School Committee Candidate Bio

  SKINNANE@LCRIGOP.ORG

Born and raised in Little Compton, RI Susan is a graduate of J.F. Wilbur School and Boston University with degrees and certifications in both Special and Elementary Education. Susan and her husband Chuck have ten children, half were enrolled in the Little Compton school system. When Susan felt she was no longer a valued partner with the school in her children’s education, she made the difficult decision to homeschool. Susan regularly volunteered in the classroom, served as chairman of the PSTA, coached Saturday recreational girls basketball, and upon request, began a Youth Initiative program.

She has remained an active member of the Little Compton community by working at the Little Compton After School Club, being a member of the Respect Life Committee in her parish, volunteering with Circle of Friends, the LC Food Bank, and currently serving on the Board of the Little Compton Food Bank.

Susan is passionate about supporting families and a healthy community. She strongly believes that the first and last educators are parents and that schools are partners in that process. With grandchildren now in grade school, Susan will work to ensure parent voices are heard, child safety is a priority, and Wilbur McMahon remains a school of excellence

  BPINEO@LCRIGOP.ORG

Common Sense Change for School Committee

Brandon E. Pineo

As a lifelong learner and forty-year resident of Little Compton; he has a passion for hands-on learning and 

excellence in education.  He attended Wilbur McMahon School through grade 6, followed by St. Andrew’s School in Barrington, RI for the balance of his grade-school education.  He then graduatedfrom The University of Maine with Cum-laude honors in Middle Level Education.  Brandon’s first formal employment was with Johnson & Wales University as an Assistant Curator to Special Collections followed by years of teaching experience in the New Shoreham (Block Island), and South Kingstown School Districts in Rhode Island.  As of late, he is a partner/operator of “The Antique Stove Hospital” restoration business in Little Comptonbringing beauty and life back to historical artifacts.  

The pursuit of knowledge and common-sense straight-forward teaching methods have been consistent goals throughout his life.    He was awarded the prestigious Pell Medal/grant for Excellence in Historical Studies in 1996, as well as the Virginia S. Cheney Distinguished Educator Award in 2002. Later, in 2009, he was bestowed with the honor of being chosen as the keynote address speaker for the New Shoreham graduating class. 

He has worked at the university level, as well as in both state-run, and site-based managed schools within the state of Rhode Island.  With your vote/support, he pledges to:

      • Advocate for excellence in teaching, and instructional strategy

.• Apply “common sense” real scientific-driven policy to school/ health related events. 

 • Apply a “back-to basics” platform of thinking addressing vital skills for future success

.     • Vote toward FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY and oppose negligent spending of tax dollars

.   • Craft policy that will encourage/ align with our local small town values. 

        JBabbitt@LCRIGOP.ORG

Jonathan “Jono” Babbitt has spent a career in secondary and higher education. Currently an Assistant Professor at Mitchell College in New London, CT, Babbitt previously taught at Mt. Holyoke College in South Hadley, MA, and St. George’s School in Newport, RI. Babbitt believes firmly in limiting state and federal governmental influence in local school governance, and advocates for student success based upon a strong, traditional curriculum taught by creative and caring well-supported faculty. He currently serves on the Little Compton Zoning Board of Review and the Little Compton Conservation Commission, and lives in Adamsville with his wife Allison, Oliver the Husky mix, and their flock of chickens