Deborah Gist

TGIF: 11 Things to Know About Rhode Island Politics + Media

Ian Donnis — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 20:55:09 +0000

Welcome back to my weekly column. You can find me on Twitter. Let's head in.

Chafee Joins Governors for Invite-Only Education Summit

Elisabeth Harrison — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 12:53:21 +0000

Governor Lincoln Chafee is in Chicago Monday for a symposium on education. The event is hosted by James B. Hunt Institute for Educational Leadership and Policy, a group affiliated with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The institute says its goal is to strengthen public education by bringing politicians and policymakers together to discuss state-level education policy.

TGIF: 14 Things to Know About RI Politics + Media

Ian Donnis — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 20:15:19 +0000

The start of June has done nothing, naturally, to stop the breakneck flow of news in the Land of The Gift That Keeps on Giving. So welcome back to my weekly column. You can reach me at idonnis (at) ripr (dot) com, and (please) follow me on Twitter. Let's head in.

Chafee Pleased by Gist's Contract Extension; Critics Vow Resistance

Ian Donnis — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 17:45:17 +0000

Governor Lincoln Chafee is applauding the contract extension granted to state Education Commissioner Deborah Gist on Thursday. But the state’s largest teachers’ union remains upset about the decision to keep Gist as commissioner.

The state Board of Education voted, 7 to 3, to continue Gist’s contract for another two years. In a statement, Governor Chafee says he’s pleased by the agreement. The governor says he looks forward to continuing what he calls a productive and positive relationship with Gist.

Two Year Contract Renewal for Gist

Catherine Welch — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 12:08:15 +0000

After hours of deliberation … and discussion with Rhode Island Education Commissioner Deborah Gist … the state's education board approved a new 2-year contract for Gist. The vote was 7 -3 with one abstention. Rhode Island Public Radio's Catherine Welch was there and has this report.

Political Roundtable: Walsh on Gist, 38 Studios, Economic Development + more

Ian Donnis — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 08:00:00 +0000

Robert A. Walsh Jr., executive director of the National Education Association Rhode Island, joins the Roundtable this week to discuss state Education Commissioner Deborah Gist; conflicting views on economic development; the debate over defaulting on bonds for 38 Studios; and Council 94's hiring of a prominent critic of state Treasurer Gina Raimondo.

Bonus Q+A: Walsh Offers a Labor Perspective on the Democratic Gubernatorial Field for 2014

Ian Donnis — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 08:00:00 +0000

Robert Walsh, executive director of the National Education Association Rhode Island, joins Bonus Q+A for a discussion of pensions, President Obama, public education, and the Democratic field in next year's race for governor.

Gist on the Bumpy Road to NECAP: This Will Get Better

Elisabeth Harrison — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 13:03:04 +0000

The Rhode Island Board of Education is expected to vote tonight on a contract extension for State Education Commissioner Deborah Gist. She’s been weathering heavy criticism over the last few months from some parents, students and teachers, who complain that she ignores their concerns about all of the changes happening in Rhode Island public schools. One of the most controversial issues has been a new policy of standardized testing as a requirement for a high school diploma.

RI ACLU: Higher Suspension Rate for Black & Hispanic Students

Flo Jonic — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 20:01:33 +0000

One day after releasing a report showing that African Americans in the state are disproportionately arrested for marijuana possession, the Rhode Island chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union is out with a report showing a racial disparity in school suspensions.

The civil rights group stopped short of calling it racial profiling, but says the issue is something education leaders need to study and correct.

U.S. Education Secretary Defends RI Commissioner Gist

Catherine Welch — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 19:46:09 +0000

Education Secretary Arne Duncan said Rhode Islanders should look at progress made in its schools while weighing the fate of state education commissioner Deborah Gist. Duncan made the comment on a conference call with Rhode Island reporters.

In a call of support for Gist, Duncan touted rising test scores and graduation rates as signs that the state is making progress. Teachers and parents have been outspoken in their opposition to Gist. But Duncan defends her, calling her collaborative.