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South Kingstown school committee votes to return Wakefield Elementary building to town amid resident pleas
Summary
After multiple residents urged preserving Wakefield Elementary for community use, the South Kingstown School Committee voted to relinquish care, custody and control of the Wakefield Elementary School building to the town, saying state law requires the transfer and that town officials should decide future use.
South Kingstown — Residents urged the school committee to delay transferring Wakefield Elementary to town control and explore options that would preserve the site for parks or future school use, but the committee voted to relinquish the building to the town.
At the committee’s public-comment period, Britney Appuso told members the Wakefield site is “historic” and used regularly by families for playgrounds and events, and she asked the committee to pause the transfer while the district evaluates long-term needs as new housing developments come online. Marissa Salisbury and another commenter warned that once the property moves to the town, it could be sold to private developers and public-access parking used for events would be lost.
Superintendent Mr. Pedraza told the committee the district’s hands are limited by state law: when a school closes, the municipal building returns to town control under Rhode Island law. He said educational materials of substance have been removed and, given current enrollment trends and capacity across other elementary schools, the district does not project reopening Wakefield as an active school. The superintendent recommended authorizing formal transfer so the town can manage next steps, including community engagement.
Committee members acknowledged residents’ concerns and urged the public to bring preferences to the town council, which will have authority over disposal or reuse. The chair and other members said they expect the town to consider preserving the playground area and noted plans to coordinate on items such as a time capsule.
The committee then voted to approve a motion to relinquish care, custody and control of Wakefield Elementary to the town. The motion passed by voice vote.
The next procedural step is at the municipal level: the town council will determine how the property is repurposed or appropriated. The school committee’s action transfers legal responsibility; it does not itself set the site’s future use.
