hard deadlines

The future of Portsmouth HS math teacher Kim Cunningham, who received her certification just after undergoing a termination hearing (see here and here), is back on the School Committee agenda this coming Tuesday, where members are described as "sympathetic," according to widely distributed e-mails attributed to the committee.

"I am so grateful," Cunningham said via e-mail.

A source familiar with the process said the reconsideration of Cunningham's position will be placed on the business agenda, which typically means public comment is permitted. Her attorney, Vern Gorton, said she has also taken the precaution of filing an appeal with the RI Department of Education to "preserve Ms. Cunningham’s right to independent review while we work toward resolution at the local level."

The School Commmittee will be meeting shortly after 5pm (following an executive session) on Tuesday in the library of Portsmouth Middle School (the Town Council budget hearing is Tuesday evening at 7pm, also at PMS). Agenda available here.

According to the mass e-mails, there will be an informal gathering of "parents, students, and concerned citizens" at 1pm tomorrow at Custom House Coffee to show support for Ms. Cunningham.

Update: In an e-mail distributed late this afternoon, it was announced that the get-together at Custom House Coffee was cancelled, with the recommendation that those interested show up at the School Committee meeting on Tuesday.