[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-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",[31,74,86,98,110],{"_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",6662984,"mediaKeyId","2391609-a64406aac01c850b0027e5ad1f5939fe","parentId",2391609,"title","Portsmouth High School roof deteriorated after winter thaw; auditorium closed while district seeks bids and emergency aid","audioSeconds",1920,"startMs",280000,"endMs",2200000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2391609-a64406aac01c850b0027e5ad1f5939fe&start=280&end=2200","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2391609-a64406aac01c850b0027e5ad1f5939fe/thumbnail_280000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6662984/Portsmouth/School-Districts/Rhode-Island/Portsmouth-High-School-roof-deteriorated-after-winter-thaw-auditorium-closed-while-district-seeks-bids-and-emergency-aid","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6662984-269c4e76c4dfd8c7d67f6e6310e41622/orig.mp4?Expires=1769954286&Signature=dXy2iFDQwt6n1gsuE~U7O7LAo5e1QXyx8TXSUGAOLo36X9FWJ5GdwskL4Gp8HWHEU0jb-9B5xeAfwv~xJeNCOiCdEpd81QrvokbSpULFMaRM8VlgS7r3k3ZUWFTypFMVrL8TxraQ4IXrD3~HUZI4OVBWpAMXJS8Nn3~QIGvYnIHsqV2RISjAHdrZ8gzXg-j7huhZMrsC3KjnPdfd4KHFsjUwMuokvqQYIGydDr06On0aCsOwRWRYVZgctCf-4ezerWJa2iSrwY~x1F1AfeJAz9RpZ2UTFdItagkqAun1ZTRfNs9jZf4PDn-FSwhe~S3fz3D-56KyiC~uro~01Y4T9A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Portsmouth RI Live Stream","date","2025-02-26T03:20:09.553Z","article","Portsmouth — School officials gave an update Tuesday on extensive leaking at Portsmouth High School (PHS) after warm weather and heavy snowmelt exposed failing roofing materials that maintenance staff say have reached the end of their useful life.

The School Department's new facilities director, George Simmons, told the Portsmouth School Committee the roof membrane “has lost its oil” and elasticity, is splitting in many areas and has saturated insulation that freezes and thaws, creating recurring leaks. He said staff have installed temporary tarp drains and bucket systems to catch water and that custodial and maintenance crews have kept the roof surface largely dry while the district lines up longer-term repairs.

The condition led administrators to close the auditorium to outside use. Simmons said ceiling tiles are wet and some are falling; because tiles sit 25 to 30 feet above the floor, the space is not safe for public events until the roof and interior repairs are completed. The district has also filed an insurance claim for interior damage and equipment losses, the superintendent said.

Why it happened and next steps

Superintendent Dr. Kenworthy told the committee the district was not previously informed that the remainder of the PHS roof was in “a critical state.” He reminded the committee that the district maintains a five-year capital improvement plan on file with the RI Department of Education School Building Authority (SBA) and that projects completed outside an approved capital plan are eligible for emergency reimbursement up to $500,000 per year. School leaders said the likely total cost will exceed that figure.

Simmons said the plan will prioritize replacement work: first the Classroom Wing AB building, then the band room and auditorium, then the D building, pending bids and available funds. He described the roof as approximately 25 years old (a typical 30-year warranty period has effectively elapsed) and said the installations will be stripped to the substrate, the defective insulation removed and the system rebuilt to current code, including additional drains/scuppers where needed.

Bids and timing

District staff invited contractors to a roof walk-through; Simmons said six companies attended and the district expects to receive quotes within two to three weeks. He said contractors told the district work can begin in cold weather down to about 25 degrees Fahrenheit, but lower temperatures would prevent proper roofing installation; doing the job during the school year is possible but disruptive. The facilities director said interim patches are not a reliable solution because the membrane has lost elasticity and patched areas would likely require continuous monitoring.

Funding and reimbursements

Dr. Kenworthy said the district will pursue the SBA emergency reimbursement (the district described the limit as eligibility for emergency projects up to $500,000 in a year) but expects the project to exceed that amount. The administration plans to use available school capital reserves, coordinate with the town for additional funding and — if necessary — pursue bonding or inclusion in the next five-year capital plan. The committee discussed whether the town could seek a waiver or legislative relief to ease the tax levy impact of large capital needs.

Operations and learning impacts

PHS Principal Dr. Heath described contingency plans for classroom moves. The district's Aspen room-availability system identifies about 13 spare rooms at present; teachers know alternative classrooms and staffing plans are in place so instruction can continue if spaces must be vacated. Heath said custodians, maintenance staff, teachers and students have adapted and that only limited interior damage has been reported so far (some ceiling tiles and a few auditorium seats). He also described continuing monitoring during a projected storm and said the district will consider a one-off remote learning day only if conditions require it.

Community outreach

The superintendent said the district will send a public update to families and that the administration and facilities staff will work with the town to identify funding strategies. Officials said town engagement will be required because reimbursement from the SBA for an unplanned project is limited and the town will need to consider how to address the funding gap.

Provenance: This article summarizes committee chair and administration statements and testimony from Facilities Director George Simmons and Principal Dr. Heath during the February 25 public meeting. Ending: The district said it will move quickly to evaluate bids, seek emergency SBA reimbursement and work with the town to fund roof replacement; the auditorium will remain closed to outside use until safe repairs are completed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","School Committee Meeting: 2.25.25","oneSentenceSummary","Portsmouth School officials said a 25-year-old roof at Portsmouth High School is failing after recent thawing, prompting the immediate closure of the auditorium to outside use and a fast-tracked process to solicit contractor bids and seek emergency state reimbursement.","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},6662965,"Votes at a glance: Portsmouth School Committee items, Feb. 25, 2025",6295,90000,6385000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2391609-a64406aac01c850b0027e5ad1f5939fe&start=90&end=6385","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2391609-a64406aac01c850b0027e5ad1f5939fe/thumbnail_90000.jpg","/articles/6662965/Portsmouth/School-Districts/Rhode-Island/Votes-at-a-glance-Portsmouth-School-Committee-items-Feb-25-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6662965-5f510422c2ca138ab0a170d0286748a2/orig.mp4?Expires=1769954286&Signature=Ar4KheXLeBXf~5EDN9ro7XyCKnJGxhb2wVSxdoUB-lsWzyj6PrCYWnU~m5RYrxSJ2G~hcnokn3ycrqSh2aemJtP~hVoe0YinkCIkVwLjtuaO~sgJ4IrvkxFByCKUpYVAdPSkC9pm6x1yG0omIgIp6DOth17kxEKQ5FGAZp09rHJIEh7LhesTuyFaGXoBHV3qSCSXlpM3D3J4KAh2vWEYv6D1unnFH6DzIyXDZTYEFbsmnUbRJYUXThF0h3EjvvF6g2RfPF7Q4YQ20rb1o9dU2mGe-0viZ1WIw8LrvTWVuRquZMwmd3VCEpb4t0SZkszcKaion44eTxBsT6-066myfA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Portsmouth — The Portsmouth School Committee recorded the following formal actions at its Tuesday, Feb. 25 meeting.

Sealing executive session minutes (02/25/2025)
- Motion: Seal the executive session minutes of 02/25/2025 (motion/second not named in minutes)
- Outcome: Approved (unanimous, 6-0)

Approval of meeting minutes (February 11, 2025)
- Motion: Approve the minutes of the regular meeting and executive session of February 11, 2025
- Outcome: Approved; recorded tally: 4 in favor, 2 abstentions (chair recorded abstentions for members not present at that meeting)

Adopt district strategic plan, 2025\u00132030
- Motion: Adopt the District Strategic Plan for 2025\u00132030 (motion/second not named)
- Outcome: Approved (unanimous)

FY26 operating budget (discussion only)
- No formal vote; committee reviewed the second draft and directed administration to present further options to the finance subcommittee and return with a final draft for the March 11 vote.

Gate receipts & facilities rental budgets (FY26)
- Motion: Approve the FY26 gate receipts budget and facilities rental budget (motion moved and seconded)
- Outcome: Approved (unanimous, 6-0)

Donation: Hathaway PTA playground equipment (ADA-compliant)
- Motion: Accept Hathaway Parent Teachers Association donation for ADA-compliant playground equipment at Hathaway School (donation $83,000)
- Outcome: Approved (unanimous, 6-0)

Rhode Island Youth Risk Behavior Survey participation
- Motion: Approve district participation in the RI Department of Health / RIDE Youth Risk Behavior Survey (annual approval)
- Outcome: Approved (unanimous, 6-0)

Policy approvals (final reads)
- IJNDC (Appropriate Use of District Technology): Approved (final read) (unanimous, 6-0)
- EHB (Records Retention and Destruction): Approved (final read) (unanimous, 6-0)

Other routine votes
- Several routine personnel and consent items were reviewed; no contested votes were recorded in the public minutes.

Provenance: Vote tallies and motions drawn from the transcript of the Portsmouth School Committee meeting, Feb. 25, 2025. Ending: Items that required additional work (notably the FY26 operating budget) were sent to the finance subcommittee for further review ahead of a March 11 final vote.","The committee approved the district strategic plan and several routine items unanimously and took other recorded votes. This roundup lists each formal action and outcome from the February 25 meeting.",{"_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},6662970,"Portsmouth principals highlight MTSS, social-emotional screening and programs to strengthen student well-being",1004,3836000,4840000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2391609-a64406aac01c850b0027e5ad1f5939fe&start=3836&end=4840","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2391609-a64406aac01c850b0027e5ad1f5939fe/thumbnail_3836000.jpg","/articles/6662970/Portsmouth/School-Districts/Rhode-Island/Portsmouth-principals-highlight-MTSS-social-emotional-screening-and-programs-to-strengthen-student-well-being","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6662970-7ed69fd15c37aa2fad9010c9cac3fe59/orig.mp4?Expires=1769954286&Signature=m4K4nyjAt9eQFj~QE~KqmoekY6ZSOqv-RPCEXlWZD6co-vFNuhhSRjYKZ-9If7KINQJe-svr5lfN9lBoGbF1Q3CGK2niiaZVgZCaZt9njVusYoelROHiJ49os73qhBSJdjpIs6ZCn9bOwbZhNUlDiPCs1u122O~XV7sFFXWm6ZOm-SUmOFX6CivyRYo5SCYNQmsufpQF-VITvTlcfgcagP9q~XaJUCS1pTlmxFqLb9ZhA4b1Q0OB~DSxXQEP-pnmEfsNO1Q6xlE9zWQE5lGJc5a0UhZJubTF-jjxlct7i5kdVSSSZWudZkzAjrOcPDEneL7X~9Bh7IF6dEXv9X3zWg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Portsmouth — School principals used the committee's district-goals update to outline how the district addresses student social-emotional learning and well-being, describing tiered supports, screening tools and specific programs at each level.

Elementary schools

Elementary principals described an MTSS framework that includes a Tier 1 universal curriculum (for example, Choose Love and Conscious Discipline), classroom calm-down areas, positive-behavior recognition (“golden apples” and “pillars”), and periodic MySavers screening administered three times a year. Targeted Tier 2 supports include small social-skills groups (Social Superstars, Paws Patrol, Change Champions) and check-in/check-out systems; Tier 3 services involve individualized work with social workers or counselors and structured home-school communication.

A number of community-building activities and partnerships were highlighted: therapy and reading dogs, community gatherings, and programs that connect new families with established Portsmouth families before school starts. Principals stressed student leadership, expanded extracurriculars and family communication as next steps.

Middle school

The middle-school principal said PBIS (positive behavior interventions and supports) fidelity has increased, noting external review and a New England PBIS newsletter mention. The school reported tens of thousands of positive student connections this year and uses a “trusted adult” metric tied to PBIS and MySavers screening to ensure students have adults they can turn to. The school described a therapeutic academic program (TAP) and an Anchor for Life student-support program used for students in transition.

High school

PHS administrators described an initiative called Support & Report that maps staff-to-student connections to make sure every student has at least a few adults checking in regularly. The high school also piloted a senior-led idea to deliver anonymous handwritten thank-you notes to students who are part of that support network.

Administrators told the committee these systems allow the district to reassign rooms and supports quickly if leaks or other disruptions force classroom moves, and they said the community has responded positively to outreach and transparency about student-wellness efforts.","District principals updated the School Committee on multi-tiered supports (MTSS), MySavers social-emotional screening, targeted small-group interventions and student leadership programs across elementary, middle and high schools.",{"_32":99,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":100,"_40":101,"_42":102,"_44":103,"_46":104,"_48":105,"_50":106,"_52":107,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":108,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":109,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6662975,"Portsmouth School Committee trims FY26 draft but seeks options to avoid staffing cuts",2069,6371000,8440000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2391609-a64406aac01c850b0027e5ad1f5939fe&start=6371&end=8440","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2391609-a64406aac01c850b0027e5ad1f5939fe/thumbnail_6371000.jpg","/articles/6662975/Portsmouth/School-Districts/Rhode-Island/Portsmouth-School-Committee-trims-FY26-draft-but-seeks-options-to-avoid-staffing-cuts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6662975-502a43fd69505f01fb98836ce10deb73/orig.mp4?Expires=1769954286&Signature=LM8ZHlpECDf1OrmqtsrAjoHO4pqSy7Ge~PIVJQxHcqaG8iRpy2pcT-2HOIAQfeEhDe2uMfU7big48Fd8hRilbSZ0Q15B4zhloX8dABBxRLLvuJ-tFL46PAKOA-BnvZTtnqaUEPU5Aqyb1mGxKh77hzQ2Mp3kGUVRBAEI~q9UsNTsDbt-2tAohefjmCt4rMSwoqNtRoFeOwcCQgNxVtldj7vwkl0cUylQ9Wff~ropKFU6hrpLVHEdTQz2-te-9W65cMzsFHiuNKk3W-qB6MtjIJfWJtMLNFD3jL6b7hJO~3qdaYoc1YuE69A4Ne7yo-22CAeuSjQOCVYR5cmxHvNnKw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Portsmouth — The Portsmouth School Committee reviewed a second draft of the School Department's fiscal year 2026 operating budget Tuesday and directed administrators to look for further options to avoid cuts to personnel or programs.

Superintendent Dr. Kenworthy and finance director Christopher D'Iro presented revisions that reduce the draft budget by $541,168 compared with the first draft. That trimming lowers the proposed total expenditure increase to 4.0% over FY25 and reduces the town appropriation request to an increase of 4.9%.

Where cuts were made

District staff told the committee they attempted to reduce nonpersonnel costs before altering staffing. The reductions include eliminating one RBT position that district leaders said was no longer required ($25,000), removing a small amount of planned professional development hours ($40,000), trimming anticipated coaching/extracurricular stipends ($30,000), lowering assumed health-insurance premium growth from 8% to 5% for planning ($125,000), moving some costs into federal IDEA-B grant accounts ($25,000) and other discretionary reductions in supplies and equipment. The budget team described a cautious approach to adjusting health-benefit assumptions but said absolute staffing reductions were a last resort.

Tensions and next steps

Committee members pressed administrators about the remaining gap between the proposed appropriation and the town's 4% tax levy cap. Members expressed reluctance to remove proposed positions that they said are critical (for example, additional speech-language support and world-language expansion for middle grades). Committee members discussed asking the town council to pursue a legislative exemption or waiver to exceed the 4% cap, noting other municipalities have sought similar relief, and asked the superintendent to prepare options that could reduce the committee's request to at or below the 4% threshold.

Finance subcommittee and schedule

District leaders said a finance subcommittee meeting is scheduled for Monday to refine options; the committee expects a final FY26 draft for full committee approval at the March 11 meeting. After school-committee approval, the budget is submitted to the town administrator and presented to the town council during town budget deliberations in May and June.

Provenance: The committee reviewed the full line-by-line second draft and asked administration to return with further options before the March 11 vote. Ending: Administrators will pursue further budget reductions where possible, present options to the finance subcommittee and continue coordinating with town leadership about levy and capital needs.","Superintendent and finance director presented a second draft of the FY2026 school budget that reduces expenditures by $541,168 and lowers the town appropriation request to a 4.9% increase; committee members urged exploring options to keep the increase under the town's 4% statutory cap and avoid personnel or program cuts.",{"_32":111,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":112,"_40":113,"_42":114,"_44":115,"_46":116,"_48":117,"_50":118,"_52":119,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":120,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":121,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6662979,"Portsmouth School Committee adopts 2025-2030 strategic plan focused on academics, staff wellness and student well-being",1267,5113000,6380000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2391609-a64406aac01c850b0027e5ad1f5939fe&start=5113&end=6380","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2391609-a64406aac01c850b0027e5ad1f5939fe/thumbnail_5113000.jpg","/articles/6662979/Portsmouth/School-Districts/Rhode-Island/Portsmouth-School-Committee-adopts-2025-2030-strategic-plan-focused-on-academics-staff-wellness-and-student-well-being","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6662979-196bded846ee7edbd0adda218d760700/orig.mp4?Expires=1769954286&Signature=gPMhfs9VYxRkwnxljn4-Yv723QtKewMLbw0d5G~Wv3TxCR8Rk7jH4dTov3fCym~t6Yh35X3bZfzppvV-E5BNqK1LjGywZdjQ85OJyQPWBY2uth8D~sQbqT2bloAPkc0M5jjSTTA0aPkuuKOyJcytKT1cWggsD-5h9eVSzl0JWrhDZzR7FqO01yuW0aE3tA~73G6ufptW~c0aii61zJoyS5mzJc~1NShUQE7IwZkU10VvttabltS3aPXBhTDFGFZkiIb18a16xkhOFRiIqkk7gzBX7M05qmtjwZRX5EEnIWJa3jrKJkBB7Hp423zoBSuh-Dea1KHME0DkqQWSCaqAqA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Portsmouth — The Portsmouth School Committee unanimously adopted a new district strategic plan Tuesday that will guide the Portsmouth School Department from fall 2025 through June 2030.

The plan, developed with consultant District Management Group and extensive community input, defines the mission as “to prepare, support and develop all students to achieve academic and personal success” and sets five priority areas: academics and academic rigor, staff wellness and professional development, student well-being and belonging, family engagement, and facilities modernization and maintenance.

The consultant, Tess Nicholson Powers, told the committee the plan incorporates both academic measures (literacy and numeracy goals, special-education supports) and non-academic measures such as student and staff survey feedback. The committee plans to collect baseline data in spring 2025 and set numerical targets once that data is available; implementation will begin in fall 2025.

The committee chair said the plan is designed to be actionable and to inform budget and capital decisions over the next five years. The final, illustrated version of the plan will be posted to the district website with implementation updates and reporting links.","After a months-long community engagement process, the School Committee unanimously adopted a five-year strategic plan that sets mission, vision and measurable priorities for academics, staff development, student well-being, family engagement and facilities modernization.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Portsmouth High School roof deteriorated after winter thaw; auditorium closed while district seeks bids and emergency aid

Votes at a glance: Portsmouth School Committee items, Feb. 25, 2025

Portsmouth principals highlight MTSS, social-emotional screening and programs to strengthen student well-being

Portsmouth School Committee trims FY26 draft but seeks options to avoid staffing cuts

Portsmouth School Committee adopts 2025-2030 strategic plan focused on academics, staff wellness and student well-being