Newport, Middletown Considering Regional High School Merger

MIDDLETOWN, RI — Middletown and Newport town officials are considering combining forces to form one regional high school. Newport Representative Lauren Carson is encouraging residents to attend a public meeting in two weeks to discuss the proposal, postponing a constituent meeting scheduled for the same day.

"Potentially, especially as schools with declining enrollment, we could benefit from economies of scale if we were to regionalize," Carson said in a statement.

Carson said combining schools could create better opportunities for students.

"We would be better positioned to replace our outdated school buildings and there would be many intangible benefits, such as increased diversity among students and stronger and more varied extracurricular activities and sports," Carson continued. "I would encourage all members of our communities to pay close attention to this conversation and consider the merits of a regional high school."

The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. at the Middletown Town Hall at 350 East Main Rd. on Monday, June 17. An agenda for the meeting will be released closer to the date, the Town Clerk's office said Thursday.

Carson said she will be attending the meeting and will reschedule her constituent meeting for a later date.