Ep School Coaches' Raise Tabled; EPHS Hockey to Drop a Division & Merge; New Concussion Policy; Code of Conduct & Unified Basketball:

Part of a busy School Committee Meeting on October 27th

Increase in Coaches Pay tabled. The committee also deferred any action on getting coaches and adviser stipends back to where they were before the state budget commission slashed them, some in half. "We've had a recent turnover in good coaches who have gone to other places. The budget commission cut city council benefits and coaching stipends. The council benefits were restored but not the coaches," said Monteiro who has been at odds with some of the city council recently.

EPHS Hockey to drop from division 2 to division 3 and combine with Tolman High. The Tolman High hockey team in Pawtucket is down to only 3 players. "We were contacted by Tolman to see if we would let their three players join our team," said AD Bob Duarte. "We ourselves are down to just 10-12 players down from the 19 we had. Our program is down 8 graduating seniors, dropping our skill level," said Duarte. Coach Kevin Croke who has been credited with revising the Townie hockey team leading them to two RI state championships as EP moved up a division. "We've done well with some good kids but it's tough to compete with the big hockey schools, especially when we don't have a hockey rink," said Croke. The Townies have scrambled to find ice time to practice and keep a competitive team on the ice.

The committee approved the athletic department's new concussion policy for athletes. "Once an athlete is thought to have a concussion, they are not cleared to play again to after a series of physician and trainer examinations. It's a pretty extensive process and is in line with state and national guidelines," said Duarte.

The High School athlete's Code of Conduct policy was put on hold as committee members wanted to see it strengthened in some areas. "It was developed 5-6 years ago and is actually tougher than what the state interscholastic league requires," said AD Duarte. "If an athlete gets in trouble, this is the bible in which we give discipline," added Duarte. "One thing that bugs me is that you can fail two subjects and still play," said member Nate Cahoon. "One has to pass 5 of 7 subjects to remain eligible for sports," said Duarte. "I feel if you fail two classes you shouldn't play," responded Cahoon. Jessica Beauchaine, Joel Monteiro and others agreed that the policy needs further review. Members also commented on how daily attendance and tardiness may be a factor. The policy was deferred to a subsequent meeting.

The committee approved a request from Timothy Conley to help institute a Unified Basketball Program in the middle schools. The program pairs special needs with mainstreamed students to participate in team sports. "I will do all in my power to see that the program doesn't harm the budget," said Conley, a former school board member and current city council member from Ward 4. "We have the program at the high school," said Duarte. "I support it greatly. Our only cost is for bus transportation." Jessica Beauchaine, a major fundraiser for middle school sports, also pledged support from the Project 106 group. "We'll support it," said Beauchaine.