Union, school officials meet over future of troubled RI school where all teachers were fired

Talks continue over future of troubled RI school

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Talks have started over the future of a troubled Rhode Island high school where all the teachers were fired to improve student performance.

The closed-door meeting Thursday marks the first major discussions since the Central Falls school board voted last month to fire more than 90 teachers and other staff from its only high school after the end of the school year. No more than half could be rehired under federal rules.

It’s the first time that Superintendent Frances Gallo and representatives from the teachers union have agreed to sit down since the firings. Both sides have said they are willing to negotiate to avoid job losses.

The discussion also includes other people from the community. Gallo forced news reporters to leave the meeting.