[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"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","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_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,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6609873,"mediaKeyId","2905219-8dd3aaae5abbe94a9fa8bf37672c6622","parentId",2905219,"title","Committee advances cell-phone policy to second reading; implementation slated for next school year","audioSeconds",393,"startMs",2209000,"endMs",2602000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2905219-8dd3aaae5abbe94a9fa8bf37672c6622&start=2209&end=2602","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2905219-8dd3aaae5abbe94a9fa8bf37672c6622/thumbnail_2209000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6609873/Portsmouth/School-Districts/Rhode-Island/Committee-advances-cell-phone-policy-to-second-reading-implementation-slated-for-next-school-year","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6609873-45dfb41bd7655e91ebed36bc3eef0a07/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177238&Signature=o3dMUjknbC5-AbxZTQPwtnKEWQ59UPcCSmKZFWdQEYluJ46rci9gigwF3vc2rlAO2sbIvbaRQms5K7-P6lTUovC4GvJBJtBVYarx55t6z3gj3LAiq3JStvCVto8i8Gpt5BjsnrKGrNG65XtW5jJvdb7kr8Xw3vPaZkpMME9b6SxZOE8zjA~oOc2LA6PhF-NXFF5MvkY05dBnkYYExJ-WhvGezzKSZKgUGK8desLFFS4P-kh2x0fk6lv~Xh2ZQqPmFTI-A1b5pvb3u39u9OROu2a~iSz03dAFMi6PJFH8t3GV7POsmbA8Lgr6eyaNw7KvAWIDerfwqXtD9VTsoPdHNA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Portsmouth RI Live Stream","date","2025-04-09T00:27:48.05Z","article","The Portsmouth School Committee advanced policy JICJ, governing student use of cell phones and personal electronic devices, to its second reading and discussed an implementation timeline that would take effect with the next school year.

Under the policy language the committee discussed, cell phones would not be permitted during the school day at elementary and middle schools. At the high school, personal devices would be required to be secured in the classroom during instructional time; limited use would be permitted between classes and at lunch. The draft preserves exceptions for students who require devices under an individualized education program (IEP), Section 504 plan, or multilingual learner accommodations.

“Because of the other technology that's available, the Chromebooks…we felt like that was not necessary at this time,” said Miss McDade, who chairs the Policy Subcommittee, explaining why limited in-classroom phone use for academic purposes was not included in the draft.

Committee members agreed to include administrative direction that the policy’s implementation begin with the upcoming school year (an implementation date such as September was discussed). Several members asked that district leaders re-survey staff, students and parents after about a year of implementation to assess how the limited-use provisions are working and whether the policy needs further revision.

Supporters said the district has engaged staff, parents and building administrators during development and that the resulting policy is enforceable and aligns with available classroom technology.

The committee completed a second-read step on the policy at the meeting; a final adoption vote and formal implementation language will be taken up at the committee’s next scheduled consideration of the policy.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","School Committee Meeting: April 11, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Portsmouth School Committee advanced policy JICJ on student cell-phone and personal-device use to a second reading and discussed implementing the policy at the start of the next school year.","taxTitle","Portsmouth, School Districts, Rhode Island","taxId",72703,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6609878,"Portsmouth tables student-transportation resolution as statewide study seeks $7 million in savings",1970,256000,2226000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2905219-8dd3aaae5abbe94a9fa8bf37672c6622&start=256&end=2226","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2905219-8dd3aaae5abbe94a9fa8bf37672c6622/thumbnail_256000.jpg","/articles/6609878/Portsmouth/School-Districts/Rhode-Island/Portsmouth-tables-student-transportation-resolution-as-statewide-study-seeks-7-million-in-savings","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6609878-507eb76c40fc54d18703c2f1ea5490d3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177238&Signature=EB4kfOfjPa9DTTTdtCkUwQuzq8oE~HawkGjf-XfU3hoaN5Cd5iLkbWSUGhCEhJbt5hR-4FCPJrFHNBIWQVFKZnofeStBRXzWzu4pwIGV~fDTCbDuDvnhhnVwhBkdvUPNZGCxfbxYD4ozZyHGa20UJj7XOpGd3YGePRx0mIEMJRizZj52C4r0M-NUReF03mbHf2CaueQAKj3SElAgV~etFYV5ZVMv9LhgIgFPR2NXpPcu2ZmjrljmzVI0T6SkJ1xnANZUQkKBKe1HwqMxrHqRwBClZ~PO-f29Ca~QN1ppnPaRHpfqM-tX4rPPDDHN~h8WvRtoAJHIbt2Msem1HAW-4g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Portsmouth School Committee discussed the work of a statewide transportation study commission and voted 7-0 to table the committee’s student-transportation resolution so the district can consider pending state legislation that would address regional redraws and create a fund for high-cost long-distance transportation.

The committee member who briefed the body said the commission, hosted by state lawmakers, identified more than $7,000,000 in potential savings across the state by changing several rules and regional boundaries. About $3,500,000 of that projected savings would come from revisiting the size of transportation regions, where some districts currently face very long commutes.

The speaker said proposed changes could allow use of smaller-capacity vehicles, adjust licensing or regulatory requirements, and redefine regional boundaries to shorten travel distances. The commission has already produced two resolutions of support in Portsmouth and is expected to publish bill numbers for the region-size proposals.

Committee members discussed whether proposed changes would affect private-school transportation; the committee was told that current commission proposals would continue to permit transportation for private-school students but limit eligibility to travel within newly drawn regions rather than across expanded regional lines.

Given the prospect that a state bill will include right-sizing and a proposal to create a dedicated fund to cover unusually high costs tied to homeless, foster-care and long-distance special education transportation, the committee voted to table the local resolution and await the state legislation rather than redrafting local language.

The motion to table was seconded and approved 7-0.

","Committee members discussed findings of a statewide transportation study commission that identified about $7 million in potential savings and recommended right-sizing regions; the committee voted 7-0 to table a local resolution and await pending statewide legislation and bill language.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6609883,"School committee approves high school roof bid, recommends 30-year option pending council funding",425,1664000,2089000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2905219-8dd3aaae5abbe94a9fa8bf37672c6622&start=1664&end=2089","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2905219-8dd3aaae5abbe94a9fa8bf37672c6622/thumbnail_1664000.jpg","/articles/6609883/Portsmouth/School-Districts/Rhode-Island/School-committee-approves-high-school-roof-bid-recommends-30-year-option-pending-council-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6609883-91405cb3c9e9ddbcc0bb045f33976c53/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177238&Signature=G63uvReOeyMZzqkcSn2a1Kv7UDK1ez13zNAhn7BZifUuSwA8bPoZ-M8bCG~5pQ~Ots1lDnLje6LfhSkXZgtOtUh0PboKkhVHWpLX9xRT3cJYS8OiDAubekfVzDPNd3L6VumOtr5u0g7RyB-WwmOztNguC-oH0DLenfEmp7rggO3s5~kKvu-zGV9nhY2qVwRdoLzO91Tk92BtRxD5chVhBNIaBBuanNmcMY0csyQE30ZS4Gjm7CcgzBqtAhPMF4Z0pRagmcWD6hgCMHc~qWPz39AmFURAaOXKaGfCc1Fzx0~w-DhJT9W4KrhWtmDzjQjvIomEhMScaFTtCLTYwa8esA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Portsmouth School Committee voted unanimously to award the Fort Smith High School roof repair and replacement contract to Commercial Roofing and Contracting and recommended the board and town pursue the contractor's 30-year roofing option.

The vote followed a report from the Capital Subcommittee that Commercial Roofing and Contracting was the lowest bidder in a five-bid procurement. The subcommittee recommended accepting an add-alternate that upgrades the roof system from a single-ply “20-year” membrane to a two-ply “30-year” membrane to extend the expected useful life.

The recommendation and award are contingent on Town Council approval of project funding. The committee discussed financing options, including using capital reserves and seeking state emergency recovery assistance for projects that bridge fiscal years.

“The 30 year roof is a 2 ply roof, 20 year roof is a single ply roof,” said Senator George, a school committee member, explaining the committee’s preference for the longer-life system. “This particular roof…is a mechanical roof, meaning that we have to go up there often to do service on a lot of the equipment on the roof…A 30 year roof for the short money considering your return on investment, it’s a no brainer, in my opinion.”

Committee members noted the district will seek Town Council approval for the funding request at an upcoming council meeting; Town staff member Mr. Raynor was preparing to have the matter placed on the council agenda. Committee members also discussed potential state recovery reimbursement: the district may apply for emergency recovery funds up to $500,000 per year, of which approximately 40% would be reimbursed to the municipality for eligible, bridged projects.

Committee members said the award covers the A, B, C and D buildings, plus the auditorium and band area. It does not include recently replaced sections (library/cafeteria), the newer G wing, or an older E wing that has a pitched roof and has not shown problems in the current leakage cycle.

Capital Subcommittee members said the work could begin as early as the end of the school year, with a preference to start sooner if logistics (including staging and parking) can be arranged.

The committee recorded a 7-0 vote to approve awarding the bid to Commercial Roofing and Contracting and to strongly recommend the 30-year option when presenting the funding request to the Town Council.

The school administration said it will present the committee’s recommendation and cost estimate to the Town Council and pursue the final financing decisions with councilors. No additional contingency amounts beyond the contractor bid were specified at the meeting.

Committee members thanked the Capital Subcommittee and school staff for their work in developing the bids and bringing the recommendation forward.

","The Portsmouth School Committee voted 7-0 to award the Fort Smith High School roof contract to Commercial Roofing and Contracting and recommended the longer 30-year option; the award is contingent on Town Council approval and expected financing discussions that may include state recovery reimbursement.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6609869,"Votes at a glance: Portsmouth School Committee actions, April 8, 2025",2807,81000,2888000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2905219-8dd3aaae5abbe94a9fa8bf37672c6622&start=81&end=2888","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2905219-8dd3aaae5abbe94a9fa8bf37672c6622/thumbnail_81000.jpg","/articles/6609869/Portsmouth/School-Districts/Rhode-Island/Votes-at-a-glance-Portsmouth-School-Committee-actions-April-8-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6609869-07b0216a2fea62ec4ad9aa79a9024816/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177238&Signature=EM1dxVGjjY8XwH5HE1jlecSB0ri7NZy9NEkz74wc32TgqEf~dodwX1VzskmQWY8Rh196FLc24pqr5lxkKAOPM2UtHlvIogXcmyqlYsl1AbH0SmbTdtD03uoGxWPWCYtBQTxa-dG8fZH1civjlynvpOt-QRgqMGPGF7r9yFLeZECzqQMQwumQffHg3hE56ABqh5A3Ycw4W4cYM5JOHj4sDYLTvKDKEQyKGiLpL~WPxB6OWOwYW-KFzz-n~GLfSwA0vBTSoxOcNZlnR8udOZRH7DrZLzJJ4W5i5Wl6FaPZB5tECUU5m-9LMIxT0DRa8xrPo~sp7wxnSjcIJk9YE5u9Hw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Portsmouth School Committee recorded the following formal actions during its April 8 meeting. Vote tallies and motions are summarized from the meeting record.

• Seal executive session minutes — Motion to seal executive session minutes following an earlier executive session: approved unanimously, 7-0.

• Approval of March 25 meeting minutes — Motion to approve: approved unanimously, 7-0.

• Approval of the consent agenda — Motion to approve consent agenda: approved unanimously, 7-0.

• Change of November meeting date — Motion to move the November meeting (previously scheduled for Nov. 11) to Wednesday, Nov. 12: approved unanimously, 7-0.

• Hathaway septic bid award — Motion to award the Hathaway septic project to East Coast Construction for $28,326: approved unanimously, 7-0. The committee noted the work is necessary to maintain compliance and does not expect the playground to be closed during the work.

• Fort Smith High School roof bid award — Motion to award the roof contract to Commercial Roofing and Contracting with a strong committee recommendation for the 30-year add-alternate; award contingent on Town Council approval of funding: approved unanimously, 7-0 (see separate coverage for project details and financing).

• Student-transportation resolution — Motion to table the local resolution pending the availability of state bill language and related proposals: approved unanimously, 7-0.

• Policy JICJ (cell phones) — Motion to move the policy forward for discussion and to advance it to a second reading (second read occurred at the meeting); final adoption deferred to a subsequent meeting with an implementation target at the start of the next school year.

Votes that carried were recorded by the committee as unanimous where noted; several items were recommended by subcommittees (Capital and Policy) and were acted on by the full committee.","Summary of formal motions and votes taken by the Portsmouth School Committee during the April 8 meeting, including unanimous approvals of minutes, consent agenda, bid awards and schedule adjustments.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee advances cell-phone policy to second reading; implementation slated for next school year

Portsmouth tables student-transportation resolution as statewide study seeks $7 million in savings

School committee approves high school roof bid, recommends 30-year option pending council funding

Votes at a glance: Portsmouth School Committee actions, April 8, 2025