The North Kingstown School Committee convened on October 7, 2025, to address several key issues regarding transportation for students attending various schools in the district. The meeting primarily focused on the recent transition to depot stops for student transportation and the implications of outsourcing these services to Statewide Transportation.

The discussion began with a clarification of the transportation arrangements for the 12 schools that North Kingstown students attend, known as the PCCT schools. It was confirmed that all schools had depot stops in the morning, with eight also having afternoon stops. The decision to convert the remaining four schools to depot stops was made in April, and the transportation services were subsequently outsourced to Statewide Transportation.

Committee members expressed concerns about the communication of these changes to families, particularly regarding the process for requesting accommodations. It was noted that families must reach out directly to Statewide for any special requests, which raised questions about the district's role in facilitating these communications.

Legal obligations were also discussed, with the committee confirming that their responsibility is to provide transportation either through their own resources or by contract, which they have chosen to do with Statewide. The committee emphasized that any appeals regarding transportation issues must be directed to Statewide, as the school committee is no longer involved in the operational decisions once a contract is in place.

A parent, Mr. Dresser, voiced his dissatisfaction with the transportation changes, stating that he felt the district had not adequately advocated for families during the transition. He expressed frustration over the lack of information provided to him and other parents regarding the new transportation procedures and the appeal process.

The committee deliberated on the effectiveness of the current transportation system and the need for better communication with families. While some members sympathized with Mr. Dresser's concerns, they ultimately concluded that the appeal process should be followed through Statewide, as the district's hands were tied by the existing contract.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the complexities of the transportation system in North Kingstown, the challenges faced by families during the transition to depot stops, and the importance of clear communication between the school district and parents. The committee plans to continue monitoring the situation and will revisit the transportation contract annually to assess its effectiveness and address any ongoing concerns.