Filippelli Recognized As Teacher Of The Year

At its May 10 meeting, the Johnston School Committee recognized Lisa Filippelli, a teacher, as Johnston teacher of the year. Filippelli was also a strong contender in the search for Rhode Island's teacher of the year.

“Lisa did the town of Johnston proud, as she was a finalist in the Rhode Island Teacher of the Year search," said Supt. Dr. Bernard DiLullo. "We are proud of her and privileged to have her with us.”

Filippelli — who also serves as chairwoman of the Board of Trustees for — rose from her seat to resounding applause in acknowledgement of all her hard work for the district, Thornton elementary and most importantly, her students.

Food Program Deficit Wiped Out

Jessica Patriola, the school district food service manager from Aramark Food Service, told the committee that the company has decided to pay for an $18,000 shortfall in the meals program.

“While we are running at a projected deficit of around $18,000 — overall, better than last year — Aramark has decided to absorb this operational budget deficit,” said Patriola.

Members of the school committee responded positively, saying they appreciated the move by Aramark, and noting that it will help the current year's budget.

J-DAPA Seeks Community Theatre

The Johnston Dance and Performing Arts (J-DAPA) group founders, Ronald and Donna Tellier, made a presentation about transforming the auditorium into a community theatre.

“It is used by just more than just the high school,” said Donna Tellier. “We ultimately want it to be accessible by the entire community to help broaden accessibility of arts to the community."

The ultimate goal is have town approval — but not town funding. The Telliers explained that they have been independently seeking money fundraisers and grant writing programs to improve the auditorium.

So far, the couple has succeeded in funding a new curtain, new pianos for the music department and upgraded sound equipment.

School committee members thanked the Telliers and advised them that they'd have to go before the town's building department before any capital improvements can be made. 

Other items on the May 10 agenda:

• Honored for their achievement, the Johnston-North Providence hockey team carried the after their last victory against Mount Hope. DiLulo offered his sincere congratulations, which was echoed by the school committee and the applause of the public.
• The board approved a measure for Johnston Lions Club to use the Johnston High School kitchen and cafeteria for their annual scholarship breakfast.
• A committee vote approved the appointment of Edmund Dalo as the Assistant Boys’ Soccer coach at Johnston High School.
• The school committee voted to pass an agenda item to bid for new cafeteria tables for the high school.

The next school committee meeting is scheduled for June 14 in the Nicholas A. Ferri middle school library at 7 p.m.

Correction: The spelling of Ms. Filippelli's name was corrected after the original version of this article was published.