Middletown School Committee approves cell‑phone rules, $2.9M in special revenues and new transportation contract

MIDDLETOWN — The Middletown School Committee on April 24 approved a package of policy, budget and contract actions, voting to adopt handbook language implementing a district cell‑phone rule, authorize the superintendent to allocate $2,925,453 in anticipated fiscal‑year 2026 special revenues, and award the district’s transportation contract to Ocean State Transit.

The committee approved the handbook revision — described in meeting materials as the first and final reading of changes that reflect the district’s cell‑phone policy — after several members said the wording leaves room for teacher and administrator discretion. The committee acknowledged a three‑page letter from a high‑school student, Riley Sexton, arguing the policy hinders communication; administrators told the committee they based the handbook changes on recent medical literature, national trends and federal public‑health guidance, and on local implementation concerns. The motion passed without recorded opposition.

Committee members also approved the second and final reading of the district’s homeless policy and a first and final reading of a food‑services account policy update meant to address unpaid meal balances and internal accounting practices. Other personnel and operational items approved included job descriptions for an instructional coach/mentor position and a short‑term supervisory aid at the high school, intended to provide additional supervision and support during spring activities and rollout of the new phone policy.

On the budget front, the committee authorized the superintendent to allocate up to $2,925,453 in FY‑26 special revenues the administration is anticipating. The memo presented a line‑item forecast for the anticipated revenue: $98,871 in state grants for professional development and supplies; $1,649,530 in state and federal direct grants (largely salaries and benefits); $87,400 from the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA); $351,652 in private contributions; a $300,000 town capital allocation for technology; $430,000 in enterprise food revenue; and an $8,000 enterprise fund reserve for food services. Members raised procedural concerns about authorizing “anticipated” funds before receipts are confirmed; the motion passed by voice vote.

Transportation drew extended discussion. The committee accepted the district’s recommendation to award a three‑year contract (with optional one‑year extensions) to Ocean State Transit after a formal bidding process. Administration reported the bids came in approximately $300,000 over the budgeted amount; the cost model presented includes per‑bus rates tied to fleet size and usage. The administration noted a sample figure of roughly $430 per day per large yellow bus in current pricing for the contract period; members discussed strategies for route efficiencies and cautioned that changes to mileage rules must consider safety and the absence of sidewalks in some neighborhoods. The committee approved the award to Ocean State Transit.

Votes at a glance (all recorded as approved unless otherwise noted): - Consent agenda (approved as amended: consent agenda approved minus minutes; minutes later approved with an amendment regarding a missing second) — outcome: approved. - Homeless policy (second and final reading) — outcome: approved. - School handbook changes to reflect cell‑phone policy (first and final reading) — outcome: approved. - Name for the elementary school (recommendation to name the former high‑school building "Valley Elementary School") — outcome: approved; recommended to appropriate town bodies as needed. - Instructional coach/mentor job description — outcome: approved. - Supervisory aid job description (short‑term through end of school year) — outcome: approved. - Food services account policy (first and final reading) — outcome: approved. - Authorization to allocate $2,925,453 in FY‑26 special revenue funds (anticipated receipts) — outcome: approved. - Transportation bid: accept bid submitted by Ocean State Transit (three‑year contract with options) — outcome: approved. - Adjournment (motion to adjourn at 6:44 p.m.) — outcome: approved.

Administrative and operational items reported but not voted on included retirements and resignations announced by the superintendent, enrollment figures (1,868 students reported), facilities and technology updates, and a building‑committee update on the new school construction timeline and upcoming bid recommendations. The committee also heard a short presentation recognizing military‑connected students and the district’s multilingual family outreach work; the committee packet notes a recent visit by the state commissioner of education to highlight those efforts.

The committee meeting lasted roughly 74 minutes and ended at 6:44 p.m. Several members asked administration to pursue transportation efficiencies and to provide more detail when authorizing anticipated funds in future budget cycles.