[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-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",[32,75,87,99,110],{"_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",6595449,"mediaKeyId","3032604-723ebd4ed97544238299d4b673edb95e","parentId",3032604,"title","School department revises Wickford Middle School plans after RIDE feedback; options include compact design, enrollment changes and net‑zero tradeoffs","audioSeconds",366,"startMs",4034000,"endMs",4400000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3032604-723ebd4ed97544238299d4b673edb95e&start=4034&end=4400","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3032604-723ebd4ed97544238299d4b673edb95e/thumbnail_4034000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6595449/North-Kingstown/School-Districts/Rhode-Island/School-department-revises-Wickford-Middle-School-plans-after-RIDE-feedback-options-include-compact-design-enrollment-changes-and-netzero-tradeoffs","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6595449-c3253e832dd2eaea606d320e0c4ad6c7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771198956&Signature=WR1SEsTbJwL84keg-IH~fH1lycYuEDMpSDYwttm8fU7T2sCw6sQJ3ghfj5dfbrAnUfG~pMmxC54AdhbTdOq3Py4KTS-NNkh0PsiYIlSRuC2x7IQu34fepUZQOl5seE0ZG4REwA0ezLkep-IehNTs2gyKD4IWmNt554TjfFliujvIbkKI73Tmjalz-7LOJBCRGpvFhJYizBBhafIhS~KjLF1pJGE1tVrEV-wm3OF1GdITwyZWGiM7T3t3Z7uua7N10AmKiI06ZefSr6vU2-wlqkYs~91XUPg56s22t-TneOPufD2666XzYOxt6Ea8SuSnYh1cuDYxaP~-mPgIVJKTmw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","North Kingstown","date","2025-04-17T03:15:03.15Z","article","The North Kingstown School Department told the school committee April 16 it is revising stage‑2 materials for the new Wickford Middle School after a follow‑up meeting with the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE).

Administration and the project team said RIDE recommended that the district reexamine the project’s educational program and design to maximize state reimbursement. Among the options the team is studying are: increasing enrollment (the district submitted an option that would raise target enrollment to 525 students to improve reimbursement eligibility), a more compact three‑story design that reduces footprint, and versions that remove net‑zero features (solar/geothermal) to lower upfront cost. Officials stressed each option changes the reimbursement calculation and the capital allocation tradeoffs.

District staff and architects said RIDE suggested the district look at building up rather than out to reduce foundation and site costs, and to rework costly elements such as curtain‑wall systems. Perkins Eastman (the architect) and Jacobs (owner’s project manager) are preparing cost estimates for each option; administration said it expects estimates next week and a building advisory meeting is scheduled for April 24 to review them prior to a May 5 submission to RIDE.

Staff emphasized that the bond voters approved a plan with a targeted capital allocation and noted RIDE’s feedback does not require abandoning that plan, but does press for cost reductions or reallocation to increase eligible reimbursement. Committee members repeatedly asked for a clear comparison showing (1) the project as presented to voters, (2) the RIDE‑recommended alternatives and (3) the estimated impact on the capital‑project list (CIP) and other district projects. Administration agreed to provide a side‑by‑side cost and reimbursement analysis of multiple options and the original submission.

Public commenters at the meeting urged preservation of net‑zero features (geothermal and solar) as a long‑term cost‑saver, and others pressed for clarity about redistricting and how any change to building program (for example, adding preschool or fifth grade) would affect the CIP and enrollment projections. The administration said they are using an updated demographic study from Cropp & DeWitt to inform planning and recommended that the committee adopt that study’s forecasts for project planning.

Next steps: the architects will return cost breakdowns, including separate line items for site work and athletic fields so the town can compare apples‑to‑apples with other projects; administration will present a cost/reimbursement comparison and a proposed decision timeline so the committee can weigh programmatic versus budgetary tradeoffs before the May 5 RIDE deadline.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","North Kingstown School Committee Meeting: April 16th, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","School officials said April 16 they are reworking Wickford Middle School designs and enrollment scenarios after RIDE asked for a new look at program, design and costs to maximize state reimbursement.","taxTitle","North Kingstown, School Districts, Rhode Island","taxId",73306,"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},6595453,"School committee approves moving preschool from Fishing Cove to Davisville Academy for 2025‑26",39,8021000,8060000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3032604-723ebd4ed97544238299d4b673edb95e&start=8021&end=8060","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3032604-723ebd4ed97544238299d4b673edb95e/thumbnail_8021000.jpg","/articles/6595453/North-Kingstown/School-Districts/Rhode-Island/School-committee-approves-moving-preschool-from-Fishing-Cove-to-Davisville-Academy-for-202526","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6595453-730ccb7a269cdfe05cdb00375a3195bf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771198956&Signature=XTDMtRCq2EW16G24jqTJBmQv6hxI7k5FbkaltnzvVgnmZkJegdVimTh6GejegpNojbReOUxU24s7X7grKuor8cSCnEerVPVPSUFGO9z--Ui3v7zPEYfr286fn6jexJPY3yvTUEBsHrk65wZf96xvkQNsny~RgDAUbjXBBI-ABsYzsxI-I1kbWQrS6Ca4dMEINrtCrk3WMFVUuO93QlHXsfbKr6d7egS~AHWYv-NSlhx1TIqMn7KyPax-gUJ72~MHy1IAMrEGwwiYvr7azC542v51mBR8fUbi8oYpIeiX-sRQFHi8eEtQK~rFRyi1Mv3NybT~B-TZ9elqGrZrvAxu0A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The North Kingstown School Committee on April 16 approved administration's proposal to move the district preschool program from Fishing Cove to Davisville Academy for the 2025‑26 school year.

District special education director Rachel (last name not specified) presented a plan showing how four preschool classrooms, therapy and sensory spaces, an early childhood office, and a small clinic for applied behavior analysis (ABA) could be established at Davisville Academy. Staff described the Davisville layout as having controlled, badged entrances and a secured courtyard that would allow preschool classrooms to be separated from other building users. The administration said there would be a vestibule entry and that the preschool would use an interior fenced playground adjacent to the classrooms.

Under the proposal, Positive Pathways — a structured elementary program for students with significant social‑emotional needs previously located at Davisville Academy — would move to Fishing Cove. Administration staff said the change would open space for OT/PT rooms, better conference and planning areas for preschool staff, and a storage room required to meet early childhood program standards.

Administration and early‑childhood staff described operational details: preschool enrollment is managed through a lottery, a wait list typically fills openings that occur over the summer, and the district anticipates additional referrals and a higher intensity of need among incoming early‑childhood students. Jackie DeLorenzo, early childhood supervisor, said the program has a wait list and that withdrawals over the summer are usually filled from that list.

Committee members asked about shared spaces (nurse, cafeteria, gym) and transportation, and they requested details about any construction, storage or furniture costs. The administration said capital needs and furniture costs would be drawn from existing budget line items and previously designated funds (the presentation referenced $150,000 in combined available funds and fund balance previously allocated for related moves and furniture); officials also said contractors could be asked to help recycle or auction surplus furniture rather than storing it.

After discussion and public comment, the committee voted to approve the move. Several committee members said they visited the buildings and found Davisville Academy appropriate for the preschool program; others asked for longer‑term planning and cautioned about future bond or building plans that might again alter preschool placement.

The motion carried following voice votes. (The meeting transcript records vocal 'ayes' and some dissent; a roll‑call tally was not recorded in the public transcript.)","After a lengthy presentation and public comment, the North Kingstown School Committee voted to move district preschool classrooms from Fishing Cove to Davisville Academy for the 2025‑26 school year and to relocate Positive Pathways elementary services to Fishing Cove.",{"_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},6595457,"North Kingstown High outlines academic recovery plan, seeks capital support for CTE expansion",349,403000,752000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3032604-723ebd4ed97544238299d4b673edb95e&start=403&end=752","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3032604-723ebd4ed97544238299d4b673edb95e/thumbnail_403000.jpg","/articles/6595457/North-Kingstown/School-Districts/Rhode-Island/North-Kingstown-High-outlines-academic-recovery-plan-seeks-capital-support-for-CTE-expansion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6595457-b71e5d26fbc78c3b5342ad2e7065cfad/orig.mp4?Expires=1771198956&Signature=cf~CPLMxX0HEIyq30TAVXz4eEjHtMgi6CtMreeJOpx-9rVrSIpibhyy1wAHYpNjSTFoQcqh6bPiZWPLm7VpCMY8FfLLS7Mjxv24wVSYamlXupATo6lWJ2gUGCavsJQUfo41~9BwGAZwSyV-xfGu3BtY5JLegi9u8xis1DQ5fcS9Dl3SAXFDOwkX5~3iQ~wKDUcA~4XODIwSoWhclBkg9TKcGlGBF6-ogNlftIJxs5R-5MjtLsNptkCbwp3YGT~A4V722Tboo4a-ArSNuJmXu1ijJdj7K-8STc3GxT5Pxac6d28-L8IlTdlZ1tZkHWTiyOuhscWBEwgbDayWHuW2zYA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","North Kingstown High School principal Shivali presented the high school's School Improvement Plan during the April 16 North Kingstown School Committee meeting, describing goals to restore pre-COVID English language arts (ELA) proficiency and to address sharper declines in math achievement.

Shivali said the school had aimed for a 5% year‑to‑year gain in ELA proficiency and noted a decline after COVID that the staff expects to recover from, while math scores showed a steeper drop and will require different interventions. \"The math piece is far different than the ELA piece,\" she said, describing lost foundational algebra instruction during the pandemic as a long‑term driver of lower SAT math performance.

The presentation laid out targets by subgroup and noted improvements for some categories (for example, students with disabilities showed gains) while economically disadvantaged students and some English learner groups had not shown the desired progress. The school reviewed its diploma‑plus data and said roughly 80–85% of students matriculate to two‑ or four‑year colleges; the remaining 15% generally do not participate in AP or dual‑enrollment coursework and the school is working to expand career readiness options for that cohort.

Shivali and other speakers emphasized Career and Technical Education growth as a priority. The SIP team described additions already made — including a machinist program funded in part by grants — and said continued growth will require capital investments. The speakers cited culinary and digital design programs as examples where equipment and lab space are limiting expansion; the culinary teacher has partnerships with Johnson & Wales and local businesses but currently operates in a kitchen with only five stoves, the principal said.

Committee members asked how funding requests would be introduced to the committee and whether specific capital requests would be packaged through the district's annual CIP (capital improvement plan) review. Shivali said pathway proposals, required equipment, and potential grant funding sources would be documented and presented as part of the CIP process.

The principal also described school‑level program work including advisory restructuring to turn a daily 18‑minute advisory block into a more useful period for academic help or enrichment, and the addition of science proficiency to state accountability metrics with a modest target for growth next year.

The presentation closed with a request to the district to prioritize capital planning that would allow CTE expansion and to continue supporting in‑school tutoring, staffing for programs, and partnerships that can provide college credit or industry credentials.

Shavali (principal) also answered committee questions about process and next steps for presenting specific capital requests to administration and the CIP review team.","North Kingstown High School presented school improvement goals focused on reversing COVID-era declines in math and restoring pre-pandemic proficiency in ELA, and asked the district for capital investment to expand career and technical education (CTE) programs including culinary and machinist pathways.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6595439,"Votes at a glance: North Kingstown School Committee actions, April 16",0,16390000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3032604-723ebd4ed97544238299d4b673edb95e&start=16390&end=16390","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3032604-723ebd4ed97544238299d4b673edb95e/thumbnail_16390000.jpg","/articles/6595439/North-Kingstown/School-Districts/Rhode-Island/Votes-at-a-glance-North-Kingstown-School-Committee-actions-April-16","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6595439-09465b75094feb170ad8cc673501dd44/orig.mp4?Expires=1771198956&Signature=InhN6FOT9HUkLPTVt~xB8CSOpP-Y-xNZeCUTIlGasYsheo-zKUC7bVzf8bEnUCVikiPTH2KhOKneJ~Da8WTnQGrHfAwfVhdbqO0hx4rAOMxd748PB2xTU4OGKunwKLN7Uzo~mJJaMU~~zh7U02hmYdWKAwsnMG-a~Ofch8ofuDwxzP9by3zm~59fawWMJ~4bso~FKhY-ocnUzXrVlUYABeMFgCviapKE3nF-18bSWepESj4djkwjfOz0lZLUe-~ht2nIRBBqDaP4b4FdYllmrz1che9Dr6zjIwnYxWTl06MpfNoOrzJfHkhPFPUwZAnJqWf3YyMiCQ2I6RQlB5OLaA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Here is a roundup of the formal actions recorded during the April 16 North Kingstown School Committee business meeting as captured in the public transcript and agenda materials.

Approved
- Move preschool programs from Fishing Cove to Davisville Academy for the 2025‑26 school year; Positive Pathways elementary services to Fish and Cove. (Motion carried by voice vote; committee requested detailed cost estimates and logistics plan.)
- Post RFQ/RFP documents for architectural and construction manager selection related to capital projects and the middle‑school work, and proceed with schedule to review responses (timelines were included for May review and building advisory committee input).
- Change order and final invoice payment for Hamilton masonry/courtyard rehabilitation (approximately $19,000 additional work noted in the packet); administration to use capital funding as previously authorized by town council.
- Approve the district calendar for 2025‑26 as presented.
- Approve purchase of a bus (vendor approval for a contractor to obtain a new bus for district use) subject to standard paperwork and subsequent bill of sale.

Tabled or deferred
- High‑school senior photography vendor selection (committee tabled approval pending vendor clarification about in‑school senior portrait options and disadvantaged student provisions).

Other motions and approvals
- Motion to issue an RFP/RFQ to explore custodial service options districtwide (administration is to draft and publish an RFP to gather pricing and service models for comparison). The committee voted to pursue an RFP and to return results for review.

Notes on voting
- Several items were resolved by voice vote; the public transcript records vocal 'ayes' and some dissent on certain items, but a roll‑call tally was not recorded in the public transcript for most motions. Where a specific roll call was not recorded, the committee chair called the question and declared the motion carried or tabled.

Administration follow‑ups requested
- Detailed cost breakdowns for any capital reallocation scenarios that arise from RIDE feedback on the middle‑school project, including separate line items for site/field work and net‑zero components; analysis of impact on CIP.
- Detailed cost and logistics plan for the preschool relocation (furniture, minor renovations, nurse/clinic access, and storage/auction plans for surplus materials).","The school committee approved the preschool move to Davisville Academy, accepted several procurement items and contracts, approved the 2025‑26 school calendar and a Hamilton masonry change order, and voted to post RFQ/RFP documents related to the middle‑school project and related services.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6595444,"Student discipline disparities highlighted in public comment at North Kingstown meeting",121,2665000,2786000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3032604-723ebd4ed97544238299d4b673edb95e&start=2665&end=2786","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3032604-723ebd4ed97544238299d4b673edb95e/thumbnail_2665000.jpg","/articles/6595444/North-Kingstown/School-Districts/Rhode-Island/Student-discipline-disparities-highlighted-in-public-comment-at-North-Kingstown-meeting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6595444-345c9a084792b18f3dcb309b2b5d3b25/orig.mp4?Expires=1771198956&Signature=R-YVYevKJtTO1xKCQmIRwmVpFNQFcfCSRzFNxqd-b6ds9211ffgkPNkA3RSv0JiZCyapjEMM1i-BJ~sXdwQOHZ30LL7zAntDcjJuS8G~IKiwsOJ0yuBcjKprjlMbgqC5Gu5o4h~m3kS2L2YpePyZRHJHDQSy5r2~MY565x1HMii~ftakQT6tQQ65rVGVnmGNpoakLm~Xka8nUGJOLePaNsXHki7dzhAhaNgJJmvEuRbKVKdLw-z~3ZDZzjBUFeRDd5O5ATxTQXBZZ5A9SpRo3Lxh0TDjNf3KlyBEwxk7r12mfyLMfzWW5sI8qW2hF3nG5S39EJOIMoKEeqxZsOHlxw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During public comment at the April 16 North Kingstown School Committee meeting, Maya Lima — a BSW student and district out‑of‑school‑time coordinator who reviewed the discipline subcommittee data as part of a practicum — told the committee that the district’s discipline data show consistent disparities across student groups.

Lima summarized the discipline statistics cited in the district’s equity audit: students who are African‑American/Black, Hispanic/Latinx, multiracial, male, differently abled, or eligible for free/reduced lunch have elevated risk for disciplinary referrals. She said middle‑ and high‑school suspension ratios were particularly concerning; for example, the suspension risk ratio for Black students at the secondary level was reported as seven times higher than for other students in the cited year.

Lima argued that broad and inconsistent definitions of infractions — for example how a broadly worded “student assault” label is applied across buildings — contribute to uneven outcomes. She recommended a consistent set of definitions, districtwide training on implicit bias and restorative practices, and adoption of the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework to create consistent language and responses across schools.

Committee members did not respond during the public‑comment period, consistent with committee policy, but the request to renew and act on discipline subcommittee recommendations was noted by multiple community speakers.

The discipline subcommittee's recommendations presented in March include greater use of PBIS, clearer definitions for infractions, and staff training on restorative practices and bias reduction; Lima urged the committee to approve the subcommittee’s recommendations and continue the group’s work.","A social‑work student and district employee told the school committee the discipline subcommittee’s data show Black, Hispanic/Latinx, multiracial, male, differently abled and free‑and‑reduced‑lunch students face higher referral and suspension risk, and recommended PBIS and restorative practices to reduce inequities.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

School department revises Wickford Middle School plans after RIDE feedback; options include compact design, enrollment changes and net‑zero tradeoffs

School committee approves moving preschool from Fishing Cove to Davisville Academy for 2025‑26

North Kingstown High outlines academic recovery plan, seeks capital support for CTE expansion

Votes at a glance: North Kingstown School Committee actions, April 16

Student discipline disparities highlighted in public comment at North Kingstown meeting