Committee approves substitute pay changes, two new personnel policies and accepts student club fundraiser

The South Kingstown School Committee approved several personnel and policy items, and accepted a student club fundraiser request during its meeting.

Substitute rates: The committee approved proposed substitute rates for the 2025–26 school year. District staff said substitute teachers who serve in a single position for 20 consecutive days will receive an increased rate retroactively after day 20; the committee was told staff will notify the committee via the personnel report when extended assignments are known. When asked whether the district is regionally competitive, staff said the rates are regionally competitive.

Policies: The committee approved Policy 5142, “Administration of Medical Marijuana,” which the superintendent said is required by state law. The committee also approved a new professional-conduct policy for interactions with students (referred to in the meeting as Policy 5 1 5 and later as Policy 5155 in the vote language). Committee members said the policy offers guidance and protects both staff and students; the policy subcommittee and legal reviewed the draft, and a bargaining-unit member served on the subcommittee.

Student club fundraiser and investigation findings: The committee accepted a fundraiser proposal from the South Kingstown High School Interact Club (a Rotary International-affiliated club) after the club submitted required paperwork. The committee also accepted the final results of an internal investigation as presented by the superintendent; committee minutes show a motion and a second and the motion passed.

All motions on these items passed on voice votes with “aye” responses per the meeting record.