School committee tables Davisville Academy pre‑K move pending special-education and capacity data

The school committee on March 18 tabled a district proposal to move pre‑K classrooms to Davisville Academy (DA) so administrators can supply more detailed information about special-education programming, capacity and wait-list figures for typical-transfer placements.

District staff explained the rationale for the potential move: administrators said moving preschool programming to DA could free space in several elementary schools that district staff say is needed to add specialized kindergarten and other special-education placements. Special-education staff noted current elementary classrooms lack sufficient enclosed space for some interventions and described multiple program “buckets” they must accommodate next year.

Rachel (last name not provided), a district special-education staffer, told the committee “there really aren't any spaces for me to add anything” within current elementary layouts, and said relocating preschoolers would create the needed room to open additional kindergarten-level services such as Positive Pathways K and Compass K. Several committee members said they need a written special-education continuum and updated registration/wait-list data before approving a move that affects multiple schools.

Committee members voted to table the item and asked administration to provide a written continuum of special-education placements, the registration/wait-list figures for preschool and typical-transfer requests, and to schedule school tours for members so committee members can review the DA facility in session before a final vote.

Why it matters: The proposal could change where preschoolers attend, and it affects how the district uses limited classroom space for specialized programs. The committee asked for additional data to ensure decisions will not unintentionally displace or disadvantage children.