Newport School Committee to Hold Special Meeting to Consider Conducting Outside Investigation into R

Sunday, November 23, 2025

Executive Session set for Wednesday, Nov. 26th
 
NEWPORT, RI (SUNDAY, NOV. 23, 2025) – The Newport School Committee will be convening in Executive Session on Wednesday, Nov. 26th to address recent and serious allegations pertaining to multiple incidents at Rogers High School, including a widely reported assault of a student with special needs.
 
As part of the meeting, the Committee is expected to discuss hiring an independent, third-party investigator to conduct a comprehensive review of the matter, which has raised significant concerns among City Councilors, School Committee members, and the community at large.
 
“We are deeply troubled by the recent reports from Rogers High School, and we share the community’s concern for the safety and well-being of our students,” said School Committee Chair James Dring. “As a Committee, our primary goal has always been to ensure a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment. However, in order to restore trust and fully understand the scope of the issues at hand, I believe that we must move swiftly to appoint an independent entity to examine these reports as thoroughly and transparently as possible.”
 
If approved, the School Committee’s investigation will proceed concurrently alongside an ongoing criminal investigation being led by the Newport Police Department.
 
In addition to focusing on specific incidents, the School Committee’s investigation will also serve to provide a comprehensive review of general school-related policies, procedures, and institutional response with the goal of determining the full extent of any underlying issues that may exist within the Department and recommend necessary corrective actions.
 
Newport City Council Chair and Mayor Charles M. Holder expressed the City’s support for the effort.
“The City Council is extremely concerned by the nature of the allegations coming from Rogers High School,” he said. “We fully support the School Committee’s decision to hire an independent investigator and stand in full solidarity with their efforts to ensure that Newport’s schools remain a safe, welcoming, and supportive space for all students. I believe this level of comprehensive review is essential to uncover the facts and ensure the necessary changes are implemented to protect all students in Newport’s schools.”
 
Additional information is expected to be shared following the conclusion of Wednesday’s Executive Session.