RI students speak out after school fires all teachers

CENTRAL FALLS, R.I. -- Students at the Rhode Island high school that recently fired every teacher are speaking out, asserting that they want to be part of the school's future.

Central Falls High School students want to help bring change to their school, where less than half of seniors graduated last year.

Some students suggest longer school days and more interaction with teachers, but most importantly, they want a say in the decisions being made there.

"Some of my teachers would talk about the situation during class. In one of my classes, my teacher said I should talk to the news after school and defend my teachers," said Sammy Ogundare, a student.

"The education reforms are what we need to help our school move forward, and if students were told the specific facts about the reforms, they would want to go forward with them as well," added Victoria Salako.

Students will bring their ideas to a stockholders' meeting on Thursday night.

Ninety-three teachers, staff and administrators were fired from the school last month.

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