Student health and wellbeing tops NEARI agenda

The National Education Association Rhode Island (NEARI) today announced their priorities for 2025 to a packed gathering at the Statehouse made up of lawmakers and officials, issue allies, and NEARI members representing educators and school support staff from Kindergarten to college, municipal and state workers, and retirees.

“Each of our members has dedicated their life to public service, bringing unique skills and expertise to their workplaces - whether in laboratories and libraries, town halls and state offices, or colleges and classrooms – and they deserve a fair wage, good benefits and a secure retirement,” said NEARI President Val Lawson.

Speakers highlighted education funding, a statewide cell phone policy, a student safety and behavioral health committee, and support for the assault weapons ban as the focus for the legislative session.

“This year, student health and wellbeing are a major focus of our legislative agenda,” said NEARI Communications Director Stephanie DeSilva Mandeville. “We are working with parents, allies, and lawmakers to tackle the root causes that hinder learning, engagement, and meaningful social interactions in safe, welcoming public schools.

“We must ensure that when students struggle with stress or emotional regulation, the right supports are in place. We are introducing legislation to require every district to establish a Student Safety and Behavioral Health Committee. This committee – comprised of educators and administrators – would assess existing supports, review intervention procedures, and identify additional resources needed to ensure every student receives the care and education they deserve.”

South Kingstown math teacher Brian Nelson spoke about the “profound positive impact” of a recent cell phone ban in the district.

“Ultimately, this policy has benefited our entire school community. Improved focus, better mental health, stronger academics, deeper social connections, and a more manageable classroom environment all demonstrate the value of limiting cell phone use in schools. A strong, clear policy works. I’ve seen firsthand how it has transformed the learning environment in South Kingstown, and now is the time to bring these benefits to students across Rhode Island,” Nelson said.

Melissa Taylor of South Kingstown said paraprofessionals are critical to student wellbeing serving as additional eyes in the classroom. They are often first to recognize when a student is in crisis – academically, socially, or emotionally – but the first positions to get cut when budgets are tight.

“Paraprofessionals are essential—not only for academic support but also for identifying and addressing students' mental health needs. Yet, every year, we see budget cuts, and too often, paraprofessionals are among the first to go. The reality is, we need more paras in classrooms, not fewer,” she said.

Addressing gun safety legislation, Jen Saarinen, a math teacher at Kickemuit Middle School in the Bristol Warren Regional School District thanked legislators and the governor for passing the Safe Storage Act last year, but there’s more work to be done to keep schools and communities safe.  

“Assault weapons have one purpose: to kill as many people as possible, as quickly as possible. These weapons of war have no place in our schools, our communities, or on the streets of a civilized society. I am heartened to see that Governor McKee has made banning assault weapons a priority by including it in the state budget. If a budget reflects our values, then this sends a clear message: the time for action is now,” Saarinen said.

This year, seven public higher education unions are negotiating contracts, while institutions like CCRI and URI are grappling with tight budgets. Cynthia Johnson, associate professor in the dental health department at CCRI, said the students in the program will earn more than the educators who help them reach their career potential.

“I love working with my students, ensuring they have the support and resources to succeed. But while we uplift our students, we as educators are struggling. My base salary is less than what my students make upon graduation. This problem isn’t unique to CCRI. At URI, our graduate assistants and professional staff drive innovation and education, bringing millions into our state. Yet, they too struggle with the high cost of living and low wages,” Johnson said.

At the close of the event, NEARI members in attendance followed the announcement by talking one-on-one with legislators, urging them to support student health and wellbeing, strong public education, and the wages and staffing Rhode Island workers deserve.  

The National Education Association Rhode Island (NEARI) is a union and professional organization with a proud history of serving Rhode Island since 1845. NEARI is 12,000 members strong, we are classroom teachers; education support professionals; higher education faculty, staff, and graduate assistants; municipal and state workers; and retirees. We are affiliated with the National Education Association (NEA) and RI AFL-CIO. Learn more at www.neari.org.