The superintendent told the school committee the district faces an estimated $4,254,542 shortfall in the FY2026–27 preliminary budget under level‑funding assumptions, citing state aid declines (high‑cost special education reimbursements) and rising transportation, benefits and contract costs. The committee discussed options including a town CIP ask, limited use of fund balance, and a local appropriation request.
Project presenters told the school committee the high school is on schedule and about $2,000,000 below its guaranteed maximum price. Separately, the committee reviewed plans to demolish Curtis Corner Middle School and rebuild athletic fields with a recommended synthetic turf field and an 8‑lane sandwich‑system track.
The committee approved routine and substantive items: sealing executive session minutes, consent agenda, moving item 6d, accepting the superintendent's report, tabling item 6a, approving the Rhode Island student survey, approving the Augusta Hazard scholarship draft, and adjourning the meeting.
The committee reviewed a five‑year capital improvement plan prioritizing HVAC replacement, roofing and other 'warm, safe and dry' projects and asked staff to model a restricted/revolving capital fund that would capture RIDE reimbursements to accelerate future work.
Committee member Kate Masanati said foundations are finishing and the project team will present a final guaranteed maximum price in early January; the committee praised the project team's safety practices and community engagement.
At a Dec. meeting the South Kingstown School Committee reviewed FY27 budget priorities, noting enrollment of 2,175 and a 3.9% staffing reduction that outpaced a 1.8% enrollment decline; members asked staff to align enrollment baselines and prepare fiscal scenarios for the town joint meeting.
South Kingstown superintendent presented the NESDAC enrollment report, saying projected declines have moderated and noting the district currently has 42 more students than last year’s projection; trustees cautioned against making staffing cuts based solely on projections.
The South Kingstown School Committee approved the consent agenda and several action items: release of 300 Columbia Street to the town, approval of the SKHS girls hockey field trip, graduation yard-sign fundraiser, and a revised Fundraising Policy (Policy 2110) on second reading; the committee also adopted the 2026 committee calendar.
The superintendent told the School Committee that NESDAC projections have recently undercounted students (42 fewer forecast than actual this year), urged caution in basing personnel and budget decisions on the model alone, and said he will make full enrollment data available to the public.
New facilities director Liam Lynch reviewed recent CapEx progress, said the district is targeting the statutory 3% maintenance-of-effort but flagged incomplete projects (Broad Rock roof section, gym floor issues) and potential housing aid reimbursement delays tied to substantial completion.
