School committee OKs impact-fee use, science-lab and auditorium purchases, tobacco policy first reading and SkillsUSA trip; multiple motions pass unanimously

The Coventry School Committee on May 8 approved a series of routine motions by unanimous vote and discussed preparations for switching district facilities from septic to sewer connections.

Key votes and motions (all recorded as approved 7–0 unless noted):

- Executive session and seal: The committee recessed into executive session at about 6:04 p.m. to consider student matters under R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-46-5 (homeschool requests) and to approve executive session minutes; both executive-session votes were reported as passing unanimously. The committee then voted to keep the executive-session records closed pursuant to sections 42-46-4 and 42-46-5.

- Approval of minutes: The committee approved minutes from the April 24, 2025 meeting (motion and second on the record; vote 7–0).

- Impact fees for sewer hookup: The committee approved use of district impact fees to purchase materials needed to comply with West Warwick wastewater-treatment requirements as the district transitions from septic to a municipal sewer. Administration said the town and school are collaborating with West Warwick staff and that routine sampling and monitoring will occur once the district connects. The administration estimated the impact-fee fund balance at roughly $78,000 prior to the vote. Motion carried 7–0.

- Purchase order, Coventry High School science labs: Committee members approved an updated invoice to repair CHS science labs, including work to restore fume hoods that the fire marshal flagged as not functioning properly. The update will allow the labs to be used for experiments that require proper ventilation. Motion carried 7–0.

- Purchase order, CHS auditorium: The committee approved a purchase order to fund an inspection of auditorium rigging so the district can confirm the rigging meets current load requirements; the inspection was described as a necessary step before replacing or upgrading stage lighting. The cost shown in the presentation for the inspection was $5,000. Motion carried 7–0.

- Section 504 policy (IHBA) — first reading: The committee approved a first-reading update to the district's Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act) policy to correct a phone number. The update was described as an administrative correction to ensure accurate contact information. Motion carried 7–0.

- Social media policy: The committee agreed, without formal objection, to return the draft social-media policy to the policy subcommittee for minor language edits; no formal vote was recorded beyond postponement.

- Tobacco-free schools policy — first reading: The committee approved a first reading of a revised tobacco-free schools policy clarifying that the prohibition covers students, staff, visitors and anyone on district property, and clarifying consequences for staff consistent with state law; student consequences remain part of student handbooks. Motion carried 7–0.

- SkillsUSA field trip: The committee authorized a school-sponsored, out-of-state SkillsUSA trip that will send four Coventry students to Atlanta, Georgia, after the school year ends. Motion carried 7–0.

- Superintendent and accreditation items: Superintendent Coward briefed the committee on a NEASC accreditation letter that listed several commendations and identified priority areas (teaching and learning, student support services, community engagement). He also reported that Coventry High School was invited to an AP Day recognition at the State House and updated the committee on the town's municipal budget process, which the superintendent said was continued to the next town council meeting and may be voted on there.

- Meeting scheduling and adjournment: The committee scheduled its next meeting for May 22, 2025 at Black Rock Elementary School and adjourned at 6:53 p.m. Motion to adjourn carried 7–0.

Where motions did not record a named mover or seconder in the transcript, the public record shows unanimous passage and the committee's recorded tally. The committee asked administration to continue coordinating with town officials and West Warwick wastewater staff on pre-connection compliance measures and testing standards.