Narragansett middle and elementary budgets: new curriculum, preschool capacity and a playground capital request

Middle-school presenters described curriculum adjustments and targeted supports intended to improve outcomes while managing modest staffing changes.

At the Pier School, administrators said Illustrative Math will continue supplemented by KDUm digital materials, OpenSciEd kits will be adopted for science (state-approved options remain limited), and a writing elective plus grade-level math labs for grades 6— will prioritize students with intervention needs while allowing extension opportunities for advanced learners. "We're going to prioritize students that may have an intervention plan," a middle-school leader said, adding math coaches will support the new labs.

Elementary leaders reported a preschool roster of 72 for next year (52 returning, 20 new registered) and explained the district typically reserves ~10 seats for early-intervention referrals. The elementary principal said the current budget plan anticipates six preschool classes but the district can add a seventh using a staffing reserve if late enrollment warrants it; statutory teacher-notification deadlines (March 1) affect those staffing decisions.

The elementary principal also requested $25,000 from the committee toward a larger playground replacement project estimated at $82,000 for option one and $106,000 for option two. PTO fundraising and community contributions have raised approximately $59,500 to date, and the school described possible two-stage construction to allow repairs and later enhancements. Committee members asked administration (Steve, Pete and Karen) to examine capital budgets and return recommendations at the next workshop.

Officials emphasized that some capital repairs are safety-focused while other items are enhancements best funded through staged fundraising; the committee agreed to review capital priorities with the facilities director and business manager.