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Town manager outlines school bond progress and a $148,000 increase in state education aid
Summary
Town Manager Ralph Malas updated the council on school building design development, the building committee’s recommendations and a projected $148,000 increase in state education aid for North Kingstown; he also gave timelines for public‑safety projects and noted PFAS detection at Station 1.
Town Manager Ralph Malas delivered an extensive managers’ report detailing school bond work, project timelines and other capital plans. He said the building committee approved Stage 3 design-development for the new Wickford Middle School and recommended an appointment to the asset management commission. Malas cautioned that a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) was expected around Aug. 4 with an anticipated council approval on Aug. 18, creating a tight schedule for town review.
On budget items, Malas said preliminary FY27 figures from the state indicate North Kingstown could receive about $148,000 more in education aid than the town budgeted. "If you don't take any action, then the school department will receive $148,000 more than they budgeted," he explained; staff offered to research whether the council could adjust the town’s contribution and report back. Malas also noted an environmental finding: a site analysis at the current Station 1 detected PFAS above acceptable limits in groundwater and that RIDEM had been notified; staff said they will update the council as investigations continue.
Malas provided additional operational and community updates including expected timelines for the public-safety complex (site work mid‑September; substantial completion February 2028; move‑in April 2028), municipal building renovations, beach‑parking permit information and a town World Cup promotion schedule.
