Woonsocket Representative Brien Files Open Meetings Act Complaint Against “Surprise Meeting” by Rhode Island Department of Ed …. RISE Academy Chaos Continues

Did Mayor-Elect, Then Mayor & RISE Chairman Beauchamp, Spike Notice of the Hearing to Avoid Pre-Election Controversy?

Woonsocket School Committee Given Just Days to Prepare for Hearing

Coincidentally? RIDE Hearing Conflicted with Months Ago Prior Noticed School Committee Meeting

Today, November 21, District 49 State Representative/Long Time Woonsocket Leader Jon Brien filed a formal Open Meetings Act Violation over the failure of the Rhode Island Department of Education to properly “Notice” last night’s public hearing RE: the formal conversion of RISE Prep from a “Mayoral Academy” to a “Charter School”.

The Coalition Radio Network is in the process of reaching out to Woonsocket School Committee Members & Representative Brien for additional comment.

From Rhode Island General Laws:

Representative Brien is a vocal opponent of the plan, citing among other issues, the cost to Woonsocket Taxpayers. Mayor Chris Beauchamp stands largely alone amongst elected city officials in supporting the move.

Link: Chapter 46: Open Meetings R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-46-6

(c) Written public notice shall include, but need not be limited to, posting a copy of the notice at the principal office of the public body holding the meeting, or if no principal office exists, at the building in which the meeting is to be held, and in at least one other prominent place within the governmental unit, and electronic filing of the notice with the secretary of state pursuant to subsection (f); however, nothing contained herein shall prevent a public body from holding an emergency meeting, upon an affirmative vote of the majority of the members of the body when the meeting is deemed necessary to address an unexpected occurrence that requires immediate action to protect the public. If an emergency meeting is called, a meeting notice and agenda shall be posted as soon as practicable and shall be electronically filed with the secretary of state pursuant to subsection (f) and, upon meeting, the public body shall state for the record and minutes why the matter must be addressed in less than forty-eight (48) hours in accordance with subsection (b) of this section and only discuss the issue or issues that created the need for an emergency meeting. Nothing contained herein shall be used in the circumvention of the spirit and requirements of this chapter.

Representative Brien’s Complaint

This “public hearing” was not advertised on the Rhode Island Secretary of State website, notwithstanding that there was notice of FIFTY-SEVEN other public meetings held the same day.  I only came to learn about this meeting from a constituent who happens to receive the Education Commissioner’s weekly email.  There was NO notice given ANYWHERE of this meeting and in fact it was held on the same night of the Woonsocket School Committee’s regular meeting schedule.  

In conclusion, I believe that this was a WILLFUL violation of the OMA, meant to deter in person testimony on this issue. 

I am requesting expedited consideration of this complaint as I will offer any legislative remedy necessary to ensure that this does not happen again.