Select Board members and residents said Templeton Elementary School is at or near capacity and that continued local housing construction could add more students quickly. The board asked school-district leaders to provide updated enrollment data and to meet with the towns to discuss short-term measures and long-term capacity solutions.

What the board heard: A board member presented school enrollment figures showing approximately 585 students and 101 staff in a building with a stated capacity of 655, leaving little spare room. The presenter noted how the preschool schedule (staggered morning/afternoon sessions) is being used to keep occupied counts lower and said recent residential construction activity (building-permit activity and new homes) means additional students could arrive in the near term.

Why it matters: Board members described safety and operational concerns around occupancy. They noted that if enrollment exceeds building capacity, the town bears responsibility for building safety and evacuation procedures because the school facility is town-owned and leased to the Narragansett Regional School District. Members discussed temporary options (for example, portable classrooms) and recommended immediate coordination with the district and town fire and building officials to verify occupancy, evacuation plans and compliance with safety codes.

Next steps: The board asked for prompt contact with district leaders, updated enrollment and capacity projections, and documentation showing how the district intends to address extra students (temporary housing, scheduling, or longer-term capital projects). One board member noted the towns should be proactive and suggested the municipalities coordinate meetings to press for a plan. No formal action or binding directive was adopted at the meeting.