Politics & Government

Councilor: 'Taxpayers Deserve Answer' on Day Care's Use of School

A resolution to investigate the circumstances surrounding the use of city property by Tender Care Learning Center was voted down last week by city councilors.


Last week, Newport City Council members voted down a request that the city solicitor investigate a private day care’s use of Coggeshall School for a summer camp.

The day care, located at 38 Marcus Wheatland Blvd., is under investigation by Newport police and DCYF after the 17-year-old son of co-owner Gregory Johnson allegedly molested a 5-year-old girl while working at the center. DCFY closed the facility after they discovered two staff members did not have proper background checks. 

“The taxpayers deserve an answer. The school children deserve an answer,” said Councilor Michael Farley, who introduced the resolution. Farley added that School Committee members “should be focused on schools, not landlord issues.”

The resolution, which stated the camp “has utilized classroom space in Coggeshall School to run a day camp for the past several months without paying the required rental charge,” was voted down 4-3, with councilors Marco Camacho, Kathryn Leonard and Farley in favor.

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“At this junction I consider this resolution totally inappropriate,” said Councilor Jeanne-Marie Napolitano. She pointed out the city should let police, DCYF and other governmental bodies conduct their investigations.

Although Newport Superintendent John Ambrogi allowed the day care to use the school, he later said he was lied to when camp organizers initially told him they were a non-profit organization.  

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Mayor Harry Winthrop said it is the School Committee’s responsibility to conduct an investigation and review its policies. 

“The school committee does not work for the city council,” said Winthrop. 

Joseph Nicholson clarified the school committee and city council are two separate governmental bodies.

“Your connection is as appropriating authority,” said Nicholson.

What do you think? Should there be an investigation into the company's use of city property?

 

 



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