Daily Archive for February 24th, 2010

Trustees Vote to Axe Central Falls High School Teachers

Big Labor Predictably Not Happy About it…

Last night, the Board of Trustees which oversees the grossly under-performing Central Falls High School voted 5-2 to terminate every teacher, as well as the principal and his 3 assistants (including my state senator). 93 total.

As you might imagine, those who’ve been riding the gravy train are none too pleased. RI state law requires layoff notices be issued by March 1st. Under the reorganization plan, up to half will be rehired for the fall and half will be new. Special thanks to DOE Secretary Arne Duncan for making this all possible. Yes we can!

…state and local education officials received some high-powered support of their own, when U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan weighed in, saying he “applauded” them for “showing courage and doing the right thing for kids.”

Busloads of teachers from across the state turned out.

“I think the real goal is to bust the unions,” said Julie Boyle, an English teacher at Coventry High School. “Sometimes a teacher is the only touchstone in a student’s life. I’m sad for the students who will lose their touchstones.”

Just an hour after the rally, the Central Falls school Board of Trustees, in a brief but intense meeting, voted 5-2 to fire every teacher at the school. In all, 93 names were read aloud in the high school auditorium — 74 classroom teachers, plus reading specialists, guidance counselors, physical education teachers, the school psychologist, the principal and three assistant principals…

Read and Comment: The Providence Journal

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37th Providence Newspaper Guild Follies | February 26

Update: The RIRA’s supply of tickets for the Providence Newspaper Guild Follies is completely sold out. If you want a ticket, you’re on your own. You can try calling the Guild office at 401-421-9466, but no guarantees. You’ll probably end up in the nose-bleed section, if you get in at all.

For quite a few years now, the Rhode Island Republican Assembly has had reserved tables for Republicans at the annual Providence Newspaper Guild Follies. Assuming that The Providence Journal doesn’t shutter its doors by February 26th (cross your fingers!), this year will be no exception!

Because this great event has long-since outgrown Rhode Island’s ability to contain it, and sales tax is still cheaper in Massachusetts, the Follies will be held on Friday, February 26th at 7:00 PM just over the border at the [in]famous Venus de Milo Restaurant , 75 Grand Army Highway (Route 6) in Swansea, MA.

This popular dinner and political satire show is attended by every politician, activist, and news media personality in Rhode Island’s political scene, for a total of about 1,250 people. Tickets are $60.00/person. A spectacular buffet dinner is included, and of course, the big show. So far, RIRA has reserved two tables (20 seats), with the option of reserving more if there is additional demand.

Please note that since this is a union-held event, the audience does tend to skew Democratic / leftist, so if you are a Republican / conservative and want to sit with us (for your own safety), please contact RIRA President Raymond McKay right away at president [at] ri-ra [dot] org . These tickets are definitely going fast, so do not wait, as this event always sells out. You do not want to end up on the dreaded waiting list!

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Humor: ObamaCare 2.0

Source: William Warren

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RIVC Meet the Candidates Forum | February 24

The Rhode Island Voter Coalition (RIVC) will be holding its 4th “Meet The Candidates” Forum on Wednesday, February 24th, 2010. This event will feature participants for state and federal offices. The event will be held at the Crystal Lake Country Club, Rt. 102, in Burrillville, RI. Doors open at 6:30pm and the Forum is scheduled to begin at 7:00pm.

The Rhode Island Voter Coalition is a non-partisan alliance of groups and individuals within the state that have entered into a compact to participate in the electoral process not merely by voting, but also by keeping in touch with their representatives throughout the year and to holding them accountable for actions taken or not taken in hopes of improving both the state and federal governments. RIVC is not a fund-raising tool, nor do they offer any endorsement.

The February meeting is intended as a forum wherein interested voter can vet the candidates who are campaigning for a wide array of offices in this year’s election. Candidates were invited regardless of their party affiliations or their status as either incumbents or challengers. “We are a non-partisan group of citizens who have determined that our government and our political parties no longer represent us and we want a say in which candidates will be on the ballot in the primaries and in November 2010″ asserted Steve Wright, one of the group’s organizers. “The object is to get started as early as possible so that voters have as many chances as possible to see and hear the candidates that wish to represent them”.

John Tassoni Jr. was invited but when he was told David Bibeault, his opponent would be there he said “not interested” and hung up. Candidate for Secretary of State Leo Raptakis and Secretary of State Ralph Mollis were invited and both declined. RIVC has also invited William Lynch, Patrick Lynch, Frank Caprio, and David Cicilline and is waiting for replies. Continue reading ‘RIVC Meet the Candidates Forum | February 24′

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