Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Facilities Playgrounds topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee approves $95,000 in capital funds for Richmond Elementary playground
Summary
The school committee authorized $95,000 in capital funding for playground equipment at Richmond Elementary, to be supplemented by a $25,000 grant and a $15,000 fundraiser contribution; the project has stage‑2 approval from the state school building authority and will follow the state reimbursement process.
The Cherry Hill school committee voted July 15 to allocate $95,000 in district capital funds toward replacement playground equipment at Richmond Elementary School. Administrators said the district holds a state School Building Authority (SBA/RIDE) stage‑2 approval for Richmond and Ashway playground projects and that the district expects SBA reimbursement at the approved rate after work proceeds according to state procedures.
Superintendent Gina presented background and said the district has a $25,000 grant and an additional $15,000 fundraising commitment from the Matty Potts Foundation to supplement the $95,000. She told the committee that RIDE typically reimburses a portion of eligible capital costs and that the stage‑2 approval was granted in June 2024.
Committee members asked about reuse of equipment from Hope Valley Elementary and timeline. District staff said the playground safety adviser will review any equipment proposed for relocation; if equipment is removed, the grandfathered accessibility certification could be lost and reused parts may not meet current safety standards. Two vendors listed on the state MPA (master price agreement) estimated installation could occur in late fall subject to delivery and vendor schedules.
Outcome: Motion to move $95,000 from district capital funds to the Richmond playground project carried; roll call showed broad committee support with one member recorded as not in favor in the meeting notes. Staff said the district will seek SBA reimbursement and return with procurement specifics and timeline.
