Friday, September 5, 2008 12:19 PM EDT
Feinstein offer still on table
 $1 million dollar offer remains on table, but Westerly school officials have not decided how to proceed. |
A $1 million offer for Westerly schools remains on the table, but school officials have not yet decided how to proceed.
School Committee members discussed the proposal from Rhode Island philanthropist Alan Shawn Feinstein this week and agreed to continue talks later this month.
Feinstein has offered $1 million to the school district over two years. Westerly, in return, would commit its middle school students to a philosophy of community service including the Feinstein Foundation’s World Hunger Brigade and rename the middle school after the philanthropist.
The renaming aspect of the proposal has sparked discussion in town and was described by more than one school board member as a “hot topic.”
Board member James Murano Jr. described Feinstein as an “honorable gentleman.” Murano added, however, an acceptance could potentially set the town up for future bidding wars.
“I think it opens up a can of worms, which I think is worthy of future discussion,” Murano said.
Board member David Patten said $1 million represents a small percentage of the district’s budget.
“It’s not going to make or break Westerly,” he said.
Patten added he does not favor accepting the offer and encouraged the board to defer any decision until after Nov. 4 — when a $30 million bond question for high school renovations will be on the ballot.
Patten later said, “We shouldn’t have to take up a collection for the school system… We should be able to run the school system with the tax revenue we get.”
Board member Mary Raftery described that goal as an “impossibility.” She said the district must be more creative in seeking alternate funding: “It’s not going to happen with taxpayers’ property taxes.”
Board member Michael Ober said, “$1 million is hard to say no to. I mean, no one else is offering us anything,” he said.
However, Ober added, “It’s starting to overshadow the whole school bonding issue.”
Board member Louis Sposato said the board should take the offer.
“Let’s face it, educating students is a business and we are not getting the money we need to get the job done,” he said. “From a business perspective, I don’t see how we can turn it down.”
He added he was concerned that Feinstein would withdraw his offer if the board delayed a decision to after Election Day.
“We got elected to make decisions. I think we need to decide,” he said.
John “Jack” Carson, a school board candidate, said he felt “deep concern” for the precedent that would be set by renaming the middle school.
“He’s a wonderful man. He represents everything that is good about mankind,” Carson said of Feinstein.
He added, however, that Westerly residents have a history of doing what is right without seeking recognition. He pointed to buildings, including the Westerly Armory, Westerly Hospital and Westerly Ambulance Corps facility, that have been constructed or renovated with public donations and have not been renamed.
“It’s just not the Westerly way,” Carson said. “We do things because it’s the right thing to do. We do things because we want to do it.”
He offered the name of Robert M. Mudge — a former Town Councilor, school board member, athlete and coach — as a more fitting name for the middle school.
“(He) represented everything good about our community,” Carson said.
Schools Superintendent Thomas DiPaola said a number of colleges and universities as well as primary and secondary schools bear the Feinstein name in Rhode Island.
Schools Solicitor William Nardone said board members could not vote on the matter Wednesday because the agenda item was advertised only for discussion.
School Committee members discussed the proposal from Rhode Island philanthropist Alan Shawn Feinstein this week and agreed to continue talks later this month.
Feinstein has offered $1 million to the school district over two years. Westerly, in return, would commit its middle school students to a philosophy of community service including the Feinstein Foundation’s World Hunger Brigade and rename the middle school after the philanthropist.
The renaming aspect of the proposal has sparked discussion in town and was described by more than one school board member as a “hot topic.”
Board member James Murano Jr. described Feinstein as an “honorable gentleman.” Murano added, however, an acceptance could potentially set the town up for future bidding wars.
“I think it opens up a can of worms, which I think is worthy of future discussion,” Murano said.
Board member David Patten said $1 million represents a small percentage of the district’s budget.
“It’s not going to make or break Westerly,” he said.
Patten added he does not favor accepting the offer and encouraged the board to defer any decision until after Nov. 4 — when a $30 million bond question for high school renovations will be on the ballot.
Patten later said, “We shouldn’t have to take up a collection for the school system… We should be able to run the school system with the tax revenue we get.”
Board member Mary Raftery described that goal as an “impossibility.” She said the district must be more creative in seeking alternate funding: “It’s not going to happen with taxpayers’ property taxes.”
Board member Michael Ober said, “$1 million is hard to say no to. I mean, no one else is offering us anything,” he said.
However, Ober added, “It’s starting to overshadow the whole school bonding issue.”
Board member Louis Sposato said the board should take the offer.
“Let’s face it, educating students is a business and we are not getting the money we need to get the job done,” he said. “From a business perspective, I don’t see how we can turn it down.”
He added he was concerned that Feinstein would withdraw his offer if the board delayed a decision to after Election Day.
“We got elected to make decisions. I think we need to decide,” he said.
John “Jack” Carson, a school board candidate, said he felt “deep concern” for the precedent that would be set by renaming the middle school.
“He’s a wonderful man. He represents everything that is good about mankind,” Carson said of Feinstein.
He added, however, that Westerly residents have a history of doing what is right without seeking recognition. He pointed to buildings, including the Westerly Armory, Westerly Hospital and Westerly Ambulance Corps facility, that have been constructed or renovated with public donations and have not been renamed.
“It’s just not the Westerly way,” Carson said. “We do things because it’s the right thing to do. We do things because we want to do it.”
He offered the name of Robert M. Mudge — a former Town Councilor, school board member, athlete and coach — as a more fitting name for the middle school.
“(He) represented everything good about our community,” Carson said.
Schools Superintendent Thomas DiPaola said a number of colleges and universities as well as primary and secondary schools bear the Feinstein name in Rhode Island.
Schools Solicitor William Nardone said board members could not vote on the matter Wednesday because the agenda item was advertised only for discussion.
Jay wrote on Sep 18, 2008 8:46 AM:
" Why would the town council and school committe prostitute the Town of Westerly like that. Oh, let's see, political officials, prostitution, never mind.... "
Re: Take Thy Money wrote on Sep 12, 2008 1:49 PM:
" It’s ok to disagree with bloggers or those who drop comments, but do be respectful. Calling names, using vulgarity and telling me to get back in the kitchen to make a sandwich only show off your ignorance. If you can’t offer a decent rebuttal, keep your thoughts to yourself. No one wants to see rude, mean or nasty comments. I am not even Italian and I find your comments offensive. "
Re: Take Thy Money wrote on Sep 11, 2008 9:44 PM:
" You are a bigot! Nice way to talk. Good lessons for the children you are sooooo worried about! I HOPE THAT SINCE THE SUN'S EDITOR SEES FIT TO CONTINOUSLY ALLOW PREJUDICE PEOPLE TO POST SUCH CREEPY COMMENTS, THAT HE OR SHE WILL ALLOW THIS POST AS WELL! IF NOT, YOU CAN REST ASSURED, MY FAMILY WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER WESTERLY SUN! These blogs are way over the top and very poorly monitored. EDITOR, TAKE THE CRITICISM AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS. STOP IT NOW! IT HAS GONE TOO FAR AND YOU ALLOWED IT TO HAPPEN. THE SUN IS CAUSING A DIVISION IN THIS TOWN AND THESE BLOGS ARE THE CENTER OF IT. YOU DON'T EVEN FOLLOW YOUR OWN RULES. When you see idiotic comments like the one posted by "Take thy money" you should NOT allow it up on the blog. This kind of comment is damaging to this entire community. Keep small minded people in small places! That's what I always say. Don't give them a forum to post their HATE MONGERING. "
Take Thy Money wrote on Sep 11, 2008 8:52 AM:
" If you have read any of the recent posts on any article associated with the bond, contract or the committee , you have probably realized that there is not a snow ball's chance in heck that this vote will be "yes". If this "oh so proud" town of Italian heritage, as we all hear about way too much, is steadfast in their decision to reject this offer, then your 2nd and 3rd generation Italian children will pay the price. Wake up and smell the rigatoni!!! "
Pinky wrote on Sep 11, 2008 7:42 AM:
" Tired of seeing him on his TV commercials also! How much has he wasted on those that could have gone to helping others than his self promotion schtick. "
Police340 wrote on Sep 10, 2008 9:36 AM:
" I for one am tired of seeing Mr. Feinstein's name all over the state. I imagine his next reuqets will be to rename The Ocean State, The State of Alan Shawn Feinstein. There is no question that he has done many good things in this state but does he have such a small ego that he is attempting to enlarge it by having his name all over the state? I owuld not agree to it, Westerly Citizens. "
Re: Dave T wrote on Sep 10, 2008 9:14 AM:
" Bro,
You make absolutely ZERO sense. Could you put a complete thought together please? The Republican Party at the Federal and State levels have driven our economy into the ground. Oil is at it's highest level ever, unemployment is at it's highest level ever, We're poised to spend $1T prosecuting 2 wars in the middle east, when Medicare and Social Security are failing at home.... Tell us again to vote Republican ignoramus "
You make absolutely ZERO sense. Could you put a complete thought together please? The Republican Party at the Federal and State levels have driven our economy into the ground. Oil is at it's highest level ever, unemployment is at it's highest level ever, We're poised to spend $1T prosecuting 2 wars in the middle east, when Medicare and Social Security are failing at home.... Tell us again to vote Republican ignoramus "
Teresa wrote on Sep 10, 2008 9:13 AM:
" The Town of Westerly should not "lower" itself to accepting the $1 million offered by Alan Shawn Feinstein. If Mr. Feinstein is a true philanthropist, he would donate the money without stipulations, especially one that insists that our beautiful, state-of-the-art Westerly Middle School be renamed after him. He has no connection to our community or the education of our young students. Westerly is a town rich with cultural and ethnic history. Why should he be recognized in our community solely because he is very rich. My children learned the value and importance of community service long before Mr. Feinstein made it "politically correct". Giving of ourselves is the foundation of any community, and we don't need to sell ourselves to the devil to know that. "
Resident wrote on Sep 9, 2008 4:39 PM:
" Confucious say ,If you have a bucket that has holes in it, fix the holes before you put more water in it. "
Dave T wrote on Sep 9, 2008 4:34 PM:
" Take a minute to look up the overall tax burden in this state and the rest of New England. The re-distribution of wealth borders on Socialism! "
Re: Dave T wrote on Sep 8, 2008 8:42 PM:
" Hahahahaha, you can't be serious, look at what Republican leadership has done to our Country and our State over the past 4 years. ATROCIOUS, every one of them should go before a judge to defend their actions! "
Dave T wrote on Sep 8, 2008 4:46 PM:
" Take the money, re-name the school, and put the name up for bin in two years. Anything to reduce the taxes in this town.
Save the State, Vote Republican! "
Save the State, Vote Republican! "
Former Feinstein Scholar wrote on Sep 8, 2008 10:07 AM:
" Feinstein forces students to do community service in order to graduate. Students should do community service because they want to, it's called volunteering. Community service is a punishment for convicted criminals. "
Sally wrote on Sep 8, 2008 8:47 AM:
" Why is this even a questions. NO NO NO! Local community character should not be for sale. This guy has nothing to do for Westerly. If you want to save money, stop paying the school administrators and teachers more than our emergency service people and town workers and get back to basic education. Parents should teach their own children about charity and giving back to others at home. It is not a function of the schools to do it. This is why the budgets are so high because the focus on basic education gets lost in making the shcools do the things parents are too lazy to do themselves. "
Re: Mr. Wiseguy wrote on Sep 6, 2008 6:04 PM:
" Thank you so much for proving my point! You ARE a wiseguy! "
Feinstein=Fool wrote on Sep 6, 2008 2:50 PM:
" I've paid taxes to Westerly my entire life, I'm a product of Westerly, Of it's School System and of it's Culture. What does Feinstein know about us, as a people as a community? NOTHING, just that he is accustomed to people taking his handouts! His offer of $1M is gracious to say the least, but his demand that we name the Community's Middle School after him is downright offensive, not to mention ARROGANT. I'll tell you what Feinstein, take the offer off the table. The majority of Westerly wants nothing to do with it! "
Mr. WISEGUY wrote on Sep 6, 2008 2:45 PM:
" I sure do understand my role, My role is to support my family, my role is to support my community and my role is to support education. And by support, I mean verbal and financial. Apparently, YOU are to cheap to support your community of education. I'm wondering if you actually live in Westerly or not. Clowns like you are the reason why it is so difficult to move ahead in this current enviornment, clowns like you undermine the good the majority of this town stands for, clowns like you are all to anxious to take advantage of services but cry foul when it's your turn to contribute and clowns like you ultimately fade into obscurity, accomplishing nothing in life and envying those who do....
Good luck with your pitiful philosophy "
Good luck with your pitiful philosophy "
WAKE UP!! wrote on Sep 6, 2008 10:04 AM:
" I take it that all of you who are turning down Mr. Feinstein's generous offer because of the renaming of the school are going to vote "yes" on that $30 million bond on November 4th. Plain and simple, we need the money and judging by the responses to the $30 million bond story - it seems the majority of this town is choosing to vote "no". I do agree with "No Thanks" about true generosity, I mean, how many schools need to be named after this guy? But, when it comes down to it, I don't care what you name a school - as long as there are quality teachers and up to date materials and all children are getting what they need. "
UNDERSTAND OUR ROLE? wrote on Sep 6, 2008 8:32 AM:
" To Mr. or Ms. Wiseguy who askes if we understand our role now - we understand our role all too well. We, also, understand how flawed the system is in the entire State of Rhode Island. RI Superior Court Judge Judith Savage has WARNED School Boards everywhere by advising them THEY NEED TO UNDERSTAND that Rhode Islanders pay some of the country's highest property taxes and there are limits as to how much more they can afford to pay. My question to you Mr. or Ms. Wiseguy is DO YOU UNDERSTAND?????? Don't worry the voters will see to it that you do understand on November 4th, with their vote - a RESOUNDING NO!!! "
Bradford Parent wrote on Sep 6, 2008 8:22 AM:
" can't they get it--that atty. nardone and school committee
take it off the table...asap "
take it off the table...asap "
billd wrote on Sep 6, 2008 7:22 AM:
" Naming things after individuals has gotten out of hand.This should stop or Westerly will be called "Royceville". He never ask for anything in return. He just is doing a marvelous job, a true investor. "
RE= Response wrote on Sep 6, 2008 6:00 AM:
" Yes the buisness is to educate our students- gee that was a hard one- now answer this- would it help our students if we had an extra million dollars to buy science materials, calculators, musical instruments, smart boards, computers, etc. As a business owner who pays good amount of taxes to support public education- shame on us to not give our children an edge by having more instructional funds- I am fine with some local philanthropist giving a million dollars- but I dont see anyone stepping up-and for you clowns who say the school belongs to the tax payers- where are you when the school system needs money- you are home complaining and writing on this blog instead of supporting more funds for our children- now do you understand your role better- I dont know how rich you are but a million dollars is a lot of money and can buy manyh things to benefit our students- maybe you didnt notice but the school committee cut positions and supplies- geee about a million dollars worth- deposit your ego at the bank and see how much interest you make and ill deposit the million "
Robert Gionet wrote on Sep 5, 2008 9:58 PM:
" The Building belongs to the people of the town of Westely, RI and not to some rich person with a swollen ego .
"
"
Re: No more coaches wrote on Sep 5, 2008 6:02 PM:
" I see quite clearly that you don't have the slightest idea of how this town conducts it's 'business'. The Westerly Town Council has the final say with respect to the proposed budget as it is presented to the taxpayers of Westerly for an up or down vote. The Westerly School Committee along with the Superintendent and Solicitors have the unenviable job of crafting school policy. Budgets are previewed and reviewed, in the end a tight budget is presented to the council. This budget aims to provide for the district and it's students, employees, obligations etc, while keeping in mind the burden to the taxpayer. Every year we hear complaint after complaint about the town budget, well then, why aren't there more people willing to sacrifice their comfortable lives to run for Town Council or School Committee??
You want to run the School like a business??? It is, and the business is teaching students. This business needs capital to stay afloat, and thats where the taxpayers come in.....
Do you understand what your role is now???
"
You want to run the School like a business??? It is, and the business is teaching students. This business needs capital to stay afloat, and thats where the taxpayers come in.....
Do you understand what your role is now???
"
No more coaches wrote on Sep 5, 2008 4:27 PM:
" Yes- I agree we need to run the schools like a business. If that is true then why does Westerly keep hiring people with no financial background or business experience to lead the school district- please- we already have a former football coach and he is about to be the next chair- do we really need another coach- Mr. Carson was an ok principal like his buddy Murano- but they have no right to lead a 50 million dollar organization. Did you notice that Jack and Jim had the same response to the million dollars- damn- that is a lot of money- take it and swallow your pride- we need it- just make sure the Town doesnt reduce the million from their contribution- get it in writing that they wont do that today and forever- better yet give the million to the endowment- take it away from the politicans. "
Bribery wrote on Sep 5, 2008 3:30 PM:
" Could this be considered BRIBERY, I mean at least quid pro quo? Westerly has a history devoid of this person, Feinstein, I think that we should honor Westerly's history by not naming public buildings after people for the sake of the almighty dollar. Tell Feinstein, WESTERLY CANNOT BE BOUGHT, not by him, not by Royce, not by anyone! "
Jack wrote on Sep 5, 2008 2:26 PM:
" This town has some notable philanthropic residents that have donated significantly more money than Mr. Feinstein without any egotistical strings attached. I am opposed to accepting his terms and conditions. It seems that a simple plaque in a place of honor at the Middle schoo.l would be appropriate acknowledgement of his generosity "
Re: No Thanks wrote on Sep 5, 2008 2:00 PM:
" You're right. True generosity and true volunteerism asks for nothing in return. "
No Thanks wrote on Sep 5, 2008 1:26 PM:
" A donation of $1 million entitles this man to his name on a WESTERLY SCHOOL in perpetuity??? I don't think so. When we compare the millions paid in tax dollars by property owners in this Town over the years to his $1 million, this is just a drop in the bucket, and a slap in the face to Westerly Taxpayers! Why doesn't he just unselfishly GIVE the money? Oh, no, he has to get something in return. That's not how I define "generosity." "
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