The Tiverton School Committee convened on December 2, 2024, to address several key agenda items, including updates on student assessments, grant acceptance, capital project funding, and budget considerations.

The meeting began with a discussion on the impact of artificial intelligence on student writing assessments. It was noted that the scoring now relies heavily on AI, with only 10% of assessments being reviewed by humans. This shift has raised concerns about the accuracy of scores and the reluctance to release certain test questions. Committee members emphasized that standardized tests do not fully capture the quality of education provided by the schools, highlighting the importance of maintaining optimism despite fluctuations in assessment results.

Next, the committee reviewed a grant from the ACT Foundation, which awarded $3,500 for new uniforms for the middle school basketball teams. The grant was accepted unanimously, with clarification that it would cover both boys' and girls' teams despite the initial wording suggesting otherwise.

The meeting then moved to a capital update, where Dr. Cinquioni presented a proposal to utilize savings from a recent bid for interior locks, which came in significantly lower than expected. The committee discussed three proposed projects: the removal of a deteriorating chimney at the high school, the replacement of 12 additional exterior doors, and an upgrade to the auditorium's sound system. The total cost for these projects was estimated at $248,152, with a recommendation to return $81,848 to the town. After some discussion, the committee decided to approve the projects while holding off on returning the funds until further evaluation.

Following the capital projects discussion, Mr. Andrade presented a proposal for new electric and gas supply rates. He recommended a 24-month contract for electricity, projected to save approximately $65,000 over two years, and a 12-month contract for gas due to current market volatility. The committee expressed appreciation for his proactive approach in seeking better rates before the current contract expires.

Lastly, Mr. Andrade provided an update on the FY '25 budget, reporting that expenditures were on track with the approved budget. He highlighted that personnel services accounted for the majority of the budget, with careful monitoring of special education accounts and transportation costs. The committee praised the clarity of the budget presentation, which included visual aids to enhance understanding.

In conclusion, the meeting addressed significant topics affecting the Tiverton school district, with a focus on improving student assessments, securing funding for essential projects, and maintaining fiscal responsibility in budgeting. The committee's decisions reflect a commitment to enhancing educational resources and infrastructure while ensuring transparency and accountability in financial matters.