TSONOS set to oust MONTEIRO as School Board Chairman

The Reporter has learned that former school board chairman Charles Tsonos may be in line to get his old chairman's seat back as the newly elected school committee jockeys for reorganization after the November elections. Left out of the equation may be current chairman, Joel Monteiro. Both Monteiro and Tsonos were unopposed in the recent election and will be sworn in with the new committee in December. The Reporter has learned that ward two committee member Tony Ferreira has not been happy with Chairman Joel Monteiro for not "allowing him to speak more freely in public sessions...". Sources familiar with the situation have indicated that Ferreira would frequently want to discuss items that were not legally on the public agenda - in violation of state law. Ferreira is outspoken at school committee and city council meetings but also has said that he supported all of the many recent positive events happening in the school department with Monteiro as Chairman. Evidently Ferreira has secured support from newly elected ward 4 member Jessica Beauchaine, to vote for Charles Tsonos for chairman. Another new member Nathan Cahoon from ward 3 will also be sworn in on December 1st. Cahoon filled the seat vacated by the death of Richard "Spunky" Pimentel.

Chairman Monteiro declined much comment for this story except to acknowledge that he is aware of this situation. Monteiro acknowledged also that he was concerned with open meetings violations and said that he would have added agenda items from Ferreira or "anybody" but didn't get those needed requests. "I've always been open with everyone." Other members declined comment or didn't want to say too much at this time. The buzz surrounding the potential change in school committee leadership has caused a stir among those following the scene. One such resident, Kevin Oliver, did not hesitate to comment. "This School Committee has gotten more done than the previous couple of committees because of great leadership. You tell me this doesn't sound like more back door politics," said Oliver. Social media has begun to see several comments on the proposed change in chairmanship. Oliver, active in the community, wonders how "Jessica Beauchaine can support a man" (Charlie Tsonos) who according to Oliver - "looked her directly in the face and told her we don't need Middle School Sports? Didn't she spend countless hours fighting for Middle School Sports?" asked Oliver. Beauchaine did tell the Reporter that she is "new to politics and will be ready to vote on this by December 1st," inauguration day in the city. Others speaking out on school issues cite a perceived "lack of openness on some matters that go under the radar. Some personnel moves have been made without much public discussion or notice."

Tony Ferreira did speak with the Reporter and admitted that he would like a change in chairmanship. "I like Joel (Monteiro) but I don't want to say too much until we have a chance to sit down and chat," said Ferreira. Sources indicate that the votes probably exist to elect Tsonos to the chairman's seat over Monteiro. "The committee must do what is in the best interest of our schools. Personalities must not be a part of this," said Tsonos. Tsonos said that he just wants "everyone to work together for the best interest of our schools. Openness and full communication must be part of this committee and school administration. We'll see what the committee decides," Tsonos said. "Our city can be better. Our school department can improve. I have seen this city and the school department at its best. We are in the repair, rebuild, and restore mode," said Tsonos in his announcement that he was running for school committee again. Tsonos served on the board for two years after easily defeating former school board chairman Anthony Carcieri in 2010, with 2578 votes to 1607 votes or 62% to 32% of the vote. Carcieri was a controversial figure who sought to weaken the teachers' union and slash salaries and benefits. The Tsonos led committee also initiated consolidation of city and school administrative positions, which exist today. The Tsonos committee agreed to not fill a vacant maintenance director’s job and have put those duties mostly under the city building director, Edward Catelli. “This seems to be working smoothly from all reports and I’m glad we pushed for that,” said Tsonos. “We are also looking to combine the jobs of Human Resources for both the city and schools, and I have called for the possibility of merging other administrative duties on a city and town regional basis.” Tsonos said that he still would like to see relief from state and federal unfunded mandates.

When state house representative districts were realigned, Tsonos decided to run for state representative in District 63 two years ago. Tsonos said that the budget commission was making most decisions at that time and he wanted to move on to the state house. At the time Tsonos said, "I want to be part of the changes that need to be made to put our city and state back on the path to prosperity. This is a reconfiguration of the state house district lines and an opportunity for me to help my city at the state level,” Tsonos said two years ago. However, Tsonos lost in his state house bid and now has decided to seek election to his old school committee seat.

Under current chairman Joel Monteiro the school board has faced a number of key issues relating to a school system with many staff turnovers and many infrastructure problems. "Well, the new School Committee voted in place by the residents of East Providence has completed a very busy time," said Monteiro early on in his term. "I think it’s safe to say that we were immediately faced with more critical issues than the average School Committee faces in multiple terms. Right out of the gate, we walked into an administration being run by a very loyal interim superintendent, Dr. John DeGoes, with a Budget Commission very much entwined in our every action. Our first task was to carry out a state directive to close one of our elementary schools (Oldham)." Although public hearings were held and many people wanted Oldham to remain open, Monteiro and the committee were facing a directive from the state department of education and the budget commission to close down Oldham school in Riverside. "Our first task was to carry out a state directive to close one of our elementary schools. As difficult as this was, the process showed just how strong our community is, as we refused to be victims, but instead, manage the transition to deliver a nice new home for our Oldham students and families. A generous corporate donation from a local business topped it off very nicely."

"We then hired a new superintendent, Kim Mercer. She staffed her administration, and for the first time in a while we have a fully staffed team. Their goals, among many, have been to bring our district up to date on curriculum and other standards, in all departments, to ensure we are delivering the best possible education to ALL of our students. Our teachers and building administrators have been a very big part of this process. It has been very challenging, but the progress is refreshing," stated Monteiro. Recently the high school received full accreditation after some years on probation for physical repairs needed to the building. Our administration and School Committee has been committed to addressing this issue, and will continue to work to meet the demands of NEASC. It will take a community effort, but we’ve shown we are up to the challenge," said the chairman. Both Monteiro and Tsonos said that they believe the schools have made great recent improvements after years of steady turmoil. At this time it appears however that a couple of opinions have developed in the city as to who can deal best with the procedural processes of the school committee meetings. While things change in East Providence politics overnight, at times, it seems that Charles Tsonos is in the lead to take the Chairmanship when the committee is sworn in on December 1st. For now.