Rhode Island Association of School Committees

Virginia Harnois is an elected member of the Smithfield (RI) school board, having served for twenty-eight years, fourteen years of those years as chair.  In May 2010, she became the president of the Rhode Island Association School Committees. This is Virginia’s second term as president having served in the same capacity in 1991-1994.

She was chosen recipient of the Howard Kay Award for RI School Committee member of the year.  She was also the first recipient of the Dr. Norma Garnett award for advocacy and promotion of world language and culture in Rhode Island.

Virginia has served on many committees, some at the pleasure of the governor. The most outstanding was the 2000 Comprehensive Education Strategy Committee that was responsible for the development of the framework for education reform legislation.

She is a member of the Bryant University Community Relations Council, Smithfield Lions, Greenville Library Board of Trustees, Smithfield Substance Abuse Task Force, Smithfield Rotary, Member of Verizon Communications Pioneers and Eucharistic Minster at her church.  Virginia is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island and Masters graduate of Lesley College in Massachusetts. She is a widow with two children and four grandchildren.

The biggest educational issue affecting our state, as well as many other states, is the lack of funding for the support of our public schools. Rhode Island is one of the states in deep financial trouble with employment thirds highest in the country. Subsequently, this has trickled down to local committees and all school district have been forced to take cut in their budgets. I fear for existence of public schools if funding does not improve soon.  

Timothy C. Duffy
Executive Director
Rhode island Association of School Committees

Tim Duffy is executive director of the Rhode Island Association of School Committees.