To the editor:

Recently, I sent a letter to Dr. Ana Riley, Superintendent of Schools for BWRPS. The letter was in support of Dr. DiBiase, principal of Mt Hope HS, and the superintendent’s intention to renew her contract. To all the parents and members of the School Committee who disagree with my opinion, please remember I practice what I preach, this is a professional disagreement, not personal. I know many of you. I am not questioning your commitment to the district. But this letter is from an educator and parent in his fifth decade of teaching. I have seen such scenarios all too many times before. Disagreements turn personal all too quickly! In this case, you are treading on dangerous ground that could send our school district backward.

First and foremost, I feel the members in disagreement with our superintendent are entering an area of disconnect with the voters, one that we wish they would avoid. It has been painfully obvious that the biggest problem that BWRPS has faced over the past few years is a lack of continuity in the leadership position. To abandon your support of a superintendent, who is driving us forward, is detrimental to the future success of our BWRPS. Dr. Riley has an impeccable track record of success in many other districts as well as at the RI Dept. of Education. There are many other districts that would love to have her! In addition, several high schools in our area will be needing a new principal next year. I am sure Dr. DiBiasi would be on the top of their list should she become a free agent.

With that in mind, it is time for the School Committee to step back, see the big picture, and show the faith in our leadership that is well deserved. I don't think the parents and voters in this community want to see the continuous turnover at the top, which has plagued the district in recent times. Do we have some issues? Of course. But look beyond your four walls; they are the same issues most of our neighboring districts are dealing with at this time. Disagree with me all you want, I have logged a few more miles walking the halls of our public schools than most!

You would have to search far and wide to find a parent, staff member, or school committee member that agrees with every single decision a principal or superintendent makes. I am sure, that if I worked in the district, I would find myself disagreeing with some of the policies and practices as I have in every district I have worked in. However, that would not change my opinion of the quality of leadership. In cases such as this, it is important to keep such opinions on a professional level, resolve conflict, and avoid making issues become personal. This is the only way to find solutions that improve a school community and keep it moving forward. I am not so sure that is happening with regards to the issue of renewing the contract for Dr. DiBiase.

I have been an educator for 43 years and I’ve met many administrators. Although I have not worked directly with Dr. DiBiase, other than my time as a parent volunteer on the BWRPS Tech Committee, it is easy to see she is a dedicated, hard-working principal and an outstanding person. I have attended many events with my son, a Junior at Mt Hope High School. One thing is always constant, Dr. D is there! She cares about our kids!

Finally, I speak for many in this community, not all, when I say, “Dr. Riley and Dr. DiBiase have our full support!” Renew Dr. DiBiase’s contract! Keep continuity at the top, and please keep our schools moving forward.

Edward Davis
Educator, West Warwick Public Schools
79 Sherry Ave.
Bristol