To the editor:

As a parent of two children and a school psychologist with more than a decade of experience in public education, I am running for School Committee because I believe every child deserves the opportunity to learn and succeed. Working directly in schools has given me firsthand insight into how decisions about instruction, staffing, and student support affect children every day. I would bring that practical experience to the School Committee to help make informed decisions about our schools.

The latest Rhode Island state report card shows that our district still has work to do. ELA proficiency is 51.1%, down 3.1 percentage points, while math proficiency remains unchanged at 42.3%. Science proficiency has increased to 54.0%, up 0.9 percentage points. Although we are above state averages in all three subjects, we cannot assume our current approaches are meeting the needs of all students. We need to identify gaps in learning and evaluate whether our curriculum and instructional practices are addressing those gaps. We must be willing to make changes that improve student outcomes.

As a school psychologist, I understand the importance of identifying difficulties early and determining what support students need to make progress. We must look beyond overall proficiency rates to understand which students need additional support and whether interventions are working. Improving outcomes requires an honest assessment of what we are teaching, how we are teaching it, and whether students are learning what we expect. When something is not working, we need to understand why and adjust our approach.

Addressing these gaps also requires looking closely at staffing and class sizes, especially in our youngest grades. Early elementary school is where children develop the foundational skills they need for future learning. Smaller class sizes, teacher assistants, and reading and math interventionists can help educators identify difficulties early and provide support before students fall behind. I recognize that our district faces budgetary constraints, but staffing decisions must consider their impact on students, not just their immediate cost. We should evaluate whether our staffing and programs are meeting their intended goals and prioritize resources where they can make the greatest difference.
Communication and transparency from the district also need attention. From the closure of Guiteras Elementary School to the move of fifth grade to the middle school, and more recently, concerns surrounding a potential bus strike, families need clearer, more direct, and timely communication. When decisions affect schools, grade placements, and transportation, families deserve to know what is being considered, what has been decided, why, and how they will be impacted. Information should be shared proactively and in plain language, with meaningful opportunities for community input.

As the district develops a new strategic plan and prepares to open the new high school, we must not lose sight of the students in our classrooms today. I will bring the perspective of an educator, a school psychologist, and a parent to the School Committee, asking questions, examining evidence, and advocating for decisions that reflect student needs, responsible spending, and honest communication.

Joy Titcomb
Bristol

Joy Titcomb is a candidate for the Bristol Warren Regional School Committee.