Former students and residents urge committee not to merge JMW into a Pawtucket "Super School"

An alumnus of JMW urged the Pawtucket School Committee to keep the arts-focused high school separate from a proposed district "Super School," saying the smaller environment, arts programming and statewide access offer unique opportunities.

"Today, I am here to speak with you guys upon the idea of merging JMW with the mega school," Connor Maddox said. He described JMW as a small environment where teachers become mentors, cited AP classes, competitive extracurricular programs and said an online poll had more than 500 signatures opposing a merge.

Maddox urged committee members to consider the arts programs and statewide nature of JMW before approving any structural change that would limit access for non-Pawtucket students. The committee did not take immediate action on the point and proceeded with the agenda; public comments about the JMW proposal were entered into the record.