To the editor:

I would like to reinforce a statement that I made at the budget meeting last Tuesday. The Portsmouth public school district is the crown jewel of our community. It is the main reason that people choose to live, work, and visit our town. It is vital that we continue to foster our thriving school district. The State of Rhode Island Teacher of the Year is employed in our district and it was recently announced that we ranked fourth in Rhode Island by U.S. News and World Report. 

As my friend and former colleague for six years, Dr. Emily Copeland, the chair of the Portsmouth School Committee, stated we are one town and have worked hard to build and foster a cooperative relationship between the Town Council and School Committee. It is my hope that we can continue to work together to build on this relationship. 

I know the Portsmouth school district will continue to thrive under the School Committee leadership of Dr. Copeland and administration leadership of Dr. Kenworthy. We all look forward to the new initiatives as we continue to navigate forward during these turbulent times thrust upon us by the COVID pandemic.

Thank you.

Andrew V. Kelly

Portsmouth Town Council

33 Pine St.

Portsmouth