It has been more than 50 years since Chariho has made any substantial capital improvements to its elementary schools. That is half a century of patchwork fixes on aging buildings that continue to deteriorate while the cost of maintenance rises year after year.

Boilers and roofs do not last forever, and replacing them in buildings that are already outdated is both expensive and short-sighted.

Fifteen months ago, voters rejected a construction bond that would have addressed these long-standing needs. Since that time, our School Committee has taken no meaningful steps forward. Rhode Island law requires every district to develop a five-year capital improvement plan. Instead of demonstrating urgency and leadership, the committee has delayed. The Chair stated she wants to hear from residents b

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