MICHAEL CROWLEY ELECTED RIASC PRESIDENT

Michael Crowley, Chair of the Middletown School Committee, was elected President of the Rhode Island Association of School Committees at the Association's 2008 Annual Meeting.

Crowley has served on the RIASC Executive Committee since 2002.  A former History teacher and member of the Peace Corps, Mike has pledged to provide professional development opportunities for school committee candidates prior to the upcoming elections.

Robert Faria, Cathy Kaiser and Eileen Lovett Achieve Professional Development Recognition Status

Three school committee members have achieved Professional Development Recognition Status through the Rhode Island Association of School Committee's Leadership Development Academy. Robert Faria, East Providence School Committee; Cathy Kaiser, Jamestown School Committee; and Eileen Lovett, East Providence School Committee; completed their 15 hours of professional development required to now receive recognition by the Rhode Island Board of Regents.

Anita McGuire Forcier and Sally Black Achieve Professional Development Status
RIASC commends Anita McGuire Forcier of Woonsocket and Sally Black of Tiverton for their commitment to school committee professional development. Anita and Sally participated in over 15 hours of professional development by attending classes offered through RIASC's Leadership Development Academy.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!
The Rhode Island Association of School Committees would like to welcome over 60 new school committee members and extend to them the opportunity to attend our New Member Training meeting on January 20, 2007. Meeting the responsibilities of being a school committee member requires a wide variety of skills, knowledge, and abilities.

Jo Eva Gaines and Rosa Quinonez Crowley Achieve Professional Development Recognition Status
The Rhode Island Association of School Committees (RIASC) commends the following school committee members for participating in over 15 hours of school committee professional development through RIASC's Leadership Development Academy: Jo Eva Gaines of Newport Rosa Quinonez Crowley of Cumberland. We are proud of all of our members who have made the commitment to ongoing professional development to improve their effectiveness and meet the challenges of their governance role.

Ted Crowley and Joanne Bonollo Graduate from RIASC's Leadership Development Academy

The Rhode Island Association of School Committees (RIASC) commends the following school committee members for participating in over 15 hours of school committee professional development through RIASC's Leadership Development Academy:   Ted Crowley, Cumberland School Committee chair and Joanne Bonollo, Pawtucket School Committee member.   In 2004, RIASC was instrumental in passing a law calling for a voluntary professional development program for school committee members. After a year of planning and a national survey of school committee training, the program was unveiled.

RIASC UNVEILS 2005/2006 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
RIASC's professional development committee met over the summer and planned this year's school committtee professional development program. The Committee approved the program content, the elements of the Chair Mentoring Program, and the identification of qualified members to serve as school committee resource members.

Five School Committee Members Achieve Professional Development Recognition
The Rhode Island Association of School Committees (RIASC) commends the following school committee members for participating in over 15 hours of school committee professional development through RIASC's Leadership Development Academy: Patrick Guida of Barrington; Jean Harnois of Smithfield; Scott Mueller of South Kingstown; Nancy Sprengelmeyer of Coventry; and Deborah Thurston of Barrington. In 2004, RIASC was instrumental in passing a law calling for a voluntary professional development program for school committee members.

SOUTHERN RI TASKFORCE FORMED
Southern Rhode Island School Committees, Superintendents and Legislators attended a meeting to discuss fiscal issues facing school districts. The meeting was sponsored by the Southern Rhode Island Collaborative.