South Kingstown school leaders, community respond to equity audit; committee advances multiple budget and personnel actions

School administrators on Wednesday presented a high-level response to an equity audit conducted for the South Kingstown School District, describing the report as a detailed gap analysis that calls for long-term, systemwide changes to better serve students in historically underserved subgroups.

Superintendent Michael Pedraza summarized the audit and the steps the district took to provide data and stakeholder input to consultants West Wind Education Policy and partner Edmetric. He said the audit used disaggregated state academic data, survey results, interviews and focus groups to identify strengths and areas for growth, then mapped recommendations across instructional and system domains.

The audit, Pedraza said, finds important district assets — including “relative academic achievement on state assessments” and strong relationships between staff and students — while also highlighting persistent gaps among subgroups including students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, students with disabilities and English learners. "Leaving this report on a shelf is not an option," he said, urging a sustained, collaborative approach that pairs professional learning with strategic prioritization.

Why it matters

School leaders and community members told the committee the audit is a call to action with implications for staffing, professional development and district priorities. The consultants’ recommendations — which include sustained professional learning time, better data protocols and alignment of curriculum and supports — are intended to shape the district’s forthcoming strategic plan and future budget priorities.

What administrators said

Pedraza and leaders from the offices of teaching and learning and student services described the audit’s process and early impressions. Mr. Seager (Office of Teaching and Learning) emphasized the need to sustain high expectations and to expand…