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School committee approves $381,500 state arts grant to support Disney Musicals in Schools
Summary
Pawtucket School Committee approved an MOA to accept $381,500 from the RIDE Arts Initiative (Act Two SBA Capital fund) to support Disney Musicals in Schools and other arts needs; purchases must be made by Sept. 30, 2025 and schools should plan for fundraising if they continue past year three.
The Pawtucket School Committee voted to approve a memorandum of agreement to accept $381,500 from the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) Arts Initiative Act Two SBA Capital fund to support district arts programs, including Disney Musicals in Schools.
A district presenter summarized eligible uses for the grant — musical instruments, auditorium upgrades, artists-in-residence, murals, professional development, audio-visual equipment and supplies — and said the grant period requires purchases to occur between Nov. 1 of the current year and Sept. 30, 2025. "RIDE has awarded $381,500 towards our Arts programs," the presenter stated.
Committee members asked whether purchases could fund programs running into the 2025–2026 school year and were told purchases must be made within the grant timeline. Members also clarified that the Disney Musicals program carries a three-year commitment from RIDE; after three years, the district expects schools that wish to continue into year four to fundraise to cover teacher stipends and supplies.
A motion to approve the MOA was made by Miss Duie and seconded by Miss Grant and Mr Chelle. The roll-call vote recorded yes votes from Miss Vanolo, Mr Shalel, Miss Duie, Miss Fernandez, Miss Grant and Mr Shavo.
The committee asked district staff to prepare a baseline estimate of likely teacher stipend needs so schools can better anticipate fundraising requirements if they wish to continue the program beyond RIDE funding.
Next steps: the MOA was approved and staff will return with a stipend cost estimate for future planning.
