Chariho committee declines to fund move of Hope Valley playground; approves small fund transfer

The Chariho Regional School Committee on Aug. 19 voted not to authorize district funds to move playground equipment from Hope Valley Elementary, after trustees and members raised concerns about cost and the uncertainty that removed equipment could be reinstalled.

The committee discussed a contractor estimate cited in staff materials that would cost roughly $34,700 to remove and reinstall playground structures, but staff warned the installer "cannot guarantee when it's pulled out of the ground that it will go back in." Several members said spending portable funds to move equipment that may become unusable was not prudent.

A motion to approve funding to move the equipment was made for the purpose of opening discussion; when asked, the committee reported no votes in favor and unanimous opposition, and the motion failed.

Separately, the committee approved a fund-balance transfer described in the meeting as $27,200 to cover a related move/purchase service; board members and staff discussed a later billing update but confirmed the transfer as the current bill before the committee and approved it unanimously. The superintendent told trustees the preschool moves tied to Hope Valley had been completed and that the Richmond playground purchase and installation work were moving ahead with grant and district funds.

Committee members asked staff to double-check the memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the town of Hopkinton that governs removal and ownership of playground equipment; staff said the MOA requires that any equipment the district wants be removed by a deadline and that swing chains be rendered inoperable unless the district relocates pieces.

The decision means the existing Hope Valley equipment will remain in place unless the district is later required to remove it under the MOA with Hopkinton or chooses to pay to relocate it. Staff said if the district is required to remove equipment later, additional vote(s) will be needed.

Committee members also discussed community-raised funds for a new Richmond playground and said Richmond’s project has been selected and funding in place; staff said a purchase order was expected and fall installation is the goal.

Ending: The committee’s vote preserved current equipment at Hope Valley for now and authorized a discrete fund transfer to cover move-related charges that staff characterized as the district’s current bill. Members asked staff to confirm MOA details and to report back if removal becomes necessary.