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Chariho school committee approves grants, RFQ for Stage 2 architect, energy upgrades and meal price increases
Summary
The committee approved three grants (including a CSIP grant for the alternative learning academy), authorized an RFQ for a Stage 2 elementary architect, accepted Rhode Island Energy proposals for lighting and EMS upgrades, approved a $0.50–$0.75 average increase in student meal prices and signed off on multiple curriculum and field‑trip items.
The Chariho Regional School Committee approved a slate of district business items that the superintendent and staff recommended, including grants, capital planning steps, energy projects and cafeteria price adjustments.
Among the grants the committee approved were the Comprehensive School Improvement Program (CSIP) allocation for the Chariho Alternative Learning Academy (CALA) and two other items listed in the meeting packet. Superintendent Gina Picard and CALA staff described how the academy’s redesign and experiential programs—internships, aquaponics, project‑based learning and on‑site clinical services—are being supported by the CSIP grant and by district per‑program allocations.
The committee also authorized a request for qualifications (RFQ) to hire an architect to support the district’s Stage 2 elementary school capital planning submission to the Rhode Island School Building Authority. Members emphasized the state timeline; staff noted Stage 2 submissions must meet the state’s deadline for bond/approval cycles and that the district will pursue options for renovations versus new construction.
Energy and facilities actions included approval of a Rhode Island Energy fixture‑replacement agreement and an energy management systems (EMS) upgrade. District technology and facilities staff said the existing EMS controls are at end‑of‑life and that the proposed program reduces operating cost and cyber‑security risks tied to legacy controllers.
Nutrition services: The committee approved modest increases to student meal prices for 2025–26: elementary breakfast to $1.50 (from $1.25) and elementary lunch to $3.00 (from $2.50); middle school/high school lunches increase to $3.50 with breakfast adjusted as noted. District staff said the increases are intended to avoid a projected operating deficit in food service and that, with the changes, the program projects a positive cash position rather than a deficit.
Curriculum approvals and travel: The board approved the business curriculum and the school counseling curriculum (the counseling approval carried over one dissenter). The committee also approved a field trip for the Future Business Leaders of America national competition in Anaheim.
Votes and next steps: Most items passed unanimously; the school counseling curriculum received one opposing vote from a member who raised questions about social‑emotional learning scope and parental role. The RFQ for architects moves the district into the next phase of elementary planning; staff said they expect the architects to begin work over the summer to meet state deadlines.
Ending: District officials said they will continue to brief the committee on Stage 2 planning, the EMS upgrade installation plan, and the food service budget outcomes in coming meetings.
