Seekonk School Candidates Forum

The three candidates for two open three year seats on the Seekonk School Committee answered questions from local media at a televised forum on March 28.

Michael Dressler, a member of TV9’s Board of Directors, served as Moderator.

Incumbent Emily Field explained she had taken the time to consider other points of view when voting on issues for the district.
“The first time I ran, I wanted to bridge the gap between teachers and administration, and I think I’ve done a great job of that.”

Michael Novinson expressed his concern about overcrowding in classrooms as well as faulty heating system at Hurley Middle School.
Bob Gerardi touted his experience as a School Superintendent in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

One question focused on suspensions and expulsions from school for misbehavior, as well as violence directed against teachers or other students.
“Violence is never an answer, so that’s something that we need to teach our students at a very early age,” Gerardi said. “As an administrator, I would never accept violence towards a staff member or other students. That requires working with the families.”

“If there are incidents which aren’t being handled properly, we need to create pathways for teachers or staff to be able to escalate that without fear of retaliation,” Novinson said.
“As a school district, we have a responsibility to provide a safe environment for every student,” Field said. “A school is a safe haven. Students are there every day and teachers are there every day and they should feel safe.”
Another question focused on grade reconfiguration as well as the possibility of building a new middle school or high school.

“I have experience in building three different schools in three different (school) systems, and I also have experience with a renovation project,” Gerardi said.
“We need to survey the town to see what their appetite is before we make those decisions,” Field said.
“Ideally, if we are do build a new (school), I do think it would make sense to have high schoolers in there to help with that attrition from eighth to ninth grade,” Novinson said. “But first we have to decide if it’s renovation or replacement.”

The candidates were also asked about parents’ rights when it concerns their child’s gender identity.

“I do believe schools should be welcoming and affirming for all,” Novinson said. “Parents have the right to opt their children out of courses that deal with human sexuality.”

“I do think it’s important that we educate everyone,” Gerardi said.”Whatever their gender identity is, we need to work with them and accept them for who they are.”

“Everyone should feel welcome and respected in our schools without a doubt,” Field added.

The forum will be airing on TV9 through Election Day on April 7.