Long-needed repair of Martin Middle School courtyard area is expected shortly

New East Providence district IT director is introduced; superintendent praises efforts at Orlo

By Mike Rego
Posted 11/20/17

EAST PROVIDENCE — The interior section of the Martin Middle School grounds known as the courtyard area, which has long been a nuisance, is finally expected to be remedied in the coming …

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Long-needed repair of Martin Middle School courtyard area is expected shortly

New East Providence district IT director is introduced; superintendent praises efforts at Orlo

Posted

EAST PROVIDENCE — The interior section of the Martin Middle School grounds known as the courtyard area, which has long been a nuisance, is finally expected to be remedied in the coming weeks.
At the November 14 School Committee meeting, District Facilities Director Tony Feola said work to replace the leaky windows as well bring the area located just off the cafeteria up to safety and access codes was supposed to begin on Wednesday, Nov. 22, when construction cranes were to be put into position. Mr. Feola said at that point the estimated time of repair is approximately two weeks.
Mr. Feola, however, mentioned there exists one important caveat. Modifications deemed necessary to accommodate deficiencies in the original design of the 40-year-old building mean the price tag of the project, first estimated to be $600,000, has risen by about $27,000. It will not impact repairs. There are available funds to cover the cost, of which 54 percent of the total is being reimbursed by the state.
“Old” Oldham update
Mr. Feola also updated the committee on the condition of the former Oldham Elementary building on Bullocks Point Avenue, currently being used as a warehouse by the district. The building was taken out of service by the state-appointed Budget Commission some five years ago because of issues with the roof. The director said it is now “beginning to deteriorate.” The roof is “really starting to go,” he said, adding Facilities personnel needed to patch holes following the most recent significant rains associated with Tropical Storm Philippe. Mr. Feola said the leaks have also led to mold issues.
Ward 2 Committeeman Tony Ferreira, a contractor by trade, confirmed Mr. Feola’s assessment. Noting the increase in residential development in the city, Mr. Ferreira said the committee should soon decide the fate of the building, whether to repair it or turn the deed over to the city for a potential sale. Mr. Ferreira added, with schools currently near full capacity, any significant increase in enrollment could require the district to recommission the Oldham building or cause it to consider adding space to other existing schools.
New director debuts
Superintendent Kathryn Crowley formally introduced new District Information Technology Director Ben Russell to the committee and the public at last week’s meeting. The position and the IT Department as a whole, a bit controversially, was recently deconsolidated from operations with the city.
Mr. Russell said he’s “only been on the job for a week, so I’m still trying to figure what’s here,” adding he will first, “triage what needs to be addressed right away.”
He listed his initial aims upon taking over the directorship, including: setting up a better system of communication between the IT and district staffs; completing a comprehensive inventory of assets; auditing security of the IT system; creating a district specific network; reviewing the district’s servers; creating a website for the Building Sub-Committee; reviewing recent spending on technology; and preparing a budget for the 2018-19 term.
Commending Orlo
During her monthly report, Superintendent Crowley told the committee that despite Orlo Avenue Elementary having narrowly missed its target to be removed from the Rhode Island Department of Education’s list of “Priority” buildings, the school community nonetheless deserved to be “commended” by the district.
Orlo’s most recent score index came in at 47. It needed to be at least 50. The “Priority” designation is based on a formula pertaining to student outcomes in the classroom as well as both educational and social needs. The superintendent, in defending the efforts of the Orlo community, called the formula “antiquated.”
She continued, “Orlo has continually improved, but not by the leaps and bounds expected by the state.” She said under the leadership of principal Yanaiza Gallant and staff, the school has made great strides in many aspects over the last three years. She noted attendance and parent involvement at the school has increased exponentially.
Superintendent Crowley added, Orlo has become a “warm, welcoming and inviting school.”
To show the central office’s appreciation, the superintendent said the administration will be hosting a special event in December at the school for the Orlo community.

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MIKE REGO

Mike Rego has worked at East Bay Newspapers since 2001, helping the company launch The Westport Shorelines. He soon after became a Sports Editor, spending the next 10-plus years in that role before taking over as editor of The East Providence Post in February of 2012. To contact Mike about The Post or to submit information, suggest story ideas or photo opportunities, etc. in East Providence, email mrego@eastbaymediagroup.com.