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Schools

JohnstonPatch Meets... School Committee Chairwoman Janice Mele

Chairwoman Mele talks about her time on the Johnston School Committee board, her years volunteering and working at St. Thomas Regional School, and her commitment to children.

Janice Mele is the chairwoman of the and has been so for the past four years. JohnstonPatch had the opportunity to sit down with Chairwoman Mele and get a little insight on what her job entails and some of the trials and tribulations that come along with it.

When asked why she wanted to run for school committee, Mele responded: “I’ve always wanted to do it. I did run 10 years ago – unsuccessfully, (and) lost by 32 votes.”

Mele sad she's passionate about helping children and bettering their lives through the decisions made at the committee. She expressed a strong feeling of taking each decision and weighing it over before making a call.

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“I really enjoy helping children," Mele said. "I’ve been involved in improving their lives for so long and want to continue."

Mele also has the unique perspective of being involved with St. Thomas Regional School, a Catholic K-8 school in Providence. For eight years, she volunteered as a “Jane of all trades,” before getting the job of school librarian, a position she has held for over two decades.

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“There are few differences between the schools. The children need just as much attention there [at St. Thomas] as they do here,” Mele said.

Mele could not remember any serious challenges encountered in her role as chairwoman, but did note a lot of positive experiences.

“I have had the fortune of working with a lot of good administrators who were easy to communicate with, and could understand the school committees’ decision-making process,” recalled Mele, who added: “Well, one thing we could use is money. We need more funding in order to take care of these kids. If there is not enough funding, it leaves our children at a great disadvantage in regards to programs.”

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