by Billy Kepner | Oct 2, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-15
Recently, we’ve learned more information about the deep systemic issues in our school department and how they are harming our ever-growing multilingual student population. Much like the John Hopkins report, this recently publicized ELL Report produced by the Council of the Great City Schools sheds a more intimate light on how our broken school system is not prioritizing students and families. This same disservice was dire enough to warrant the attention of the U.S. Justice Department last year that found that for years we’ve been failing our ELL students.
In addition to failing to provide the necessary supports and resources our ELL students require, a Boston Globe article this week reported that the Classical High School admissions test is only offered in English and that only 8 out of 1000 students at Classical, the City’s most prestigious high school, are in fact ELL.
These longstanding issues point to a more critical problem: this notion or narrative that multilingual learners are the ‘other’ and that they aren’t as capable or as knowledgeable as their English-speaking peers. When children, no matter what language they speak, aren’t treated as the centerpiece of a school culture it manifests itself in the subpar services they are provided and in the problematic behaviors undervalued students often portray.
In order to fix this disservice, we must first confront the biases embedded in our systems, structures, and in ourselves. We have to start treating multilingualism as an asset and not a deficiency and we have to build an educational system that accounts for the needs and supports of our ELL students from inception.
I am hopeful that the state’s intervention will provide us the opportunity to do just that.
Sabina Matos, President – Providence City Council – Councilwoman for Ward 15
by Billy Kepner | Oct 1, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-4
Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. (Ward 4) today was on site where work is continuing on the Hawkins Street Bridge Restoration Project.
“Today, National Grid was on-site to begin the removal of power lines along the Hawkins Street Bridge,” stated Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. “This process is going to take time, but it’s great to see momentum. I want to thank the City and the Rhode Island Department of Transportation for keeping this project moving.”
Hawkins Street Bridge was closed to traffic in October of 2017 after the Rhode Island Department of Transportation found significant deterioration on several of the support beams. Narducci continued, “Today marks another step closer to restoring this bridge so that the community is no longer divided.”
As work progresses Senior Deputy Majority Leader Narducci will provide updates on the status of the project.
by Billy Kepner | Oct 1, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-14
Yesterday, I was interviewed by NBC 10 regarding the $50 fine assessed to homeowners who left trash bins at the curb after midnight of their assigned trash day. The fine struck me as high, so after the interview, I reviewed the Code of Ordinances as it pertains to trash fines. In 2011, the City Council amended the Code to set a more equitable fine structure: the fines were set at $25 for a first offense and $50 for a second offense. All subsequent fines were to be levied at $100, not to exceed $1,500 per calendar year.
While it is possible that this is an honest mistake, these fines are very real for the homeowners being assessed, and this is a serious oversight that could put the City on the hook for restitution to homeowners who were overcharged. I have asked the Internal Auditor to immediately review this situation.
In addition to calling for a complete audit of trash fines levied since passage of the 2011 amendment, I will also introduce an amendment to the ordinance that would call for a warning for first offenses, followed by a sliding fine scale for subsequent offenses. While it is important to enforce rules about trash and ensure that our streets and sidewalks are clear, we must also ensure that regulations are applied fairly and evenly. Overcharging our hardworking residents is unacceptable.
Link to NBC 10’s story: Providence Trash Barrel Tickets Pile Up
by Billy Kepner | Sep 27, 2019 | Community Engagement, Council News, Press Release, Uncategorized, Ward-8
Since being sworn in as the Councilor representing Ward 8 in January 2019, Councilman James Taylor has made a tradition of holding Bingo nights for his elderly constituents.
In Ward 8, there are three high rises housing elderly community members along with two high rises that provide low-income housing. Because these high rises are home to a concentrated number of constituents with specific needs, Councilman Taylor makes a point to visit frequently.
“Bingo nights are an opportunity for me to engage with my constituents, and make sure their needs are being met in their building and their community, as well as a time for us to come together as a neighborhood and have fun,” said Councilman Taylor.
Snacks, gift cards, and raffles are available to all attendees so that everybody has a chance to win. Council staff member Stephanie Jourdain joins to call out bingo numbers and translate for Spanish speaking constituents. State Senator Ana Quezada and State Representative Scott Slater also often come to play bingo and address the needs of their constituents.
In addition to Bingo Nights, Councilman Taylor hosted barbecues at the two low-income housing high rises in his ward, where the residents are often much younger. He recently provided domino tables for their community rooms, which have been a big hit.
Councilman Taylor continued “The only time high rises are full with visitors is on Christmas and Thanksgiving. I want Ward 8 constituents of all ages and backgrounds to know that they are an important part of our community and I am here to help them year-round.”
Story by Abigail Appel, University of Rhode Island, City Council Communications Intern
by Billy Kepner | Sep 26, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-5
Providence City Council Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan, (Ward 5) announced today that Eaton Street shall be returned to its original traffic pattern.
“Making our City streets safe and accessible to all is one of my top priorities,” stated Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan. “We need to balance all new initiatives with the needs of the surrounding community, particularly when it is a matter of public safety. After hosting two community meetings and hearing from a cross-section of the Elmhurst neighborhood where residents articulated their incisive observations with the Eaton Street traffic redesign, I am pleased to report that the Mayor has agreed with us.”
Majority Leader Ryan continued, “I want to thank my neighbors for working together to address these genuine issues of public safety. Our voices were heard loud and clear. Further, I also want to emphasize that my neighbors are not opposed to creating bike lanes on City streets. We simply ask the City administration to be mindful of the public engagement and vetting process.”
After several meetings with Mayor Jorge Elorza and his department Directors, Majority Leader Ryan was successful in convincing City officials to have Eaton Street returned to its original traffic pattern. The remedial work will commence in a timely fashion.
Ryan continued, “I applaud the Mayor’s vision for a City that is responsive to multimodal transportation. However, this plan that was rolled out for Eaton Street did not fit or serve this community’s needs. Please note, I want to genuinely thank Mayor Elorza and his Directors for their professionalism and their willingness to engage with us to reconsider this plan implementation.”
Therefore, due to these recent developments, the community meeting which was tentatively scheduled on October 2, 2019 at St. Pius V Church has been canceled.
As any additional information regarding this important community issue arises, such news will be shared here on the City Council web page and on social media.
by Billy Kepner | Sep 20, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-4
Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. (Ward 4) today was on site where work is beginning on the Hawkins Street Bridge Restoration Project.
“The closing of the Hawkins Street Bridge has caused many issues in our neighborhood,” stated Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. “I am happy to report that the first phase of this project is beginning. Crews were on site today to remove trees and brush to make way for the rebuilding project. Although the bridge will not be reopened for some time, this is a positive step.”
Hawkins Street Bridge was closed to traffic in October of 2017 after the Rhode Island Department of Transportation found significant deterioration on several of the support beams. Narducci continued, “The closure has not only impacted residents but many businesses in the neighborhood. I have been an outspoken advocate working with the City and the State to get the bridge work done. I want to thank RIDOT and the City for working to get this bridge fixed for our residents.”
As work progresses Senior Deputy Majority Leader Narducci will provide updates on the status of the project.
