EAST GREENWICH – The New England Secondary School Consortium is looking for 10 Rhode Island business leaders to take part in a focus group on public high schools it is holding at the New England Institute of Technology on May 31 in East Greenwich.

Discussion will be held on public education, student preparation and school improvement among business leaders who can speak about the needs and perspectives of Rhode Island-based businesses and industries. Topics will include skills they see in high school students, skills they would like to see in that demographic and general perceptions of high schools and education.

Participants will be given a $50 stipend for two hours of discussion.

The consortium is looking for business leaders in industries that employ a broad spectrum of workers with varying skills and education backgrounds, including in technology, biotechnology, engineering, energy, e-commerce, and medical sciences and services. •