North Kingstown School District honored with Gift of Art at Rhode Island exhibit

The North Kingstown School Committee convened on May 6, 2025, to discuss various agenda items, including significant updates from the Art Department, routine items, and budget considerations for the upcoming fiscal year.

The meeting commenced with a highlight from the Art Department, announcing that the North Kingstown School District will receive the Gift of Art Award at the nineteenth annual Richard W. and Ronald S. Futo Memorial event. This recognition will take place on May 15, featuring a Mixed Media exhibit showcasing over 250 artworks from K-12 students across Rhode Island. The event will be held at Rhode Island College, and all community members are invited to attend.

Following this announcement, the committee moved into routine items, where it was disclosed that no votes were taken during the executive session. The committee then approved the consent agenda, excluding items D, E, and F, which were discussed separately. Item D involved high school photography services, which received approval after a brief discussion thanking staff for their efforts.

The committee then addressed the training for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), confirming that three high school administrators would attend training funded by a grant. The discussion highlighted the importance of ensuring that all relevant staff receive necessary training, with plans to follow up on additional opportunities for training in the future.

Next, the committee reviewed a grant proposal for the Building Inside Out initiative, which aims to enhance outdoor classroom access at Forest Park. The committee approved the grant, which totals $147,000, with a deadline for expenditure by August 30.

A detailed discussion ensued regarding a bid for a project, where concerns were raised about the lack of documentation provided. The committee decided to table the item for further review, ensuring that all necessary information is available for informed decision-making.

The meeting also included discussions on the fiscal year 2026 budget. The town has approved an appropriation of $63,789,200, which includes an additional $285,000 to cover unexpected healthcare costs. The committee expressed gratitude to town officials for their support in securing this funding.

The administration presented potential budget cuts amounting to $135,000, emphasizing the need to minimize impacts on student services. The committee agreed to defer final decisions on these cuts until the next meeting, allowing for further discussions and input from the budget and finance committee.

In conclusion, the meeting addressed key updates and decisions impacting the North Kingstown School District, with a focus on recognizing student achievements, ensuring staff training, and navigating budgetary challenges. The committee plans to reconvene to finalize budget decisions and continue discussions on ongoing projects.