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Chariho committee OKs $95,000 in capital dollars for Richmond Elementary playground
Summary
The committee approved using $95,000 in capital funds for a new playground at Richmond Elementary; the project qualified for a Stage 2 approval from the state school building authority and the district expects a 61% reimbursement on up to $95,000.
The Chariho Regional School Committee voted on July 15 to move $95,000 of district capital dollars to fund replacement playground equipment at Richmond Elementary School.
Superintendent Gina Picard said the equipment project already has Stage 2 approval from the Rhode Island School Building Authority (SBA). Because the district’s elementary capital-improvement plan has not been updated in several years, Picard asked the committee to approve the $95,000 transfer so the district can proceed with procurement and use the SBA reimbursement process. “When they gave us our Stage 2, they voted in June 24,” Picard said of the state review, noting the district expects a reimbursement.
Picard and staff told the committee the district expects the SBA to reimburse 61% of eligible costs on the $95,000 project. Picard also reported the project will include a $25,000 private grant and an additional $15,000 raised by the Matty Potts Foundation to supplement the capital allocation.
Committee members asked about reuse of equipment from Hope Valley and timelines. Staff said any parts that the district would move must be reviewed and approved by a playground-safety adviser; equipment that is removed can lose prior accessibility “grandfathering” if it is reinstalled and thereby might fail contemporary safety or accessibility requirements. Two vendors on the state MPA list said late fall delivery might be possible; staff cautioned that an open RFP often yields higher prices than ordering from the municipal pre-approved list.
The motion to approve the capital transfer passed with one abstention recorded.
What comes next: staff will finalize configuration with the school principal, complete procurement with MPA-listed vendors where feasible, and coordinate the SBA reimbursement paperwork for the up-to-61% reimbursement of up to $95,000.
