Seekonk Schools Not Restricting Access to Tri-County

Seekonk Schools Superintendent Rebecca Kidwell is disputing claims made on social media about students being denied access to information about Tri County Regional Vocational Technical High School’s programs.

“I absolutely believe in and support educating students in trades that allow for a post-secondary career path,” Kidwell said Wednesday. “Tri-County offers trades funded through the state's office of Career & Technical Education (CTE).  By the contract that allows our students’ access to Tri-County, we (and any other town that is a member of Tri-County) cannot offer equivalent programs with CTE funding unless we have permission from Tri-County to do so.”

Voters approved $280 million in funding for a new Tri County High School last November. Kidwell has expressed concern about eighth grade Hurley Middle School students deciding to attend Tri County instead of Seekonk High School.

“(The high school) is focusing on other pathways such as Biomedical, Business, and Broadcast Journalism,” Kidwell continued. “We are also exploring community internships for seniors.  The first of these have some of our high school students getting career experience in our elementary schools through the work of the Attleboro Area School to Career Partnership team.”

Kidwell noted state law requires the district to provide all students and families with information and access to the opportunities provided at Tri-County and Bristol County Agricultural. 

Information about both schools' open houses and application processes has been included in the weekly middle school newsletters. Lunchtime "meet & greets" for 8th graders who would like to learn more about Tri-County or Bristol Aggie will also be scheduled.

On November 14, an event will be held for eighth graders at the high school. The options for high school education will be discussed.

There will also be meetings with individual students “to discuss their hopes and interests to ensure that each 8th grader has the support they need to be successful in the move to grade 9.”

Kidwell added: “I hope, in the future, that social media users will spread positive information about all the opportunities HMS and SPS provide to support 8th graders as they plan for high school.”