[{"_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",6506603,"mediaKeyId","5604045-527f6a116efb1ec45343200b2766e126","parentId",5604045,"title","Committee debates Bureau Veritas dataset and next steps for elementary capital planning","audioSeconds",617,"startMs",3813000,"endMs",4430000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5604045-527f6a116efb1ec45343200b2766e126&start=3813&end=4430","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5604045-527f6a116efb1ec45343200b2766e126/thumbnail_3813000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6506603/Rhode-Island/Committee-debates-Bureau-Veritas-dataset-and-next-steps-for-elementary-capital-planning","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6506603-ff8581ca6a225c84818804195ddea550/orig.mp4?Expires=1770945481&Signature=fJ8-4sdPVAWKa~Blj9mkjg-5NQH9ILCoUtXlsoUxDs2AJEmHiVZ-REgMU-EK8sm62SMH-YOYTzPpsaofTlgPwbTZdkVJvtb9wt-O7ev599SyCZsWA8QaCMzkjaBdKGDn8htv8SHQPQSbxmc9Qt5~9D2WE1mI8TaBh1Y29DzOpDxzNpSfcVu-SQHjuNcCQcnOuJRM6QPb9xkrLQC8kpyOSyo1Asy1USk4y0GTckQtzHBTqWlzviPHxgXuSTI0Vr4r7--Mv~uC3SLB2c2Xu~~AvjcSN2NM1-H1fydKSgbt2vxUSVti2S8kracZYowDrZn~~XTC-WMeiUaZELnoxBgEWQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Chariho","date","2025-08-20T12:53:36Z","article","The Chariho School Committee on Aug. 19 spent an extended portion of its meeting discussing a dataset from Bureau Veritas that staff described as preliminary and not a draft report, and trustees debated how and when the district should review it in relation to the upcoming stage-2 elementary capital planning work.

Committee member Diane (last name not specified in transcript) said staff had received a preliminary dataset and that she had a copy; she asked why committee members had not been told. Administration and counsel replied that the file received was a dataset provided to the district for review and not an internal draft report ready for public or committee distribution. The superintendent and staff said Bureau Veritas and the district had asked for a meeting to review the dataset together and that RIDE project planners told district staff the preliminary dataset was incomplete, missing buildings and detail, and should not be treated as a finished report.

Trustees and staff said the Bureau Veritas output is a high-level, 10,000-foot view intended for the state’s needs in prioritizing capital funding, whereas the district’s chosen owner’s project manager and architect — Colliers and SLAM, respectively — will provide the more detailed, building-level analysis needed for stage-2 capital planning. Several trustees said SLAM and Colliers’ on-the-ground assessments are the authoritative basis for the district’s stage-2 application and for detailed project budgeting.

Members expressed frustration that the dataset’s receipt and status had not been consistently communicated; administration said it had not presented the dataset to the committee because it was not yet explainable and staff had requested a meeting with Bureau Veritas and RIDE project planners to understand the dataset before sharing it. Staff said Bureau Veritas indicated a preliminary draft report would not be available until the fall.

Ending: Trustees directed staff to meet with Bureau Veritas and RIDE, to treat the dataset as preliminary, and to prioritize the detailed stage-2 work with Colliers and SLAM; several members asked for clearer, earlier communication about incoming materials.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","2025-08-19 School Committee Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Trustees debated a preliminary dataset from Bureau Veritas and its relevance to the district’s elementary capital planning; staff said the document was not a draft report and urged waiting for stage-2 architect findings from SLAM and Colliers, which trustees selected at an earlier meeting.","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},6506607,"Resident challenges Chariho Title IX and transgender guidance; district officials say claims are inaccurate",5075,1253000,6328000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5604045-527f6a116efb1ec45343200b2766e126&start=1253&end=6328","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5604045-527f6a116efb1ec45343200b2766e126/thumbnail_1253000.jpg","/articles/6506607/Rhode-Island/Resident-challenges-Chariho-Title-IX-and-transgender-guidance-district-officials-say-claims-are-inaccurate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6506607-08bfec270b42a9aa8997beea5c2b1277/orig.mp4?Expires=1770945481&Signature=VsucvapGmGNEijt0Ios-ny-0CBHMXX9JhqsPTx88igl8lJmvison2VqKHTGHo9O4fZyojTRSAFqMpntUEdj4xFJaPbcdUrDbLkad5k4wjclKalJAskM~oKRIZxM-SHBwSHC-t1ojxC~0iAWK4MKxl7XTLxTVaQmjTWByFHl4VkRCN13XZ-zC5ailIz8ALftXGYeXZhSZ-P1mX0ctnotiPzupa75zfM1-q06j1jIlI2Diajlw0i51Hd336L0xXJkF8IOZ-og4KZWhIS0qP8yZ-ywzmi52Fng2GbSMAteS6sVHrYaWBfB~priD4000WJYKY3kLYb69URu86HEV7Ok2~A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the Aug. 19 Chariho Regional School Committee meeting, a Westerly resident urged the committee to rescind transgender guidance and change the district Title IX policy, asserting recent federal rulings required the district to revert to earlier 1970s-era interpretations.

The speaker, Robert Caradillo, told trustees that the district’s Title IX policy and transgender guidance violate federal law and should be stricken. He told the committee the district was \"in the crosshairs of the U.S. Department of Justice\" and urged trustees to bring policy into compliance immediately.

Trustees and district counsel responded in public session. Counsel told the committee that several factual claims in the speaker’s remarks were incorrect, including characterizations about recent federal rulemaking and the district’s prior interactions with RIDE. Counsel said the Chariho policy had previously been reviewed at the state level and that assertions made by the speaker were \"simply not true.\" The chair and trustees said they would consider whether to refer Title IX policy or the transgender guidance to the policy subcommittee for review; a trustee asked for a legal review vote if the committee wishes counsel to provide an opinion.

Ending: District counsel and the superintendent advised trustees to request a formal legal opinion or place the item on the policy subcommittee agenda if they want a formal, written review. Trustees did not adopt emergency policy changes at the meeting.

","A member of the public told the Chariho committee the district's Title IX policy and transgender guidance violate federal law; district counsel and administration disputed those claims and suggested a policy review through the policy subcommittee if trustees request legal review.",{"_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},6506612,"Residents press for teacher-contract transparency; committee adds member to negotiations subcommittee",2829,966000,3795000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5604045-527f6a116efb1ec45343200b2766e126&start=966&end=3795","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5604045-527f6a116efb1ec45343200b2766e126/thumbnail_966000.jpg","/articles/6506612/Rhode-Island/Residents-press-for-teacher-contract-transparency-committee-adds-member-to-negotiations-subcommittee","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6506612-078c11362739269e95406729b41f870b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770945481&Signature=bnzPZvtUD10jOpf7RE7j8Xl4w-qitZ-Ntv0~~iTE3o0nqzegPo8QBlg2DwTl~gY~K4Clk2uvQwDC32nVTd-UzJN3QoulShrnZz05J1cDuPM7xdkadA9WfQTgRrphJM-MRzMg2MROe908NcCFVBoO8TImuRvVovw0p6nNHhbTFzkQMFa0E4QwWO2htdIXjEPS8jW2GNV9C47hScP1Np-hq3kKlLRbg~s2zZDGoAsVBbWKciZM1wrTkwmUZigqjKad76isZ4i6MtUPpX1kEwIpSmhwndZ3GthrnzT7SxqQE-ydHXozpV5v7Koh4q0a6lJhYsGGJRm2Zm2XlZUQCxWANA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Residents and trustees pressed for information on certified staff contract negotiations at the Chariho Regional School Committee meeting Aug. 19, and the committee voted to expand its NEA-certified negotiations subcommittee.

Retired educator Mary Mason asked whether the committee would provide a public update about negotiations with the certified staff union ahead of the collective-bargaining agreement’s Aug. 31 expiration. Mason asked for dates of negotiation sessions and whether arbitration or mediation had been considered. The superintendent said, citing legal advice and confidentiality around negotiations, that staff would respond through a public-records route to ensure information released complies with legal guidance.

Later in the meeting the committee considered adding Laura Chapman to the NEA-certified negotiation subcommittee. Some trustees urged tabling the membership change so Chapman could speak in person; others said Chapman had expressed interest and had relevant expertise. The motion to add Chapman passed. Meeting minutes record members who voted in favor (Polly, Louise, Pat, Larry and Diane), opposed (Linda, Jess, Craig and Karen) and one abstention (Tyler). Trustees noted a member added to the subcommittee would be able to attend meetings but would not vote on negotiations if not formally seated for a particular session.

Ending: The superintendent told the committee she will provide publicly releasable information requested through the district’s public-records process; the committee directed that certified-bargaining updates be provided in executive session at the next meeting as requested by a trustee.

","Public speakers asked for clarity on teacher contract talks ahead of an Aug. 31 expiration. Trustees voted to add Laura Chapman to the certified negotiations subcommittee despite some members urging tabling until Chapman could speak in person.",{"_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},6506617,"Chariho committee approves annual report and multiple grants; members press for sustainability details",333,1655000,1988000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5604045-527f6a116efb1ec45343200b2766e126&start=1655&end=1988","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5604045-527f6a116efb1ec45343200b2766e126/thumbnail_1655000.jpg","/articles/6506617/Rhode-Island/Chariho-committee-approves-annual-report-and-multiple-grants-members-press-for-sustainability-details","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6506617-d3d4ad36302c74c6e6bd3656a4505c30/orig.mp4?Expires=1770945481&Signature=OgMaaYb9OAIlgyBygrUN4sI3z5CLhJQ3gO3ER6DdU-oSAoj-1zBHALb6SILS5CEX-5ZkIN~dFpIxEW~ZjK7W~6~FuMjU01ADCdP4Tkp0~b8IHokf~XXcrMWU4VRdk4qXAbUbng8QEwDDO-mhzks~ReawRUBAcmW4UPgiezCBaMzqL6ylotVUQ6WsdJK8K8efgoR1xc~eqZTZC167HQ28PfLs5wRcohEhPo1b8zPfG~ropaKXE-YfbMbqG3EjITHxz3jBEciQGInymBalSwz122RIq2~iHhJ0rpUsvdjn3lgzV9ogWxDRM~mVR1aC156lIvVtied~8qZlNp1MEB3BiQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Chariho Regional School Committee on Aug. 19 approved the district’s 2024–25 annual report and authorized a block of grant acceptances, including an application to the Henry P. Kendall Foundation for $53,150 to support a local-foods initiative.

Superintendent Bacardi presented the annual report, which trustees said showcased student achievements, career and technical education gains and facilities work tied to the district’s Vision 2026. The committee approved the report unanimously.

The committee took grants as a block but pulled one application for separate consideration: the Henry P. Kendall Foundation New England Food Vision Prize application. Staff said the Kendall application would fund tastings, recipe development and pilot purchases to incorporate local nutrient-dense foods in K–12 school meals over a two-year period. Chartwells, the district food service provider, is a partner, staff said.

Committee members asked whether the district would be expected to continue funding purchases after prize funds expire. Staff and Chartwells representatives said the grant would broaden the district’s ability to try new items and conduct tastings during the award period; Chartwells already budgets for meals and staff said the district would not be expected to put $53,150 per year into the operating budget once the prize ends. The district said sustainability planning is part of grant reporting and that staff would use existing meal funds to incorporate recipes that prove acceptable to students.

One committee member noted the four grants discussed together total $130,943.50; the superintendent said the governor’s workforce-related grant amount was not yet specified in materials. The committee approved the grants unanimously after discussion.

Ending: Trustees praised the annual report’s detail and representation of district accomplishments and asked staff to include clearer calls-to-action in future editions to guide community volunteer engagement.

","The Chariho Regional School Committee unanimously approved the district annual report and a block of grants, including a Henry P. Kendall Foundation application for $53,150 that drew questions about sustaining food-initiative costs after the grant period.",{"_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},6506622,"Chariho committee declines to fund move of Hope Valley playground; approves small fund transfer",414,2189000,2603000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5604045-527f6a116efb1ec45343200b2766e126&start=2189&end=2603","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5604045-527f6a116efb1ec45343200b2766e126/thumbnail_2189000.jpg","/articles/6506622/Rhode-Island/Chariho-committee-declines-to-fund-move-of-Hope-Valley-playground-approves-small-fund-transfer","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6506622-74c2908dd3c6a92a882055bbf470b488/orig.mp4?Expires=1770945481&Signature=n97-yLhMwJsLwKuWqyoUUJgP5OJRwYwdfEbfyccDGOrbhRFjupLWvj8e5mM~NH0MkDI5PAwOb9lcN77zYvoOFj1G0Rk3olMnTeL6zYdd4gQ6lpI-SVzbLk-eCYpCcNeYEH5H4d0gW4XXLm8LtbjQShxs20VM74hSTWz7iCbg8ND6dR3XlkYRfZDgExlgwxuI11YoP0pOFwVvHbBGqC~xXRKOvBhgaH3YXvF~zTdF2kS~3~x51olP1aPoC3LFQQ7KAo0XLDI5NS01geqJalx9RDbYI72FDh3gJjXzDftIXc67zpSutgoZzPIopBkxuaZtbe8YNluJOzQylqVzqVfH3A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Chariho Regional School Committee on Aug. 19 voted not to authorize district funds to move playground equipment from Hope Valley Elementary, after trustees and members raised concerns about cost and the uncertainty that removed equipment could be reinstalled.

The committee discussed a contractor estimate cited in staff materials that would cost roughly $34,700 to remove and reinstall playground structures, but staff warned the installer \"cannot guarantee when it's pulled out of the ground that it will go back in.\" Several members said spending portable funds to move equipment that may become unusable was not prudent.

A motion to approve funding to move the equipment was made for the purpose of opening discussion; when asked, the committee reported no votes in favor and unanimous opposition, and the motion failed.

Separately, the committee approved a fund-balance transfer described in the meeting as $27,200 to cover a related move/purchase service; board members and staff discussed a later billing update but confirmed the transfer as the current bill before the committee and approved it unanimously. The superintendent told trustees the preschool moves tied to Hope Valley had been completed and that the Richmond playground purchase and installation work were moving ahead with grant and district funds.

Committee members asked staff to double-check the memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the town of Hopkinton that governs removal and ownership of playground equipment; staff said the MOA requires that any equipment the district wants be removed by a deadline and that swing chains be rendered inoperable unless the district relocates pieces.

The decision means the existing Hope Valley equipment will remain in place unless the district is later required to remove it under the MOA with Hopkinton or chooses to pay to relocate it. Staff said if the district is required to remove equipment later, additional vote(s) will be needed.

Committee members also discussed community-raised funds for a new Richmond playground and said Richmond’s project has been selected and funding in place; staff said a purchase order was expected and fall installation is the goal.

Ending: The committee’s vote preserved current equipment at Hope Valley for now and authorized a discrete fund transfer to cover move-related charges that staff characterized as the district’s current bill. Members asked staff to confirm MOA details and to report back if removal becomes necessary.

","The Chariho Regional School Committee voted against paying to move playground equipment from Hope Valley Elementary after trustees and members questioned costs and reuse likelihood. The committee approved a separate fund-balance transfer covering other move-related costs.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee debates Bureau Veritas dataset and next steps for elementary capital planning

Resident challenges Chariho Title IX and transgender guidance; district officials say claims are inaccurate

Residents press for teacher-contract transparency; committee adds member to negotiations subcommittee

Chariho committee approves annual report and multiple grants; members press for sustainability details

Chariho committee declines to fund move of Hope Valley playground; approves small fund transfer