Leaders tackle Central Falls HS future

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - For the first time since city leaders fired all of the teachers at Central Falls High School last month, the various stakeholders gathered for a closed-door meeting in Providence Thursday. The topic of discussion: how to turn around the chronically underperforming school.

• In-depth coverage of Central Falls H.S. troubles

The meeting was held at the University of Rhode Island's downtown campus and was attended by union leaders, teachers, and state education officials, as well as people from the community and the non-profit world. One of the items discusses was what qualities the school's next leader should have.

The meeting appeared to have yielded progress between school adminstration and the teachers union.

The troubles at the school gained national attention after Gallo recommended, and the Board of Trustees voted for, a plan that included firing all of the teachers, and rehiring no more than 50 percent back. At that time, Gallo said she was forced to make the move after negotiations with the teachers union broke down.

Both sides agreed Thursday to the use of a mediator in upcoming negotiations with the union. Union President Jane Sessums said she is hopeful a deal can be struck to prevent the firings.

Central Falls is under federal mandate to made radical changes in the school, which is one of six in Rhode Island deemed underperforming. The other five are in Providence, which is currently crafting it's turnaround plans.

"We want a comprehensive plan by May 11. Not a rough plan. We need the details. We need to understand exactly what's going to happen, when and to whom and how," said Central Falls School Superintendent Frances Gallo. "We are in this. We have to do it. There is no going back. We have to be a truly successful, united group of people, who care about our children."