During the North Kingstown School Committee meeting on September 9, 2025, a significant discussion emerged regarding the compensation of bus monitors and the need for equitable pay structures within the district. Committee members expressed concerns about the current pay rates, particularly highlighting the disparity between long-term employees and new hires.

One committee member proposed a motion to increase the pay for bus monitors, suggesting a structured pay scale similar to that of other district employees. "We definitely need to increase their rate, but I also feel like we should do it more like we're doing for DSP with, like, steps," they stated, emphasizing the importance of retaining experienced staff by offering competitive wages.

The conversation also included comparisons of pay rates across neighboring districts, revealing that North Kingstown's rates were lagging behind. For instance, while some districts pay up to $23 for similar positions, North Kingstown's proposed increase to $18 was seen as a necessary step but still insufficient in the long term.

The committee acknowledged the challenges of budget constraints, with one member expressing caution about approving a $70,000 increase to the general operating budget without a clear plan for reallocating funds. "I would feel better with a specific line item that this was being taken from," they remarked, indicating a desire for fiscal responsibility amid rising costs.

As the meeting concluded, the committee reached a consensus to support the $18 hourly rate for bus monitors while committing to further discussions on implementing a step pay system in future budget cycles. This decision aims to address immediate compensation concerns while laying the groundwork for a more equitable pay structure moving forward.