School committee approves summer capital work and multiple contract awards including HVAC, carpeting and elevator services

The South Kingstown School Committee approved multiple contract awards and purchases proposed for summer work, citing budget authority in the district capital plan and the state master price agreement for some projects.

Committee members approved the supplemental transportation award under RFP 2461 (used for athletic trips where full-size buses are not always appropriate). They approved piggybacking on the town-wide elevator services bid (town bid SK0022FAC) to provide elevator inspection, maintenance and repair across school buildings and accepted state master price agreement (MPA) contract awards for three summer projects: replacement/repair of chain-link fence at Piestell Elementary, replacement of carpeting at Broad Rock Middle School, and replacement of HVAC units at Broad Rock Middle School (the Broad Rock HVAC units were described as original to the building and at end of life).

Facilities staff said these projects are budgeted in the district capital plan; the superintendent noted the FY26 budget includes a capital commitment of approximately $1.595 million. Committee members asked whether work done now will qualify for state reimbursement at the district’s typical 35% rate or at a higher (50%) reimbursement rate; staff said they would confirm reimbursement eligibility and return with details at the July 15 meeting.

District staff explained use of the state master price agreement (MPA) and that recommended contractors are on the MPA roster. For Broad Rock carpeting and HVAC, staff said the installations address safety issues (peeling carpet that is a tripping hazard) and aging heating systems that required repeated service during the previous winter.

Motions for the awards were made and passed on voice votes with “aye” responses; the committee recorded no roll-call tallies in the minutes excerpt on the record presented at the meeting.