[{"_1":2,"_97":-5,"_98":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_25":26},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5},"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","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_27":28,"_29":30},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[31,74,85],{"_32":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":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6480521,"mediaKeyId","5681109-31ef65d93609f85e61d277c4b06d0ca7","parentId",5681109,"title","Votes at a glance: Portsmouth School Committee (Aug. 26) — unanimous approvals on contracts, minutes and budget housekeeping","audioSeconds",1226,"startMs",2150000,"endMs",3376000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5681109-31ef65d93609f85e61d277c4b06d0ca7&start=2150&end=3376","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5681109-31ef65d93609f85e61d277c4b06d0ca7/thumbnail_2150000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6480521/Portsmouth/School-Districts/Rhode-Island/Votes-at-a-glance-Portsmouth-School-Committee-Aug-26-unanimous-approvals-on-contracts-minutes-and-budget-housekeeping","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6480521-cf7f41e1aa197880bde27aa410d7d49e/orig.mp4?Expires=1769931052&Signature=IbYKxlSm9QRMOCjTpzN4mC4WRYB7muWpA05k5BJllgwJRQ~SItJywOE6tcJx7kaF0tIYAopyEYwhNtZMuDzf7vFixIWzarLu7YS0mYHwvqcVDTs45fIcDb7SYEDbjTRHUk383ddh4wp57bCyvyp2B0OuXd9gNHDqcNUqJkVaMmplaiqQWJEpGHBgxOUJXRcl46DMtRnUJEzWES8gaU6FVG7u7wHjvhzzCXgJ7GpZSxG~8ldwSzpALElJ5zoA0Zp0zxRf4Wnrba0cSbJdQ4mzM44cULAYbN26OyNaTMGArMGSA4HduSIpu-yHYs4Xaul3aIT9po9zIMvnSE531VUSBg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Portsmouth RI Live Stream","date","2025-08-27T12:06:03Z","article","The Portsmouth School Committee recorded unanimous votes (5–0) on several agenda items during its Aug. 26 meeting. Key actions and outcomes:

- Seal executive session minutes: Motion to seal the executive session minutes of Aug. 26 — approved unanimously, 5–0.

- Approval of minutes and consent agenda: The committee approved minutes for July 1 and July 17 (regular and executive session minutes) and the consent agenda — all by voice vote, unanimous 5–0.

- Contract award: Final contract award to Studio Jade for Stage 1–2 educational facility planning and architectural/engineering services, $229,000 — approved unanimously, 5–0.

- Stage 1 application support: Committee recorded unanimous support (5–0) for submitting the necessity of school construction Stage 1 application (planned submission Sept. 15 via state portal).

- Council 94 contract: The committee approved a three‑year contract with Council 94 following negotiations and a membership ratification — unanimous, 5–0.

- Budget transfers over $5,000: The committee approved two fiscal year 2025 transfers over $5,000 as part of year‑end housekeeping — unanimous, 5–0.

Procedural notes: Several of these items (including the Council 94 contract) were discussed in executive session prior to the public meeting. The committee did not record roll‑call vote names in the public transcript; meeting minutes should be consulted for the official roll call if required for records.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","School Committee Meeting: 8.26.25","oneSentenceSummary","At its Aug. 26 meeting the Portsmouth School Committee recorded unanimous 5–0 votes on sealing executive session minutes, approval of minutes and consent agenda, Studio Jade contract award, support for Stage 1 submission, Council 94 contract, and budget transfers over $5,000.","taxTitle","Portsmouth, School Districts, Rhode Island","taxId",72703,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_32":75,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":76,"_40":77,"_42":78,"_44":78,"_46":79,"_48":80,"_50":81,"_52":82,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":83,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":84,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6480525,"New Portsmouth superintendent outlines priorities, staffing changes and cell‑phone policy rollout",0,1650000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5681109-31ef65d93609f85e61d277c4b06d0ca7&start=1650&end=1650","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5681109-31ef65d93609f85e61d277c4b06d0ca7/thumbnail_1650000.jpg","/articles/6480525/Portsmouth/School-Districts/Rhode-Island/New-Portsmouth-superintendent-outlines-priorities-staffing-changes-and-cellphone-policy-rollout","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6480525-738c751812b41214b576d21221e147eb/orig.mp4?Expires=1769931052&Signature=Zy5ExUL9FOuwKL-1ZrVCon~YsPEzsa7z2Vkj4B8~MbffwqjgmRwZt5-EKvkxjy9ajSgHguoS6VzFf-LaQLP4fEKfPrWamgbXxzCip567GX33WOkA1gSFvW0eZooXfRXqfUzZhzomFsdAk0AHoVUJKoQ-6I-q2F-Hw8QzKPiVJA00T1NDzkjBoU-nVubQ7TWbuISzDsMHIq99KRurTqwRzmrGB2kyR9xCWht8wc-7oIBtkO9ntNI9EDZbMCos3pJy2oXqcoifF5lgiXB3K-ZoZ4kFP7wCPbIUuOm-ywqQL0eRuQ9ZUBUKXJfnXChM6uKHYMlhOYGeKr~fCA72rbhviw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Superintendent Dr. Viveres used her first official school‑committee update Tuesday to detail staffing moves, early administrative changes and near‑term priorities as Portsmouth begins a new school year.

Dr. Viveres said her official start was Aug. 12 and described a rapid onboarding that included staffing reviews, grant oversight and capital project checks. “I hosted a community meet and greet last Friday... we had about 25 families that attended,” she said, adding that she will send a monthly superintendent memo to families.

Personnel changes announced included a long list of new hires across the district (examples cited by the superintendent included Christine Brown, district school psychologist; Tayla Costa, district speech pathologist; and multiple high‑school and elementary classroom hires) and a list of summer resignations (for example, Jasmine Palumbo, school psychologist at the middle school; Elizabeth Raducah, pre‑K teacher). The superintendent said all high‑school head coaching positions were filled in the spring but that openings remain for the middle‑school boys and girls head soccer coach and three assistant coach positions.

To maintain continuity while the district searches for a permanent deputy superintendent, Dr. Viveres described a provisional reallocation of deputy superintendent duties across existing staff. She named specific assignments: Dr. Jeff Heath will act in the superintendent’s stead when she is out of district and attend state meetings; Dr. Jay Masterson will oversee truancy and support school safety; Charity Shea will manage federal grants; Jody Neves and Danielle Laurie will oversee curriculum; Lisa Little will coordinate MLL services and student teaching placements; Paige Crowe and Claire will lead DoDEA grant work; Kim McGuire will serve as homeless liaison and oversee professional development approvals and educator evaluations; Heather Coopchandani will assist with student registration; and Mr. Rose will oversee district assessments.

On policy, the superintendent said the district will begin full implementation this year of its cell‑phone policy at the high school, with uniform phone holders purchased for classrooms to limit device use during instructional time. She referenced forthcoming state law that will take effect Aug. 1, 2026 requiring a more restrictive prohibition on physical access to personal electronic devices; the district said it will continue policy committee work to align local rules with that law.

Dr. Viveres also reported construction and facilities updates: the high‑school roof replacement is about 95 percent complete and interior repairs continue after exterior work; the Hathaway on‑site wastewater treatment project and playground addition are complete; and the middle‑school bathroom renovation was nearly finished, with fifth‑ and sixth‑grade bathrooms expected to be open by Sept. 5 and seventh‑ and eighth‑grade bathrooms requiring a few additional days.

Ending note: Dr. Viveres framed the early weeks as a time to build communication routines and to align district leaders and teachers on priorities. “This model represents a more distributive approach to leadership,” she told the committee as she outlined the reorganized responsibilities.","Superintendent Dr. Viveres gave her first district update, listed new hires and resignations, announced provisional reallocation of deputy responsibilities and confirmed a full implementation year for the district cell‑phone policy as school year begins.",{"_32":86,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":87,"_40":88,"_42":89,"_44":90,"_46":91,"_48":92,"_50":93,"_52":94,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":95,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":96,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6480529,"Portsmouth awards $229,000 design contract and backs Stage 1 school construction submission to state",547,2174000,2721000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5681109-31ef65d93609f85e61d277c4b06d0ca7&start=2174&end=2721","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5681109-31ef65d93609f85e61d277c4b06d0ca7/thumbnail_2174000.jpg","/articles/6480529/Portsmouth/School-Districts/Rhode-Island/Portsmouth-awards-229000-design-contract-and-backs-Stage-1-school-construction-submission-to-state","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6480529-86d2ff7797c4b7cf4c8ff71d347deac9/orig.mp4?Expires=1769931052&Signature=JHndVZapPPQjQD0cMZhWD8XcYXDBhDHEY--Jg3e3SQryBO~7zGsBFG5yIK9wOQSYrgHSAZ9tyeGJm2FgcMa1P9hFLsFqwChIiUjtC3GEZiYOVOnVD246Tux1TqrSAFz5mY87YRHaki1x63MIXFXD3PL6fvi5qIzGU2PiNF2NWHqFSIGyJtx35VuSesgNN4kz0CtLuGnoNGHPwGBfp9MwxR9-He0YqXeaGYMVnK~MXEx3h094qIV9bBL67ZE9qSkHD0X1kj7SEpwHwWfbFBbNmdsckEwcW3tpRiGm-iHKwJ2-veWwaSXWpmGIf1TgS~1ew9191FVgGcWs0owwcC~Trg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Portsmouth School Committee voted unanimously Tuesday to finalize a contract with Studio Jade for educational facility planning and architectural and engineering services and to support submitting a Stage 1 “necessity of school construction” application to the state.

The committee approved a final contract with Studio Jade “in the amount of $229,000,” a fee the district said covers Stage 1 work through a Stage 2 submission in February 2026. Superintendent Dr. Viveres and consultant Phil Conte said the Stage 1 packet will be filed with the state education agency on Sept. 15.

The Stage 1 application is the entry point for state reimbursement eligibility, consultant Phil Conte explained to the committee. “Stage 1 is the entry point for establishing eligibility for state reimbursement,” Conte said, and he described the district’s remaining tasks: compiling a facilities and programmatic needs analysis, demographics, and documentation of the project funding plan.

Conte outlined a timeline: the school building committee recommended the submission Aug. 20; the superintendent and district staff will present the plan to the town council Sept. 8; and the district plans to submit the Stage 1 file via the state’s portal on Sept. 15. Conte told the committee the design team will follow with public engagement and more detailed work through October–November ahead of a February 2026 Stage 2 submission.

Committee members and consultants emphasized the need to align project scope with the town’s funding lane. “Are we in a $10,000,000 lane? Are we in a $30,000,000 lane?” Conte asked, saying the district must settle on a funding range so the Stage 2 prioritization and project lists are realistic.

Separately, the committee approved the negotiated Studio Jade fee for Stage 1 and Stage 2 work, saying a later renegotiation will be needed once the five‑year capital plan’s scope is known. The committee voted 5–0 on both the contract award and the committee motion expressing support for the Stage 1 submission.

The district plans community outreach around the Stage 2 process, including display boards at back‑to‑school events and a survey for families, followed by more in‑depth engagement after the Stage 1 filing. Conte said the engagement will reuse methods used in the district’s last Stage 2 process and that the team will present high‑level strategies to the school building committee in October.

The committee’s action means Portsmouth will enter the state review process this fall. The consultants and district staff repeatedly described the state process as prescriptive and said missing the Sept. 15 submission would push the district to the spring cycle, delaying the timeline.

Votes at the meeting were unanimous on the Studio Jade contract and on supporting the Stage 1 filing. Committee members did not attach conditions to the approvals; they said additional approvals and negotiations will be sought for later contract phases and for Stage 2 work.

The committee also discussed the district’s facility condition assessment and noted the district had solicited a demographer to provide enrollment forecasts for the next five to ten years to support project planning.

Ending note: consultants said Stage 2 will produce a memorandum of agreement with the state that formally establishes reimbursement levels for specific projects; the district’s current base reimbursement level was discussed as roughly 35 percent, and consultants warned the district must include realistic projects that the town can commit to completing.","The Portsmouth School Committee unanimously approved a $229,000 contract with Studio Jade for stage 1–2 educational facility planning and voted to support a stage 1 submission to the state school construction authority, with a Sept. 15 filing date and a February 2026 target for stage 2.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Portsmouth School Committee (Aug. 26) — unanimous approvals on contracts, minutes and budget housekeeping

New Portsmouth superintendent outlines priorities, staffing changes and cell‑phone policy rollout

Portsmouth awards $229,000 design contract and backs Stage 1 school construction submission to state