Central Falls students want voice

CENTRAL FALLS, R.I. (WPRI) - Students at Central Falls High School say they deserve to have a say when it comes to reforming the troubled school.

Central Falls High School has been in the national spotlight since the superintendent decided to fire all 93 teachers, administrators, and support staff last month.

The firings came after the union and the superintendent could not agree on a reform model to turn around the chronically low-performing school, as mandated by the federal government.

On Wednesday, members of the non-profit group " Young Voices " held a news conference, and expressed their desire to be involved in talks about the future of Central Falls High.

"Since I value my education, " said 17-year-old Central Falls senior Victoria Salako, "I believe students like me who care about their education and their future should have the opportunity to be part of making the decisions that will impact them."

17-year-old junior Sammy Ogundare agrees.

"All I really want is for my school to change for the better, no matter how the teachers and district decide to do it."

Both students say the support Superintendent Frances Gallo's proposed reforms, but they do not want to see the entire faculty fired.