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Westerly committee adopts amended Title IX policy, authorizes OPM contract and accepts Ocean House donation
Summary
The committee amended and adopted an updated Title IX grievance policy, approved Downs Construction as OPM to prepare a stage‑2 capital‑plan submittal to RIDE, and accepted a $36,039 fitness‑equipment donation from the Ocean House. Votes carried on each item.
At its Nov. 6 meeting the Westerly School Committee approved three administrative items: an amended Title IX grievance policy, an owner's project manager (OPM) engagement for a stage‑2 capital plan, and acceptance of a $36,039 donation of fitness equipment from the Ocean House.
Title IX grievance policy: A member moved to amend the draft Title IX and grievance policy (20‑50‑41‑46) to simplify definitions by replacing an expanded definition of discrimination with the phrase “unlawful discrimination on the basis of …” The solicitor advised the change keeps the policy in compliance with applicable regulations and would not impact fair application of the policy. The committee voted to adopt the policy as amended.
Capital plan OPM and RFP: Cindy Kerchoff explained the district’s prior five‑year MOA with RIDE had expired and outlined the stage‑2 requirements (detailed cost estimates and A/E proposals). The committee approved Downs Construction as the OPM for the stage‑2 submittal and authorized going to RFP for stage‑2 work; members noted RIDE reimbursement minimums (35%) and that reimbursement to town capital or school capital will follow the source of the project.
Donation acceptance: The committee approved acceptance of fitness equipment donated by the Ocean House valued at $36,039 in accordance with district policy.
Next steps: Downs will support the stage‑2 submittal and, after RFP responses are tabulated, the committee will consider bid recommendations. The Title IX policy is adopted as amended and will be implemented according to existing procedures. The donation was accepted and will be processed through policy provisions.
Quotes: "We can keep it simple and stay in compliance," a member said in support of simplifying the Title IX definitions; the solicitor added that the amendment "does not result in the policy being noncompliant with the required changes to the law."
