[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-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",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_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":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6609917,"mediaKeyId","2905211-cd010595e957011cd90d7af7f789a0d5","parentId",2905211,"title","Richmond parents press Chariho committee to replace condemned kindergarten playground, ask for fundraising-policy change","audioSeconds",609,"startMs",2369000,"endMs",2978000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2905211-cd010595e957011cd90d7af7f789a0d5&start=2369&end=2978","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2905211-cd010595e957011cd90d7af7f789a0d5/thumbnail_2369000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6609917/Rhode-Island/Richmond-parents-press-Chariho-committee-to-replace-condemned-kindergarten-playground-ask-for-fundraising-policy-change","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6609917-884012b1a4972d1cba87ccbeaf54fab7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771016633&Signature=ABKld9e0Er~hBj~GcEWPRupcrMmZtfXxIoB9tGVVTpR8H1vMbB~2ObKrF6Rm~ronX~3nzPqqesD2ngcPoIeKUCvYyp14ZabkKwBDBWegFqhAz-sEwZJnv~YfHVhv6~jwNr0ij3D9NbkxQAOiPUtNiVpyS3eZkaDE8FYKjvLtRaUGI5Nuk03PGHRRqRxDCOZBI42-dMFoe-rpJSlS8QwuxET89Wzf3q4V2pgU3wGMKd8xcrN54OXPV5u6DMFuX8NW9r6PHvaIA~yL5Zcap9r2uK49KWGR9c1huJZm8jYTdUHB5tJkxHrWdTQ7VdFRZum~nX2NMvjJpQZu5C4tzHVP6A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Chariho","date","2025-04-09T02:27:10.607Z","article","A Richmond parent told the Chariho Regional School Committee that a kindergarten playground at Richmond Elementary has been condemned and asked the district to replace the structure immediately or revise its fundraising policy so the PTO can raise money.

At the April meeting, Thea Brennan, Richmond Elementary PTO president, said the kindergarten section requires \"at least $6,000 in repairs\" to be safe and argued the playground should be paid from the district budget rather than relying on parent fundraising. \"Our children deserve the best schools. They deserve new schools and safe playground equipment,\" Brennan said during the public-forum portion of the meeting.

Why it matters: Committee members and the superintendent said the playgrounds are a recurring capital priority and that funding choices and statutory reimbursement rules limit immediate action. Superintendent Gina Picard said the district has submitted required paperwork and is pursuing multiple options — from state reimbursement formulas to reusing equipment from other sites — and that the committee will consider funding and policy next month.

Details: Picard told the committee the district resubmitted its Stage 1 bond application and is hoping for Stage 2 approval; bond funds are restricted and cannot be used for elementary playgrounds in the same way, she said. Picard also explained the district may be eligible for up to roughly 61% reimbursement (and possibly 65% with a regional bonus) through the state process if the project qualifies. She said district staff are discussing moving available playground equipment and exploring capital-plan options.

Brennan asked the committee to revise the district fundraising policy, which currently says fundraising should not be used to pay for items that “should be included in the school budget.” She said the PTO would be willing to fundraise if the policy were revised or a waiver granted, and added that she had already contacted town councils for support. Picard said a private donor had approached the district offering roughly the $6,000 needed and she would follow up.

Next steps and limits: Committee members agreed to place the fundraising-policy change on the next meeting agenda for consideration. Picard cautioned that bond funds may be legally constrained and that a formal capital plan and state aid estimate expected in June will better identify what can be funded locally versus reimbursed. Several committee members emphasized they view playground safety as a high priority but noted the district must balance many capital needs.

Context: Committee members cited prior uses of town impact fees (Charlestown’s town council funded a Charlestown playground) and noted the district is managing multiple elementary priorities while preparing for building consolidations tied to the Hope Valley closure.

Ending: Picard and school administration said they will continue to pursue the donor lead Brennan mentioned, examine the capital-plan schedule and state reimbursement rules, and bring a policy item back to the committee to allow PTO participation in fundraising if the committee approves.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","2025-04-08 School Committee Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","A Richmond parent told the Chariho Regional School Committee that a kindergarten playground at Richmond Elementary has been condemned and asked the district to replace the structure immediately or revise its fundraising policy so the PTO can raise money.","taxTitle","Chariho, School Districts, Rhode Island","taxId",38790,"location","Rhode Island","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6609902,"Chariho presents Vision 2026 strategic-plan update; students and staff highlight gains as superintendent announces budget approval",3671,2338000,6009000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2905211-cd010595e957011cd90d7af7f789a0d5&start=2338&end=6009","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2905211-cd010595e957011cd90d7af7f789a0d5/thumbnail_2338000.jpg","/articles/6609902/Rhode-Island/Chariho-presents-Vision-2026-strategic-plan-update-students-and-staff-highlight-gains-as-superintendent-announces-budget-approval","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6609902-61943e80026a4bd34636034049b102cf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771016633&Signature=eAGqQ~4PVmsl6XB24QJ3sH~kIEZDOzuMHtmle9-5I7ktPhsQqrZ1IQW5-dMa4ARBhEwRlPiNbaYE9fwMJ72seA8ZC~EaUb3fSO3kNRxaMvcJlkEJFmJoNsMx439eXffGkX5l8~OYz-7tp83e-BdJqeJuwO6alFJuvGpFBtLpnVMU6xCR6w4mfSCLJwSLti1ZFrWHhwYdEFHbFlvy70avefHFUn4d2BSzJ6RUDbed6ZkkdKOr-ao7-~lDWZfgZfThJPTUZdap6TNky6zr6SEnf-QGRa0T0N4IQ3gkvjUclAmuFU3GuWdbN2sz-8kjMLgcoOTJAHhUntShpnyPxbXbcQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Chariho administrators, teachers and students presented a progress update on the district’s Vision 2026 strategic plan at the April school committee meeting, highlighting measurable gains and classroom examples of the plan in action.

Director Jerry Orth and Principal Andrea Drake introduced student speakers who described academic and extracurricular experiences spanning career and technical education, arts, MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports), and civic engagement. Students who presented included Penelope Nicholas (performing arts), Brandon Thorpe (student advisory board), Kiera Pierce (graduation project), Morgan Allen (school connectedness), and Ethan Tarsesian (FBLA and Farm-to-School internship). Several administrators described classroom-level initiatives such as tiered instructional supports and district-wide MTSS handbook implementation.

Why it matters: The presentation brought student voices to the committee’s attention and showed how district-wide initiatives translate into hands-on learning. Administrators said Chariho has made \"statistically significant gains across every single goal on the plan,\" and described improvements in measures the district tracks.

Details: Examples shared included a revitalized advisory block at Cherry Hill High School, expansion of CTE internships, district arts showcases (Articy), STEM and FBLA competitive successes, a Farm-to-School waste-separation program, and the use of SMART goals to monitor MTSS progress at the elementary level. The presentation included student testimony about how a graduation project helped a student decide to pursue medicine and how unified athletics and clubs foster school connectedness.

Budget note: Near the close of the presentation, Superintendent Gina Picard announced \"the budget passed 9 11 yeses\" (as stated in the meeting). Picard said the district will move forward to implement priorities and will prepare for Vision 2029 as the current plan concludes next year.

Ending: Committee members praised the student presentations and the district’s community events; administrators said they will continue to report progress and will prepare materials for the next stage of planning.","Chariho administrators, teachers and students presented a progress update on the district’s Vision 2026 strategic plan at the April school committee meeting, highlighting measurable gains and classroom examples of the plan in action.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6609907,"Chariho committee approves school improvement team policy changes to broaden participation, align with law",477,3320000,3797000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2905211-cd010595e957011cd90d7af7f789a0d5&start=3320&end=3797","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2905211-cd010595e957011cd90d7af7f789a0d5/thumbnail_3320000.jpg","/articles/6609907/Rhode-Island/Chariho-committee-approves-school-improvement-team-policy-changes-to-broaden-participation-align-with-law","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6609907-d1d62514298eed308f87601a16d9c44c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771016633&Signature=MZdA9cgR0ksggbcEmsiNzEuiB~XnO9t69Y4AIIeX5EL4I6G959vs5hqDmxeUikjy4qxPAFvaGJzIvd4a6asyx2HVm~l89zOsrKWoGHDuBbGTRt3wsNbwLZTkiAploBFmmCi4j-VJb5~TS4a7CsQFuO8J0ZeFeC7KPxdMFWWY0fPAu6XkV7baD1ju8XR8CwLM~0AwfCvujDFOt1B4befooJ3O5Q-hBVPXkM2F~EYRSiCWBPNRxmrvDLSBLvcldTn591oybgDW6vemRKNe4blQ2QOZGrPHeAxLhmNWVhkUYj~018fc--x0ueD7017x254ds2psky5zLTyCDPDBqxaamA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Chariho Regional School Committee unanimously approved updates to the district School Improvement Team (SIT) policy to align the policy with state law changes and to broaden participation.

The policy revisions clarify that the superintendent approves school improvement plans under the 2022 law change, replace specific titles with the more general term \"school administrators,\" and extend the application timeline to allow new families and those affected by the Hope Valley consolidation to apply. The committee approved the change following discussion about ensuring Hope Valley families and incoming kindergarten parents have access to SIT representation.

Why it matters: The changes aim to make SIT membership more inclusive and to reduce procedural friction for families and staff who might otherwise be excluded because of timing or administrative titles. Committee members said the update was prompted in part by the planned closure of Hope Valley Elementary and by a 2022 state-law change clarifying superintendent and committee roles in approving improvement plans.

Details: Members discussed the role of a selection committee under the prior policy and concluded some selection steps were redundant; the revision streamlines language to match current district structure and state templates. Committee vice members noted the changes would allow the district to accept applications through Oct. 1 and apply them to the current year as needed, providing flexibility for this transition year.

Vote and next steps: Member motions and a second led to a unanimous vote to approve the updates. Administration said the changes would be applied immediately and would be used to guide SIT membership for the coming year.

Ending: Committee members said they want the broader community to be aware that the district is trying to ensure representation for incoming and transitioning families during the Hope Valley consolidation.","The school committee unanimously approved revisions to the district’s School Improvement Team (SIT) policy to match state law changes, broaden who can serve and extend the application timeline so families affected by the Hope Valley closure and incoming kindergarten families may participate.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6609912,"Chariho committee split 5-5; motion to extend superintendent's contract fails",1914,6068000,7982000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2905211-cd010595e957011cd90d7af7f789a0d5&start=6068&end=7982","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2905211-cd010595e957011cd90d7af7f789a0d5/thumbnail_6068000.jpg","/articles/6609912/Rhode-Island/Chariho-committee-split-5-5-motion-to-extend-superintendents-contract-fails","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6609912-65f98d4f0e9625343a459d60f5aaa12a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771016633&Signature=JUWiPa1H10iIsRiuiWnFT3sClDa6j5IgZMrQrklMGR-XSgLA6W9EqMgl7waTKXIcbI~p3DWLaPV4tQFgPy~CjpggvjHcv-t~bJmmA~clCGflkuVy49OGwVZznMaCk2qeORULWbCuK6iVO3MUkjkbrfkjkZxN3L4fu~R6906AtVfHG17CZgltxUluGHkcTZO0dLDDhq-AcheQ-S-ZWk5ErmzhbTR5bUJ9V~kZZHU9zYhI4Qb-2RDjNVhIDAQjybXxZXYX~5FtKIPHdueajslYxarM7dUiNOAfc~-mwhlqCj7aZOaeJ5t-XhNgGQayBHcdfUuBWwPbEZ5XF1R~X1av8w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Chariho Regional School Committee failed to approve a one-year extension of Superintendent Gina Picard's contract after a divided discussion that reflected both public praise and private concerns.

Chair Jessica Purcell opened an agenda item to consider Picard's annual contract extension; Picard's current contract runs through June 30, 2027, and the committee was asked to decide whether to extend it through June 30, 2028. Following discussion in open session — and after an executive-session performance review earlier in the month — the committee voted 5-5 on a motion to extend, which failed for lack of majority.

Why it matters: A successful extension would have signalled renewed multi-year support for the superintendent’s leadership; the tie vote leaves Picard with the remainder of her current contract but without the one-year extension the committee was asked to approve.

Positions and debate: Multiple members voiced support, citing Picard’s visibility at schools, improving district metrics and the recent strategic-plan presentation. Member Linda (last name not specified in the transcript) said Picard \"wears lots of hats and is on the ground here all the time\" and voted yes. Members who opposed or withheld support cited constituent feedback and concerns about academic outcomes in some grades; Member Laura said she received almost 100 emails opposed and said she would not support an extension that evening.

Public comment and procedure: Chair Jessica Purcell declined requests from members of the public to address the committee on the contract item, saying permitting public comment could create an \"open meetings\" risk and the superintendent had asked that a public performance discussion not be placed on the agenda. That decision drew several audible objections from the audience during the meeting.

Vote tally: In a roll-call-style sequence during the meeting the recorded positions were: Jessica Purcell (chair) — yes; Linda — yes; Karen Reynolds — yes; Craig Luzon — yes; Donna Chambers — yes; Polly Hopkins — no; Diane Tefft — no; Harvey Phelps — no; Beth Puglia — no; Tyler — no. The motion therefore failed on a 5-5 split.

Next steps: The motion's failure leaves Picard in place under the terms of her current contract through June 30, 2027. The committee did not take public comment on the matter during the meeting; several members asked for additional community feedback and suggested continued private dialogue.

Ending: The committee’s split vote sets the stage for further discussion among committee members and the public in the coming months as members weigh oversight, academic outcomes and community confidence while Picard continues in her current contract term.","The Chariho Regional School Committee considered a one-year extension to Superintendent Gina Picard's contract and, after public debate and member statements both supporting and questioning her leadership, a motion to extend failed on a 5-5 vote. The chair declined to take public comment on the item, citing open-meetings concerns.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6609897,"Votes at a glance: Chariho school committee actions, April meeting",6854,1098000,7952000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2905211-cd010595e957011cd90d7af7f789a0d5&start=1098&end=7952","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2905211-cd010595e957011cd90d7af7f789a0d5/thumbnail_1098000.jpg","/articles/6609897/Rhode-Island/Votes-at-a-glance-Chariho-school-committee-actions-April-meeting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6609897-6a7b3c8c0b2e1afce7b9bd1ef0c6e919/orig.mp4?Expires=1771016633&Signature=ZXyxBhG94UAyivrGUNTa8iPaMd9jCaO5Q8VJpC1jO3wJNPNFtuxuPbSbq5GOhgTFOf6V95ktpiJ2ixrSf9itv7X57pW3sMe4HsQwpw3be3rWbEpHcfB1NJ4xk~BigYsroDmKHqsVVv9PdhkeR~Swso68nvUbc3lho4geJn6u1th6uZ-szJ3DDxIqwAt0C1kS9DprYiUzbopgWMicMXbNm3PJnVq-kKqY25RkUwwkN2DeATGEkMSC3UYlNaPLGw85d30Br0Eyubpr5-BJAwp4vjUiyzs-s0vWuT8umqGliDx4fBPpbYqguqvQMiaHE~s3-tuuJRKqPIoAYzncJgSZWw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Chariho Regional School Committee recorded the following formal actions at its April meeting. Motions and outcomes below are stated as they were recorded in open session. When a tally was announced, it is listed; otherwise the minutes record unanimous passage.

Executive session disclosures (as reported in open session by the vice chair):
- Approval of March 11 executive-session minutes: 11 in favor, 1 abstention (Mrs. Chambers reported earlier)
- Homeschool request: unanimous approval
- NEA ESP MOU authorizing a PTO payout for a member who passed prior to retirement; committee chair authorized to sign: unanimous
- Vote to return to open session: unanimous

Open-session votes and actions (selected):
- School Improvement Team policy update: approved unanimously (policy language aligned to 2022 law; extended application timeline)
- Memorandum of Agreement with Chariho Education Support Professionals regarding Juneteenth holiday: approved unanimously
- Out-of-state field trips (Ferris State University, Grand Rapids, MI, and another trip): approved unanimously
- Renewal/extension of food services contract (Chartwells): approved unanimously
- U.S. Tennis Association Venue Services Grant application: approved unanimously (district will pursue lighting grant category)
- Reallocation of Get Food Smart grant funds (purchase dishwasher at the middle school and support composting): approved unanimously
- FY26 Career & Technical Education (CTE) teacher grants: approved unanimously
- Budget transfers/updates: approved unanimously (see business office documents for line-item detail)
- Transportation resolution supporting House Bill 5204 (allow contracted transportation provider to serve non-public students while preserving state subsidy): approved unanimously
- Hope Valley Elementary School recognition resolution: approved unanimously
- Consent agenda (donations, contracts, and minutes): approved; minutes vote: Donna Chambers abstained on the March 11 regular-session minutes

Notable failed action:
- Motion to extend Superintendent Gina Picard's contract by one year: failed on a 5-5 vote (tie) in open session.

Notes: Several items were discussed in executive session and then disclosed in open session, as required. For details and documentary exhibits (contracts, grants, grant budgets, and full vote listings), see the official meeting packet and the school committee minutes.","The Chariho Regional School Committee took a series of formal actions at its April meeting, including approving policy changes, contracts, grants and resolutions; the superintendent contract extension motion failed. This roundup lists motions, basic outcomes and available tallies as disclosed in open session.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Richmond parents press Chariho committee to replace condemned kindergarten playground, ask for fundraising-policy change

Chariho presents Vision 2026 strategic-plan update; students and staff highlight gains as superintendent announces budget approval

Chariho committee approves school improvement team policy changes to broaden participation, align with law

Chariho committee split 5-5; motion to extend superintendent's contract fails

Votes at a glance: Chariho school committee actions, April meeting