North Kingstown Town Council Special Meeting – September 14, 2022

The Town Council met in special session on September 14, 2022, to appoint a replacement for former School Committee member Jake Mather, who resigned effective August 18, 2022. The meeting included extensive public comment regarding recent controversies in the school district, including the McGurl report recommendations, allegations of sexual abuse, and a widely publicized hoax about litter boxes in school bathrooms. After deliberation, the council failed to reach a majority on any candidate, and no appointment was made.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Megan Riley (15 Eden Court) criticized the council and school committee for inaction on the McGurl report recommendations, noting that the deadline for a school committee response had passed. She also referenced the lack of attendance at a State House hearing on a sexual consent bill and the rapid organization of a recent community event, contrasting it with the delay in addressing the McGurl report.
• Kathleen Gurino (139 Summit Fuel Lane) urged the council to appoint someone who looks out for every child and is not embroiled in current controversies.
• Kathleen Leighton (17 Pilgrim Drive) accused Council member Mary Brimer of spreading false tales about litter boxes in bathrooms, videotaping her, and engaging in bullying and harassment. She called for an apology and better civic discourse.
• Pamela Pinchero (710 Slocum Road) expressed support for applicant Bob Jones, citing his experience, ability to work across the aisle, and historical knowledge of the system.
• Laurie Duffy (88 Haver Hill Ave) criticized Council member Brimer for propagating the litter box hoax, calling it a calculated political intervention that harmed the community. She also asked for any council member living with a school committee candidate to recuse themselves.
• Michelle Girasoli (635 Anakucket Road) demanded that Council member Brimer show more respect, arguing that the litter box story was a hoax that undermined diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. She thanked Council member Anderson for organizing a unifying event.
• Robert Case (41 Tamarack Circle), an applicant, shared his experience as a former elected official and his background in managing large budgets, emphasizing his ability to work without being entrenched in local drama.
• Kent Dresser (371 Glenn Hill Drive), an applicant, called for the community to move from anger to civic-minded solutions and urged support for whoever is appointed.
• Tiffany McLeod (127 Brookhead) defended Council member Brimer, stating her actions were brave and criticized the bias in the room, noting that Brimer was attacked while others were allowed to speak freely.
• James Gallo (200 Minor Road), a psychiatrist, questioned whether children identifying as animals is normal behavior and commended Brimer for raising the issue, arguing it is a systemic problem.
• Ricky Thompson urged the council to appoint Bob Jones, noting that three of the eight applicants had filed nomination papers for the November election.
• Crystal Simas (55 Collins Court), an applicant and teacher, highlighted her 20 years of experience in education, advocacy for equity in scheduling and grading, and her understanding of social-emotional learning.
• Jennifer Lecomte (17 West Main Street), an applicant, described her background in early childhood education, psychology, and counseling, including work at the Rhode Island School for the Deaf.
• Jonathan Carney (43 E Street) criticized Council member Brimer for promoting the litter box hoax and using the Aaron Thomas sexual abuse case to push a culture war issue, calling the comparison inappropriate.
• Christopher Zangari (95 Willett Road) supported Kent Dresser for his moral character and business experience, and Bob Jones for his understanding of the school funding formula, emphasizing the need for financial expertise.
• Jim McGwin (412 Jimmy Rock) argued that the council should appoint one of the three candidates who had collected 50 signatures to run in the November election. He also highlighted the unresolved issues of child safety and the need for accountability following the Aaron Thomas case.
• Bob Jones (63 Pheasant Run), an applicant, briefly addressed the council, thanking them for the 9/11 remembrance and noting the district's challenges: no permanent superintendent, assistant superintendent, or COO, and upcoming high school accreditation. He stressed the need for experienced members.
• Dwayne Keyes (391 Pine Street, Providence) spoke about the litter box allegation, differentiating between accommodation for comfort versus identity, and cautioned against equating animal identity with civil rights.

Discussion Items

• Council President Gregory Mancini read the resignation email from former School Committee member Jake Mather, who cited harassment and unfounded accusations as reasons for leaving.
• The Town Solicitor confirmed that the charter allows the council to appoint a replacement within 30 days, as the candidate who received the most votes in the last election is no longer a resident.
• Council members debated the merits of appointing Bob Jones, Kent Dresser, or Robert Case. Kerry McKay and Mary Brimer supported Jones for his financial expertise and institutional knowledge, while Kim Page and Katie Anderson favored appointing someone not already running for election, allowing voters to decide in November. Anderson specifically supported Robert Case. Mancini expressed concern about overruling the voters, noting Jones had lost his last election.
• The council took two votes: first on a motion to appoint Bob Jones, which failed 2–3, and then on a motion to appoint Kent Dresser, which also failed 2–3. No further motions were made, and the meeting adjourned without an appointment.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to appoint Bob Jones: Failed (2–3). Voting yes: Councilors McKay and Brimer; voting no: Councilors Anderson, Page, and Mancini.
• Motion to appoint Kent Dresser: Failed (2–3). Voting yes: Councilors McKay and Mancini (based on transcript); voting no: Councilors Anderson, Page, and Brimer.
• No School Committee member was appointed. The vacancy remains, and the next election is in approximately 60 days (November 2022).