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Narragansett School Committee approves capital purchases, CTE equipment and three staff contracts
Summary
The Narragansett School Committee unanimously approved a package of capital and equipment purchases — including buses, a generator, gym dividers, a track resurfacing and start‑up equipment for a new Marine Professions CTE program funded by a RIDE innovation grant — and renewed contracts for three district directors.
The Narragansett School Committee on a unanimous 5‑0 vote approved a series of capital purchases, contracts and start‑up equipment on its May meeting agenda, including items to launch a Marine Professions career‑technical education (CTE) program and replacements for aging transportation and facilities equipment.
The board approved two 77‑passenger school buses from DeVivo Bus Sales at a combined cost reported in the meeting as $276,712.84 and authorized purchase of two used student‑transport vehicles for up to $80,000. Staff told members long vendor lead times and heavy mileage on existing vehicles (one van reported at about 200,000 miles) drove the decision to buy used units in the near term. "A new vehicle is eight months to a year to build," a district staff member said, adding that used units have provided reliable service in past purchases.
Committee members also approved an equipment purchase and site work to support the Marine Professions CTE program, which Dr. Cummings said was approved by the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE). The board authorized $15,436.12 for refrigeration and food‑processing equipment for the marine lab, a $63,595 contract to install a new, structurally reinforced garage door at the Pier School to allow boat and equipment access, and a $38,955 ductless heat‑pump system for the Marine Professions lab. Dr. Cummings said these purchases are funded by a RIDE innovation grant and will not come from the district’s regular capital budget.
Facility and safety upgrades approved included a replacement generator at Narragansett High School (equipment cost reported as $78,211.20; staff said installation and manufacturer testing will follow and estimated a 16‑week lead time), a $77,040 contract for gym curtain dividers at all three schools, and a $236,798 resurfacing and drainage project for the high school running track that will add rip‑rap and a six‑inch gravel base to manage runoff.
Classroom and instructional purchases approved included whiteboards for elementary "thinking classrooms" for $28,829.76 and flexible furnishings for CTE classrooms for $27,838.80. Members said the whiteboards and furniture support collaborative, small‑group instructional strategies.
The committee also approved three personnel contract renewals: the Director of Finance Administration (2026–28 contract), an updated 2026–29 contract for the Director of Technology, and a 2026–28 contract for the Director of Curriculum. Members publicly thanked each director for long service and contributions to the district.
All listed motions carried on unanimous 5‑0 votes. The chair noted that many of the larger purchases were budgeted in the capital plan or covered by the RIDE grant; staff repeatedly emphasized that buying and maintaining in‑house transportation and facilities assets was more cost effective than outsourcing.
The board concluded the meeting after confirming graduation logistics and adjourning at 7:45 p.m.
