David Ritchotte of Coventry, recently announced his candidacy for the vacant District 4 School Committee seat.
David has been a Coventry resident for 29 years, spending his first 23 years growing up in the Oak Haven section of Coventry prior to a job transfer out of state. He returned six years ago with his wife and daughter, moving back to the state where he and his wife were raised.
Over the last two years, David has held the position of Hopkins Hill Elementary School PTA President. He has worked hard with the PTA to build a solid foundation of family-centric events to support the staff and students. Working closing with the faculty and staff of Hopkins Hill School, David has fostered an environment of teamwork with the goal of making the student experience of learning and enjoyment his number one priority.
During his time as PTA President he was also asked to participate as a parent representative during the interview process for the two elementary school principals recently hired into the Coventry School System.
David has been closely involved with understanding the needs of the Coventry schools during the recent bond process that took place in November. He attended last year’s forum by Commissioner Gist at the Alan Shawn Feinstein Middle School explaining the changes in testing and teacher evaluations that will be happening over the next few years.
“We are at a critical time in Rhode Island education, and it is important to understand all facets of the challenges that will be taking place within the Coventry School System as it pertains to these changes," David recently commented. "The most important thing that we should not lose sight of through this process; is that we should have 'Kids First' in our minds. Our responsibility should be to work together to provide the children of Coventry the best educational experience possible.”
David will be planning "meet the candidate" events, visits to the district and a Facebook page so that District 4 residents can provide feedback about the needs of our school system.
David is the owner of a medical ultrasonic design and manufacturing business, and feels his business experience would be an asset to the school committee. Besides work and his PTA duties, David is an Asst. Girls Lacrosse coach at Scituate High School and a Coventry Youth Lacrosse coach, as well.
David can be reached at Ritchotteforschoolcommittee@gmail.com.
Please feel free to contact him anytime and look for more information about David and the election in future messages and on Facebook.