Chariho School Committee Candidates Outline Priorities for Richmond and Hopkinton

Chariho School Committee Candidates Outline Priorities for Richmond and Hopkinton

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Three candidates are seeking to represent Richmond and six are running for Hopkinton on the 12-member Chariho Regional School Committee, with their campaigns throwing a spotlight on stark divisions over district finances, elementary school facilities, and academic governance, the Westerly Sun reported.

Richmond Races Focus on Facilities and Transparency

Voters in Richmond face a choice among three candidates offering distinct backgrounds and priorities for the regional district. Patrick Farrell, a Democrat, brings 43 years of experience as a teacher and administrator to his campaign. He emphasized that a successful school system relies on strong collaboration among teachers, administrators, support staff, families, and the broader community. Farrell expressed strong support for the proposed $116 million bond referendum to replace the district’s three aging elementary schools with a single unified campus, calling the facility investment essential for the district’s future.

David Lelli, a Republican, has lived in Richmond for 35 years. Running on a platform focused on transparency, Lelli pointed to his past work helping to circulate a petition that gathered about 400 signatures calling for public access to instructional materials and lesson plans. Lelli argued that greater openness fosters collaboration with local businesses and parents, while also prioritizing the expansion of vocational and technical education so students can secure marketable trade skills before graduation.

Patrick farrell card

Andrew McCoy, a Democrat with 30 years of experience in information technology after serving as a U.S. Navy electronics technician, centered his campaign on facility upgrades and student-first governance. McCoy criticized the policy trajectory of certain members elected in 2024, arguing that a focus on book restrictions has diverted attention from core educational needs. He backed the elementary school bond as a more fiscally responsible path than funding endless maintenance repairs on aging structures.

Hopkinton Debates Governance, Budgets, and Declining Funds

Across the town line in Hopkinton, six candidates are vying for seats amid concerns over the district’s declining fund balance and ideological clashes on the committee. Gregory Avedisian, a Democrat with nearly 30 years of community service and elected experience including town council work and building committee oversight, argued that the district faces immediate fiscal pressure from a shrinking fund reserve. Avedisian warned that if the $116 million unified school bond fails, repairing the three current elementary schools independently could cost roughly $52 million without state aid.

Justin Bentley, a Democrat and 27-year veteran science teacher in Westerly public schools, stressed his desire to ensure that schools remain welcoming and academically challenging environments for every child.

Catherine Giusti advocated for fully staffed schools and strengthening CharihoTech to better prepare students for modern workforce demands.

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