Message from Steph Smith—

All positions are strictly volunteer but offer a great opportunity to make a real impact. Whether you're passionate about local government, eager to help shape policy, or just looking for a meaningful way to give back to the community, simply head over to the City’s Talent Bank at:

www.CityofNewport.com/TalentBank

to apply online or download an application.

The deadline to apply for the Standing Charter Commission and Youth Advisory Commission is Monday, April 21st.

Please see the descriptions below:

The Standing Charter Commission – Have you ever wondered how the Mayor of our City is selected? Or what the hiring process and responsibilities are of the City Manager? Do you think Council term limits should apply?

The answers to those questions and more can and/or should be found in our city’s Charter. The Charter is a living document in which the city’s governing system is defined. Unfortunately, our current Charter is an archaic document that doesn’t reflect the growth that our city has seen.

The last time the most substantive changes to the Charter occurred was in 1953!!

It’s imperative that we ensure our Charter not only brings Newport into the present day but also sets us up for success in the future.

At the March 26th Council meeting, Council approved a resolution for our city to have its first Standing Charter Commission in which a seven-member volunteer board will take a deep dive into the City’s Charter. Members will serve staggered terms and provide recommendations to the City Council on potential updates to the Charter to better reflect the current needs of the community.

Please note that applicants will be required to be Newport residents.

The Youth Advisory Commission –Newport’s younger residents deserve a seatat the table too!

The Youth Advisory Commission will be made up of 5 students (who will serve a term of one year) from grades 8-12, and two adult members who will function as advisors to the commission’s student members.

The Commission will provide its members with the opportunities to learn about the City’s Charter and ordinances, gain an understanding of City Council agendas and decision-making processes, and participate in a mentoring program that pairs students with City Council members.

The Commission will learn how to create the Commission’s bylaws that will detail the purpose of the Commission, the rules, and regulations, along with goals and initiatives. The Commission members will have an opportunity to learn how to create an annual report that outlines the Commission’s objectives, educational activities, and proposed youth programs.

Additionally, the Commission will hold at least one meeting per month and the student members will be recognized at the completion of the term with the receipt of a certification of their participation.

Please note that adult applicants will be required to be registered voters of Newport.

The Academic Integration Advisory Committee – The topic of regionalization is back on the table!

How do we make that opportunity a success for our students, teachers, and communities? With a committee of educational experts from Newport and Middletown!!

Members of the AIAC will be tasked withworking across disciplines and communitiesto develop a plan that could serve as the basis for eventual school regionalization with Newport and Middletown.

This committee will be comprised of the superintendents of Newport and Middletown and their advisors on curriculum and academic success. The committee will also be comprised of representatives from Parent Teacher Organizations (PTOs), public school educators as recommended by their respective bargaining units, a designee from each school committees’ policy committee, representatives from community-based educational support programs, members from each communities' Learn 365 teams, and other experts in educational integration.

This committee will present a request for necessary resources and a proposed action plan outlining strategies to advance educational integration and equity across Newport and Middletown public schools. Once approved, the committee will prepare a comprehensive report detailing recommendations for collaboration and a roadmap for implementation.

For more info, please contact the Mayor’s Office at (401) 845-5437 or visit the City's website.