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Committee approves transportation contract extension, arts, cybersecurity and other grants
Summary
Members approved a one-year extension of the Ocean State transportation contract, accepted a $106,663 arts education grant, approved a state cybersecurity grant application and accepted a $10,000 redesign grant for CALA; approvals were unanimous and administration described contract and grant terms.
The Chariho School Committee approved multiple contracts and grant awards during the meeting in a series of mostly unanimous votes.
Transportation contract: The committee voted to extend the Ocean State transportation contract through fiscal year 2026, a one-year option the administration recommended. Finance discussion described the extension terms as a modest increase (roughly $10 per bus per year, or about 2.3—2.55%) compared with significantly larger increases many districts reported. Administration described Ocean State as a long-term partner and recommended the extension.
Arts education grant: The committee accepted a Rhode Island School Building Authority arts allocation of $106,663 to support arts education across district schools, with proposals including replacement kilns, lighting upgrades and other capital/initiative items. Presenters said the grant is intended to enhance existing programs rather than replace local arts programs.
Cybersecurity grant: Administration recommended applying for a state cyber grant (upwards of $30,000) to support required security measures such as multi-factor authentication, firewalls and training (including phishing-simulation training). Members asked whether student devices would be covered; administration said the award could be used broadly for district-wide compliance needs and likely training.
CALA redesign grant: The committee approved a $10,000 Education Northwest grant supported by the Annie E. Casey Foundation to support redesign work at the CALA alternative program.
All items were moved, seconded and approved; members asked administrators to share details of itemized uses of grant dollars and to monitor any budgeting or operational impacts.
