Lawrence
School overseer from state will step down
Jeff Riley, who has served as the state-appointed superintendent and receiver of the Lawrence Public Schools for nearly six years, will step down in June, state and local officials announced Wednesday. His departure is prompting the state to take a new approach in the leadership of the system. It intends to create a governing board that will include Mayor Daniel Rivera to act as receiver. The board’s first task will be hiring a new superintendent. Under Riley’s leadership, the school system has seen an increase in MCAS scores and cut its annual high school dropout rate in half, although at 4.2 percent it is still more than double the state average.
Portland, Maine
Knives most common weapons in schools
An investigation shows that knives are the most common weapon confiscated from students in Maine schools. Schools are required to report weapons incidents to the Maine Department of Education, though what defines a weapon varies from district to district. WGME-TV requested the number of weapons found on school grounds over the past 10 years, with a total of 872 weapons incidents — a majority being knives and 22 incidents being firearms. Sanford Superintendent David Theoharides said it is also possible some students are bringing weapons on the property and not being caught. (AP)
Portland, Maine
Seaweed dispute headed to high court
A fight over who owns the seaweed that can be harvested along the coast of Maine is going to the state’s highest court. Commercial seaweed harvesting is an industry in Maine. But harvesters and some shorefront property owners dispute whether seaweed is being taken from private property. WCSH-TV reports a superior court judge ruled in favor of the property owners. The Maine Supreme Court will now rule. (AP)
Newport, R.I.
Disputed land sold near historic mansion
A newly recorded deed says three vacant lots abutting a historic mansion were sold for $8.2 million. Resident agent Evan Leviss said he could not reveal the owner of the company that purchased the lots next to The Waves mansion. The Newport Daily News reports previous owner Maurice Iudicone has no comment. Iudicone wished to build a home on the lot but was opposed by neighbors. (AP)
