Pell Elementary School: Back to the Drawing Board?

The Rhode Island Department of Education Commissioner recently made the decision to deny dismissal of a petition by a group of Newport parents on the design of the new Pell elementary school. The group argued that the school department did not provide enough opportunities for the public to be involved with the design process and did not consider alternative designs.

The group, who initially began the "Pell No"coalition against the town-wide elementary school, later accepted the development of the school, but disapproved of the "T" shaped building. Group leader Melissa Pattavina, along with other group members, spoke out against the design at several workshops, meetings and forums on the school. 

Do you think the school committee should go back to the drawing board? Did you feel involved in the process, and if not, should the group pursue a public hearing?