-mail use within the district. He requested that committee member Marjorie McBride, superintedent Edward Mara, and the district's attorney examine district-wide email use.

"There are many issues we need to look at to see if we are complying with rules and regulations as well as federal law," said Mr. Estrella.

He also emphasized the importance of privacy in certain e-mails and his growing concern that it may sometimes be breached. In other announcements, Estrella reminded the committee that the evaluation of the superintendent will take place next month.

'My Turn'

Committee member Bill O'Dell suggested that someone from the Mt. Hope High's school program 'My Turn' should speak about the program at a future meeting.

"The program addresses students who may not necessarily have college in their future," said Mr. O'Dell.

Dr. Mara supported Mr. O'Dell's suggestion by stressing the importance of the program in improving dropout and graduation rates. In addition to Mr. O'Dell's agenda suggestion, committee member John Saviano introduced an issue brought to him by the Mt. Hope High School student council.

"Students and faculty are concerned that some students are failing and can't join things such as band and athletics," he said, suggesting that this may account for as much as 25 percent of the high school's students.

Architect paid

The committee also narrowly approved a $25,000 payment to architect Luis Tarrado for architectural services rendered in the Kickemuit technology space renovation.

In a four to three vote, the school board approved the $25,000 contract. Majorie McBride voted in favor of the contract. However, she said she "voted under protest" as the cost was high.

Students praised

A considerable crowd met the school committee at the start of Monday's meeting. The crowd congregated to recognize 83 students who received awards for their achievements in sports, the district's spelling bees, and essay contests. Most notably, a group of eight students were recognized for placing first, second and third in the Rhode Island DECA Career Development Conference. The students will represent Rhode Island in the national competition in Atlanta, Ga.

By Dee DeQuattro

bristol@eastbaynewspapers.com

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