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Superintendent highlights CNA program success, AI guidance and incoming cell-phone law
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Salito reported on the district's CNA summer program with Zambarano (eight students completed; one passed the CNA exam), ongoing alignment with state guidance on artificial intelligence and an upcoming Rhode Island law banning cell phones in schools that the district will implement.
At the Sept. 9 Burrillville School Committee meeting Superintendent Dr. Salito updated members on career and technical programs and forthcoming policy changes.
Dr. Salito said the district ran a certified nursing assistant (CNA) training program in coordination with Zambarano during the summer; eight students completed the program and one has passed the CNA licensure exam to become certified. The program was run outside of school hours this year; administrators said the minimum age to participate is 18. The superintendent said the CNA offering complements an expanding biomedical pathway at Burrillville High School that includes EMT certification and other career-readiness components.
"A great opportunity for our students and, for them to really have a foot in the door," Dr. Salito said, describing how unionized CNA positions at Zambarano can provide paid education pathways for students who become employed there.
On policy, Dr. Salito said Rhode Island guidance on artificial intelligence aligns with the district's AI policy adopted last year; legal counsel reviewed the district policy and will meet with administrators to confirm whether any statutory changes require updates. He also said an upcoming Rhode Island general law will "ban cell phones in all schools" and the district will develop protocols to comply when the law takes effect next year. The district will also incorporate new attendance guidance from the Rhode Island Department of Education.
Committee members asked clarifying questions about program scheduling and ages; administrators said the CNA offering ran as a summer program this year because required clinical hours make after-school scheduling difficult, though future iterations could include evenings or weekends.
Superintendent Dr. Salito said the district will continue to update the committee as policies and protocols are finalized.
