The school department is failing students attending Rogers High School in Newport, Rhode Island. The youngsters are not learning. Only about one-third are meeting expectations per the latest SAT results, and the state education department has reported 46 percent of the teachers are chronically absent; students scored only 15 percent on the English assessment tests and 20 percent on the math. The students go to classes in a dilapidated building that should be closed. The school department has promoted an unaffordable school construction project, but taxpayers deserve an affordable solution that will also address the academics. Nearby schools such as North Kingstown High and Middletown accept some tuition students and have excellent programs. Newport should explore the tuition options, including vouchers.
