The North Kingstown School Committee convened on February 20, 2024, to address several key issues affecting the district, particularly regarding transportation and contract renewals.

The meeting began with discussions surrounding the transportation needs of students involved in the Best Buddies program and the Next Steps program at Hamilton. Committee members expressed concerns about the lack of access to buses for field trips and community experiences, which are essential for these programs. It was noted that previous budget discussions indicated a discontinuation of funding for such transportation needs, and there was uncertainty about whether these requirements were included in the current budget proposal.

Committee members highlighted the importance of providing specialized busing for students who require it to participate in after-school programs. The discussion revealed that while there were requests for late buses to accommodate these students, logistical challenges had prevented the district from meeting these needs this year. The committee agreed to further investigate the scheduling and availability of buses to ensure that all students can participate in extracurricular activities.

Additionally, the committee addressed the renewal of the contract with ABM, the district's service provider. Concerns were raised about potential annual increases in the contract, especially following issues encountered in the previous year. The committee decided to review the contract details to ensure transparency and accountability moving forward.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the ongoing challenges related to student transportation and the importance of ensuring equitable access to programs for all students. The committee plans to follow up on these discussions in future meetings to address the identified needs and concerns.