[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_25":26},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_27":28,"_29":30},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[31,74,86],{"_32":33,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":39,"_40":41,"_42":43,"_44":45,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6327878,"mediaKeyId","2321892-d7b01c53ec6a68b7b3fddf2c06ee813a","parentId",2321892,"title","Portsmouth honors PHS Senate‑Youth delegate and Melville earns state 5‑star designation; students speak at meeting","audioSeconds",237,"startMs",596000,"endMs",833000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2321892-d7b01c53ec6a68b7b3fddf2c06ee813a&start=596&end=833","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2321892-d7b01c53ec6a68b7b3fddf2c06ee813a/thumbnail_596000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6327878/Portsmouth/School-Districts/Rhode-Island/Portsmouth-honors-PHS-SenateYouth-delegate-and-Melville-earns-state-5star-designation-students-speak-at-meeting","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6327878-a9e8a10d58bcc509083f2b71997ad655/orig.mp4?Expires=1769954198&Signature=AqLbF4d58qVV~2TCC5yYwBYbLL71UnN1mtFYRpmCI2j9YziHKpqsZUII6OX9TxarRIpXMWIgi620rAFl0FFz~labnPHePIyKmRx1Kw7G2aH2lkD9cMFb7eBkWNmXj341HQB0r74i6iuo9rQOVcK2aJUQe6U1qkSC7HZdozxkFcEBArShdTfPTeuH8rlLl1zfeCmlacV~AUUgiAuo89ZYfk31Pnxdf7zhvxtW6siSHaf93xXQDwnz~IOU-3ZS6z5vj-WfsiGV6FF3W4pTejLU~~UUBgbufEElL1zWdxPyqqN4hOb3vzi2Z1vBuTtJnyDvCaZC56lAbVdYofxEPPgLdw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Portsmouth RI Live Stream","date","2025-02-11T00:00:00Z","article","The Portsmouth School Committee recognized Portsmouth High School senior Ashley Murphy after she was named one of two Rhode Island representatives to the United States Senate Youth Program and awarded a $10,000 scholarship as part of the program.

Dr. Kenworthy summarized Murphy’s activities and achievements, noting she serves as secretary of communications for the National Honor Society, is a page at the Rhode Island House of Representatives, and participates in model UN and student civics programs. \"Ashley has a long list of achievements,\" Dr. Kenworthy said.

The committee also officially recognized Melville School for earning a five‑star designation in the Rhode Island Department of Education’s 2024 accountability system. Principal Lori and several students attended and spoke to the committee. Principal Lori described the rating as a milestone for Portsmouth and thanked staff, families and students for their work.

Three Melville fourth graders spoke to the committee about their experiences. Aiden Jones said, \"I love Melville,\" and described how school expectations help students handle challenges that began with pandemic‑era kindergarten. Zoe (fourth grade) thanked teachers and staff for making school feel like a family. Hunter Underwood, who moved frequently because his father is in the Navy, said Melville’s teachers and students made him feel welcome and described the school as “the best” of the many schools he has attended.

Student‑council officers from Portsmouth High School gave a short update on events and activities, including report card timing, a regional art exhibit, a winter signing event for athletes, a bake sale fundraiser, scholarship application deadlines and emergency‑decision protocols for school weather closures.

Why it matters: The recognitions underscore district academic and extracurricular achievements: a PHS student has been selected to a national program that includes meetings with federal officials and a scholarship, and Melville’s five‑star rating places it among the top schools in the state.

Ending: The committee applauded students and staff, and staff noted presentations and recognitions would be included in district communications; no formal actions were required for the recognitions.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","School Committee Meeting - 2.11.25","oneSentenceSummary","The committee recognized PHS senior Ashley Murphy’s selection to the U.S. Senate Youth Program and celebrated Melville School’s five‑star rating from the Rhode Island Department of Education; Melville students and student‑council officers addressed the committee with brief remarks and school updates.","taxTitle","Portsmouth, School Districts, Rhode Island","taxId",72703,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_32":75,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":76,"_40":77,"_42":78,"_44":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6327883,"Portsmouth completes 2024 bond projects; PHS roof identified as immediate priority",252,1883000,2135000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2321892-d7b01c53ec6a68b7b3fddf2c06ee813a&start=1883&end=2135","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2321892-d7b01c53ec6a68b7b3fddf2c06ee813a/thumbnail_1883000.jpg","/articles/6327883/Portsmouth/School-Districts/Rhode-Island/Portsmouth-completes-2024-bond-projects-PHS-roof-identified-as-immediate-priority","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6327883-8e9508a30cc577560eae703a8783fe0b/orig.mp4?Expires=1769954198&Signature=D0ZSjoNFdBpgtajigSZJl0HSVTrciEG~YLBGuszVdRSTvK0Fpr1f17g4SsZtiK0DpF-HE54vFokpuxc7ici3VpKVvWMBq7VH7dBqIXACetnlNugfBgYB6OTV3GTD98sfFIC68TvmpBxf-7t3vFcby7wPC4KH1ALkroYTJCNXarmMUroJeG5Bo0-ydcCshPfkM1QkDUWWkibabk3ONNfmQeE~owGO0dLf53rYKBDEoAEq3Cyd9JxnCAiio61YxESZtuo8nhgm6D9~Jb8Viz9PIgq5q3ovqlac3f9CM~5ZP0dsEicCQ-ZKry6FNXUBTUQAfOCo-uiQ0QrKxMdKscJQWg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District officials reported that the Portsmouth School Department has obtained fully executed certificates of substantial completion for its summer 2024 bond projects, work that included classroom HVAC replacements at Hathaway and Melville, two new sets of student bathrooms and a new elevator at Hathaway, and additional bathrooms and HVAC work at Melville.

Facilities Director George Simmons told the committee his team assembled a comprehensive list of facility needs after walkthroughs with building administrators. \"There's lots of these things are more of a continued process,\" Simmons said, noting that many items are carryovers that require continued attention during vacation periods and summers.

The committee also confirmed that Marin Construction was selected and approved previously by the full committee to complete the PMS bathroom project scheduled for summer 2025. District staff said Marin Construction has begun coordinating with school leadership and town officials to prepare for that work.

Why it matters: The district said full occupancy has been achieved at completed sites, with only minor items outstanding with contractors, but the high school roof was called out as the district's main facilities priority and will receive focused attention and coordination with town officials. District staff said they are working on repairs as quickly as possible and will provide updates during subsequent meetings.

Discussion and context: The facilities review formed part of the district’s goal number 3 (ensuring safe, healthy learning environments). Simmons said his inventory draws on conversations with building administrators and facilities staff and includes both low‑level and higher‑level projects. The district noted that the PMS bathroom project was bid and that the full committee previously approved the contractor; work is planned for the summer of 2025.

Ending: District staff said they will continue to monitor contractor punchlist items on completed projects and intend to bring periodic updates to the committee; the PHS roof will be on the agenda for future meetings and staff will coordinate town/district actions as they proceed.","District staff reported certificates of substantial completion for summer 2024 bond projects at elementary schools and said the Portsmouth High School roof is a current priority; Marin Construction was named as contractor for upcoming PMS bathroom work.",{"_32":87,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":88,"_40":89,"_42":90,"_44":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6327888,"Portsmouth School Committee reviews FY26 budget draft and approves minutes, contracts, policies and donation",1111,2254000,3365000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2321892-d7b01c53ec6a68b7b3fddf2c06ee813a&start=2254&end=3365","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2321892-d7b01c53ec6a68b7b3fddf2c06ee813a/thumbnail_2254000.jpg","/articles/6327888/Portsmouth/School-Districts/Rhode-Island/Portsmouth-School-Committee-reviews-FY26-budget-draft-and-approves-minutes-contracts-policies-and-donation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6327888-2c019b028d09d7343de8d424ac93c396/orig.mp4?Expires=1769954198&Signature=MIagkLorQ1HBhmv174RwbtqXFWcz1Ear2Ox1JDugY9MqsjrEE13Izoa-F2eCRGr6BjmkRLi8FRCnQ-0nXTyNMUspFyJjsu~vlNEB7xsaa~0CjS6OYhf3Chd9H0N3QEnHC5zHrsEZME8itPE3AVjhOSnvInea9kwPX2oMFpHcvGCssoCv~Jpfw50Ja2YOwUvOSkOECLhSsAkQGxpy-bGXyNRvoV4O~yWHNRJ8APFwC3kBOWPdm5s-7baKw2EJ3V3R2jqBddloSMQZtattIZATTqY3AMHkDUYMtYRyDLsmzKUuj2smdk6DPywDTkRfHu1ubgrdgAsj7j~-l6FQBKvgHw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Portsmouth School Committee reviewed the district’s first draft of the fiscal year 2026 operating budget, which projects a 5.9% increase in expenditures and — as presented — would require roughly a 5.66% increase in the town tax rate if fully funded, district finance staff said.

The budget draft, presented by district finance staff, outlines drivers including flat governor-proposed state aid, a projected increase of about 11.3% in out‑of‑district tuition revenue, higher health‑insurance and pension costs, and a significant rise in student transportation and out‑of‑district special‑education tuition. The draft preserves many principal requests, restores permanent building‑based substitutes, and proposes several new positions, including a modern world language teacher, a special education teacher at the middle school, a math teacher and a school safety officer at Portsmouth High School.

Why it matters: If the committee and town do not reduce the draft as currently written, the town appropriation needed to fund the schools would push the town past its 4% cap on property‑tax increases without a referendum. Committee members were asked to provide feedback before a second draft is produced on Feb. 25 and a final school‑committee vote expected in March.

District finance staff described revenue and expenditure assumptions in detail. The draft assumes limited state aid increases (the presenters noted a likely $11,000 technical correction reducing the governor’s recommendation), expects tuition revenue increases tied to CTE and out‑of‑district placements, and budgets for higher pension contributions and an estimated 8% increase in health‑insurance premiums. The presenters said some account reclassifications were made this year (for facilities/custodial supplies and certain software accounts) to improve year‑to‑year comparability.

Committee members and staff emphasized the next steps: staff will prepare a second draft for Feb. 25 that may seek reductions in non‑personnel lines, followed by a final committee vote on March 11. The school department’s approved budget will be submitted to the town administrator for inclusion in the town budget presentation to the Town Council on April 29.

Votes at a glance
- Motion to seal executive‑session minutes (January 14 executive session): moved and seconded; approved (record indicates unanimous).
- Approval of meeting minutes (January 27 joint town council/school committee and 02/03/2025 workshop): moved, seconded, approved (record indicates unanimous).
- Approval of consent agenda: moved, seconded, approved (record indicates unanimous).
- Contract renewal: Director of Student Services — motion for discussion and action, seconded and approved (record indicates unanimous).
- Contract renewal: Director of Technology — moved, seconded, approved (record indicates unanimous).
- Update to District Building Committee membership list (to reflect town and school representatives): moved, seconded, approved (record indicates unanimous).
- Donation: $1,500 to PHS post‑prom committee — moved, seconded, approved (record indicates unanimous).
- Policy ADE (Safe Schools) — final read and approval (policy subcommittee unanimous; full committee vote recorded as unanimous).
- Policy ADD (Threat Assessment) — title change only; final read and approval (policy subcommittee unanimous; full committee vote recorded as unanimous).
- Policy IJNDC (Appropriate Use of District Technology) — second read/discussion; no vote taken (scheduled for further review on Feb. 25).
- Policy EHB (Records Retention and Destruction) — first presentation/discussion; no vote taken.

Discussion vs. decision: The FY26 operating budget was presented and discussed; no final budget adoption occurred at the meeting. Multiple routine governance actions (minutes, membership updates), two contract renewals, a donation and two policy final reads were acted on and recorded as approved. Several items (IJNDC, EHB) were discussed and returned for further review.

Clarifying details from the presentation and committee questions included: the draft would require a roughly 5.66% tax‑rate increase to be fully funded (before other town departments are added); compensation rose about 4.1% in the draft, driven by step movements and proposed positions; employee benefits rose about 8.9% largely because of health‑insurance and pension increases; student transportation line increased roughly $398,000 or about 10.8%; out‑of‑district special‑education tuition lines increased by a combined $264,000; and the draft assumes an estimated 19 additional tuition‑paying students in FY26 (net) for a total of 75 tuitioned‑in students.

Committee members asked staff for reductions that avoid personnel or program cuts where possible, and directed staff to return a second draft on Feb. 25 and a final draft on March 11.

Ending: The committee scheduled further budget review on Feb. 25 and will present a final school budget recommendation to the town for the April 29 joint budget presentation; members and staff said they will continue reviewing revenue assumptions and potential reductions over the next month.","Committee members reviewed a first draft of the FY2026 operating budget that shows a 5.9% expenditure increase and would require a town tax-rate increase above the 4% cap if fully funded; the committee also approved several routine motions, contract renewals and two policy final reads.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Portsmouth honors PHS Senate‑Youth delegate and Melville earns state 5‑star designation; students speak at meeting

Portsmouth completes 2024 bond projects; PHS roof identified as immediate priority

Portsmouth School Committee reviews FY26 budget draft and approves minutes, contracts, policies and donation