[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-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",6573636,"mediaKeyId","3167611-69e746f9ab709513a2237bc7b062ba4b","parentId",3167611,"title","DEI advisory unveils equity vision; CLAC discusses student survey, accessibility audit and compliance steps","audioSeconds",473,"startMs",2605000,"endMs",3078000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3167611-69e746f9ab709513a2237bc7b062ba4b&start=2605&end=3078","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3167611-69e746f9ab709513a2237bc7b062ba4b/thumbnail_2605000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6573636/North-Kingstown/School-Districts/Rhode-Island/DEI-advisory-unveils-equity-vision-CLAC-discusses-student-survey-accessibility-audit-and-compliance-steps","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6573636-d08c1e755c0b10374f0b35c8295e0577/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174970&Signature=Ntj4k1BvGxJ8UlSGuqZv~ZPSRBFp-dj0nO4NhkjB4ssAFMlV8YCUApoY~GjxcboNJU9fdqNblnE6TAHiAVsDctxGjOaY1ZJzouFPoAOssNUAeFmgMTQTcVRcXVfPhvYK4Zv3ll5VHFxBLOcNEMqb9f7EKmk4iAL2IKmSmC4DjlpsuOraV~waCarJTvrkK5JuIger25uKc64WhdioQcScbRUlMONgx2t~0LtmjMO7xVr04w-z7rsqk70SSiyvG8Z0CekTiZjlVVdY0BVNQbK6H0N5PQvrQxbsIfPPjdiHvVyWlI8~xS0AoRWL-Fg8UOxPr2vubDI4wJtSFLAN7ivnhw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","North Kingstown","date","2025-05-01T13:53:23.46Z","article","Mary Lopresti, a parent and member of the DEI advisory committee, presented the committee’s approved equity vision statement to the CLAC and sought feedback on survey and rollout approaches.

“ The emphasis here is, is on all belonging,” Lopresti said as she introduced the statement the committee had drafted and the committee’s plan to roll it out internally to staff before a broader community rollout in the fall. She said two high-school students on the committee are drafting a student survey to gather input on how the district can foster belonging and asked CLAC for suggestions on accessibility and accommodations for students who may not be able to participate in assemblies or standard surveys.

Members discussed practical accessibility features for surveys and assemblies — voice-reader compatibility, increased font size, visual cues and alternative ways for students with communication needs to respond (for example, parent-assisted completion). Several parents and staff suggested focus groups and peer-buddy input in addition to written surveys. Mary Lopresti asked for ideas on questions and said students’ voices could inform future district planning.

The committee also discussed a proposed accessibility audit covering entrances, elevators, accessible parking, bathrooms, playground surfacing and policy language. Lopresti described the audit as a checklist-driven review the DEI advisory committee would like to pilot with facilities staff to identify where compliance meets minimum ADA standards and where improvements could increase day-to-day accessibility and belonging.

Separately, CLAC members reviewed an email from a community member raising questions about compliance with CLAC bylaws and state expectations for parent advisory groups. Speakers said the CLAC should confirm that its membership composition and recordkeeping (attendance/minutes) meet bylaw requirements and suggested short-term steps: obtain the bylaws, document attendance, designate a consistent minute-taker and clarify membership categories so CLAC can meet formal voting and quorum rules.

Impact and next steps: The equity vision statement is approved and will be rolled out to staff; the DEI advisory committee will finalize a student survey (initially for high school) with accessibility accommodations and pilot an accessibility audit with facilities staff. CLAC leaders will review bylaws and identify actions to confirm compliance and improve recordkeeping.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","NKSD SELAC SubCommittee Meeting April 30, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The district’s DEI advisory committee presented an approved equity vision statement to CLAC and outlined plans for a high-school student survey, an accessibility audit of facilities and steps to address CLAC membership and minutes compliance.","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},6573641,"North Kingstown to move preschool wing to DA; district plans RFP for ABA clinic and playground rebuild",323,775000,1098000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3167611-69e746f9ab709513a2237bc7b062ba4b&start=775&end=1098","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3167611-69e746f9ab709513a2237bc7b062ba4b/thumbnail_775000.jpg","/articles/6573641/North-Kingstown/School-Districts/Rhode-Island/North-Kingstown-to-move-preschool-wing-to-DA-district-plans-RFP-for-ABA-clinic-and-playground-rebuild","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6573641-2d0992a4eebe4dc412e628c5330a6cf3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174970&Signature=aa--Ztvvfn6tr1xv-OqjulB6x84Gz2fiErXWbeY1~G3yAxEwRFoTx6wO~CuM~sQaNSy2NuVwy36ZnCDnwkyxixF2U~KuZkUJxK~ttOsSEnaH3ob5IYwtxyHQ~AOe0ntsH0NaKaZ9ZHVdzqkKO1pmLJeGiHikyxbIL9zpJwKkSgfq4~fKZfhNIjPgLfizspNrnh4HZnTZNyQLY9RS7GR3cOqzcFHsLGhzi-fMjmmBeDnzKfq1U7hsW2er2owtPW0pmaQpv3ncFPWk4TqHzQemNPv6gVmRfbk7RpD2QghjPCoEIAM4u7CNQ64-UT9FB4TVwXqYi8kUhJZdZlVZqcuvWQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rachel Sanchez, director of student services, and Jackie De Lorenzo, early childhood supervisor, described a planned preschool move and associated facilities work at a CLAC meeting.

Sanchez said the preschool will relocate to the DA campus in September and that the move was approved by the school committee. “By making that move, not only does it get better space for preschool, they have therapy space,” she said. The change will allow the district to move the elementary program currently at DA (called Positive Pathways K) to Fishing Cove and enlarge Compass K and other program spaces.

Sanchez said the relocation creates an opportunity to issue a request for proposals (RFP) for an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) clinic to be part of the site’s programming and to provide office and conference space for staff. She credited facilities staff for quick responses and said some furniture and file cabinets have already been repurposed for the new space.

On playgrounds, staff reported that a rebuild has been approved and a committee will form to oversee design, ground covering, and accessibility. Sanchez said the playground project will be discussed in open meetings: the school committee will review plans and, because the work is bond-funded and will exceed the town’s small-purchase thresholds, it will likely go to the town council unless the cost is under $20,000.

Staff encouraged families to contribute ideas for accessible playground features — surfacing options, accessible equipment and pathways, and input from occupational and physical therapists — so the playground meets the needs of students with disabilities.

Impact and next steps: Preschool families should expect the move in September; the district will form a playground committee, issue an ABA RFP, and present bond-funded plans at upcoming school committee and town council meetings.","District staff told CLAC the preschool program will relocate to the DA campus this fall, freeing space for elementary programs at Fishing Cove and allowing the district to issue an RFP for an ABA clinic on-site. Officials also said a playground rebuild is planned and will go through public meetings because it is bond-funded.",{"_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},6573646,"North Kingstown outlines Extended School Year plans: July start, locations, service counts",162,1223000,1385000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3167611-69e746f9ab709513a2237bc7b062ba4b&start=1223&end=1385","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3167611-69e746f9ab709513a2237bc7b062ba4b/thumbnail_1223000.jpg","/articles/6573646/North-Kingstown/School-Districts/Rhode-Island/North-Kingstown-outlines-Extended-School-Year-plans-July-start-locations-service-counts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6573646-0fade829b96a422749026447de66c77c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174970&Signature=RIdGg0BOh-uxoTDQo3Nx9kFVK-xFXxNHztc7BOOG0lexnoOk9R9b8QW5eUq40h7DR2tR-l2jKN-UUT0PPzRr382vYO3JP1LDndZecr4Hgrp61Tcm584sw0c2x4RTGRVmBUqm0DNEfDZ2icrak2tBdiyWTYcQvW~O5q-oHphwV1PmJSwTSiopMrxFFGb90d7m8WHjxMblFfKze1aST97yoE7zA~PF8d6opY-1kHm8JwJVrWTX6JMK49OLxpbaeLb8R~i8lafWvzXAGaASiQ6nvW-8xy12431HWi5kHUGxxYbxEvDnE9gH0A-u99mF09oWa14AdOwCQFQo7M9CG~kINw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jackie De Lorenzo, early childhood supervisor at Fishing Cove and ESY coordinator representatives, provided the CLAC with a detailed update on the district’s Extended School Year program and service plans.

De Lorenzo said ESY will begin on July 7 and be held at Hamilton Elementary School for pre-K through grade 8 and at North Kingstown High School for grades 9–12. Student hours will be 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and students attend for four or five weeks depending on placement. “Extended school year is for special education students that are recommended, to come and receive services, over the summer,” she said.

De Lorenzo gave current recommended-student counts: 55 students in grades pre-K through 8 are recommended for academic services, and 29 students in grades 9–12 are recommended for academic services. The program will offer speech and language services, occupational therapy, physical therapy, adapted physical education (APE), vocational services tied to the high-school sales program, and compensatory services when required. De Lorenzo said there are a total of 95 service slots across the program’s offerings.

Scheduling will vary by program; some programs run Monday–Thursday, others run two days per week or split across different weekday pairs. De Lorenzo said transportation logistics are being finalized and that staff hiring for ESY is in progress but not yet fully confirmed.

Questions from parents at the meeting addressed differences between ESY and general summer programs (MTSS/summer school) and whether ESY offers fewer days than some general programs; staff said they will check scheduling and placement questions on a case-by-case basis.

Impact and next steps: Families of recommended students should expect communication about placement and specific schedules; the district is completing staff hires and finalizing transportation and program details.","District staff reported details for the 2025 Extended School Year program: ESY will start July 7, run roughly 4–5 weeks with hours of 8:30–11:30, serve academic and related services, and currently shows 55 pre-K–8 students and 29 high-school students recommended for academic services.",{"_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},6573651,"North Kingstown officials warn federal budget proposals could cut special-education supports",0,4234000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3167611-69e746f9ab709513a2237bc7b062ba4b&start=4234&end=4234","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3167611-69e746f9ab709513a2237bc7b062ba4b/thumbnail_4234000.jpg","/articles/6573651/North-Kingstown/School-Districts/Rhode-Island/North-Kingstown-officials-warn-federal-budget-proposals-could-cut-special-education-supports","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6573651-138085a4d1ea1a28c656885593538408/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174970&Signature=KRPzh1dyn94QrZfiYEGdJRcDl2ebcxkBeELlDWPeBDcwIMP4Z-sMcDJac741VQxvjKFn3pEuXjfdgfXAC051CpmxONZmIblN6PPpaRWzXuTrzfp1sv5LeqUJwnjK68kal6z6fEI8cudst-p9nR2wm3lJNcRIYDn4~1bLekN4Xe6vI-UuSskV7tN31F12U9Ax9m9-COBJDnCkGvfzPLgHjG0iPlP7winMcGTB4y2hJqq4uKpLPQI8GCIBKxG0WtPOR-WC4GxLc9~eMoPkz2bTXMT5ssSc5N7XjFhG~fJLw~ckuSgdlIsPW2~GGvmlzQSE6hJCN1Ut8Qz~x6ita7E6pA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rachel Sanchez, director of student services for North Kingstown Public Schools, told a CLAC meeting that the district has not yet received its federal IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) allotment and that national budget proposals could reduce or reallocate key funding streams.

Sanchez said the federal allotment normally funds positions — special educators, paraprofessionals and behavior-support staff — and that the district expects to receive the allotment information in July. “Just for your sake, right now, it’s mostly positions. It’s almost actually all positions,” Sanchez said. She added that district officials have been advised to “encumber” any leftover funds so they are not lost when the program reopens.

Sanchez described a wider set of federal actions on the table that could affect the district’s ability to deliver services. “They’re intending to move the department over to the human health services, which is concerning,” she said, and said one option being discussed at the federal level would require $880 million to be shifted from other departments, potentially through cuts to Medicaid. She also said the 2026 budget proposals include a possible cut to Head Start.

Sanchez urged families and advocates to use resources on the Council for Exceptional Children advocacy website and to contact members of Congress with personal stories. She said she had already received a response from Senator Jack Reed indicating he would not support cuts to Medicaid as proposed. “I got a response already back from Jack Reed saying he’s not supporting the cutting Medicaid and what their plan is,” she said.

Sanchez and other meeting participants said the district is preparing for uncertainty but cannot yet show final spending plans because the allotment has not been announced. She said the district’s IDEA allotment is typically used to staff positions and that a sudden reduction could create a deficit if positions and step increases are not covered. “You have to be careful. You have to give a little buffer because positions go up every year as give up steps,” she said.

District officials recommended that parents and community members contact their federal representatives and share stories describing the impact of possible cuts. Sanchez also noted organized advocacy available through the Council for Exceptional Children and encouraged local participation in that outreach.

Impact and next steps: The district expects the federal allotment details in July; until then, officials said they will track updates from advocacy groups and relay guidance to families and the CLAC.","District Director of Student Services Rachel Sanchez told the North Kingstown CLAC meeting that the district has not yet received its IDEA allotment and that federal budget proposals being discussed could force large shifts from Medicaid and cuts to Head Start, potentially affecting services and staffing paid for with federal funds.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

DEI advisory unveils equity vision; CLAC discusses student survey, accessibility audit and compliance steps

North Kingstown to move preschool wing to DA; district plans RFP for ABA clinic and playground rebuild

North Kingstown outlines Extended School Year plans: July start, locations, service counts

North Kingstown officials warn federal budget proposals could cut special-education supports