Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Procurement And Governance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Smithfield School Committee approves multiple RFPs, rescinds DACO bus extension and admits Johnston to regional consortium
Summary
On March 19 the Smithfield School Committee voted to issue RFPs for an elevator replacement at Gallagher Middle School (estimated $150,000), boiler cleaning, school‑quality services and transportation; it rescinded a DACO bus contract extension and approved Johnston Public Schools’ admission to the Northwest Schools Consortium (short‑term tuition impact ~$36,000).
The Smithfield School Committee voted March 19 to approve a package of procurement moves and governance actions, including RFPs for elevator repairs at Gallagher Middle School, boiler cleaning services, school-quality services and transportation with the Northwest Schools Consortium. The committee also rescinded a previously approved DACO bus contract extension and voted to accept Johnston Public Schools into the consortium.
Facilities Director Cuchi told the committee the Gallagher Middle School elevator is currently nonfunctional and estimated replacement and cab work “to be at least $150,000,” with a target schedule that could capture about 35% external investment and complete by 2026. The committee voted to advertise an RFP for architecture/services to address the elevator work.
Other procurement approvals included RFPs for boiler cleaning across the district and a triennial RFP for school-quality services; staff noted updated language to allow selective contractor engagement and possible town partnership for vehicle support. The committee also approved an RFP for transportation services with the Northwest Schools Consortium to permit the town to complete its competitive process.
On transportation contracting, the committee voted to rescind a prior DACO bus contract extension previously approved at an earlier meeting; members recorded a motion, second and voice vote to rescind that extension.
The committee also approved governance items: second reading and adoption of the CHCA handbook policy, adoption of a new subcommittee policy (BGBA) to create a two‑member policy subcommittee plus the superintendent as a nonvoting member, and appointments of Jeff and Richard to that subcommittee.
On regional collaboration, staff presented a memo about Johnston Public Schools joining the Northwest Schools Consortium. The superintendent said the district currently anticipates seven new Johnston students next fall and estimated short‑term tuition revenue outflow of about $36,000; committee members approved Johnston’s admission by motion and voice vote.
Votes at a glance: • Motion to convene executive session (legal/contract matters): approved. • Consent agenda (minutes and bills): approved. • RFP: Gallagher Middle School elevator repairs — approved (Facilities Director estimate: ~$150,000). • RFP: Boiler cleaning services — approved. • RFP: School-quality services (triennial) — approved. • Rescind DACO bus contract extension — approved. • RFP: Transportation services with NW Consortium — approved. • CHCA handbook policy (second reading) — approved. • Subcommittee policy BGBA — approved; Jeff and Richard appointed. • Accept Johnston Public Schools into Northwest Schools Consortium — approved (estimated short-term tuition impact: ~$36,000).
Next steps: staff will post the approved RFPs, move the appropriate items to the town for its procurement steps, and implement the new policy subcommittee membership.
