Lee Cusumano

The meeting agenda includes discussions on policy updates concerning homeschooling and out-of-school field trips. General business items involve the approval of various grants from the US Tennis Association, ACT Foundation, and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. Additionally, the committee will review an extension for a landscaping contract, discuss the FY27 health insurance renewal, approve a contract for strategic plan development, address school calendar revisions, review the use of personal electronic devices in schools, and receive updates on capital requests and the deficit reduction plan.

The meeting agenda for the Tiverton School Committee includes several key discussion points. Under the Consent Agenda, the committee is set to consider the approval of minutes from previous meetings in January and February 2026, as well as January enrollment figures and a home school request. The Chairperson will observe a Moment of Silence/Reflection for recent violence. The Superintendent will provide an update on resignations, appointments, and recognitions. General Business items involve consideration and possible votes on the FY27 Health Benefit Advisors Proposal, the approval of a new 'Active Minds' club at Tiverton High School, THS Program of Studies approval, School Improvement Team Updates, a discussion on Specialized High School Programs, discussion and a possible vote on Congressionally Directed Spending Opportunity, the Building Committee's Recommendation for Capital Request, the Monthly Financial Report for January, and discussion/possible votes regarding FY27 Proposed School Budget Adjustments, covering topics like contracted services, HVAC maintenance, Chromebook reductions, and enrollment adjustments.

The agenda includes a superintendent update with recognition of Maria Clarey, TMS Science Teacher, for a grant award, Girls on the Run for their 5th-grade 5K completion at URI, Rhode Island Junior All State Audition Results, Tiverton VFW Patriots Pen Essay Contest Winners, and TMS 6th graders for participating in the Freedom Trail Tour. It also includes Tiverton High School Girls Soccer Championship Recognition, a vote to approve a new club at THS "Dungeons and Dragons", a review of November Enrollment, a vote to accept music chairs and a LEGO Grant, High School State Assessment Results, approval of the 2026 School Committee Calendar, a first read of policy #735 "Open Forum Policy" and policy # 373 "Athletic and Student Activity Funds Management Policy, monthly financial reports, and FY27 Budget Planning.

The presentation discussed the dissolution of a program, ensuring comparable programs for students with IEPs in their home districts, aiming for fewer transitions and curriculum consistency. It emphasized creating a 'home' school culture and utilizing the MTSS model. The discussion covered potential specialized program classes and services for 2023-2024, including pre-school, elementary, middle school, and high school programs, as well as shared transition programming. Staffing considerations involved absorbing current employees into their respective districts under their district's contract, with no job losses. The financial impact statement indicated potential savings for Tiverton, with an emphasis on prioritizing exceptional educational programs over cost savings. The timeline included a presentation, school committee deliberation, hiring a director/assistant, program development, and Tiverton assuming responsibility for all its students with IEPs.

The Tiverton Public Schools strategic plan for 2022-2025 focuses on academic excellence, student well-being, and employee development, supported by robust infrastructure and management. Key goals include empowering students to achieve high academic levels, fostering a healthy and supportive environment for intellectual, physical, mental, and social-emotional growth, and ensuring staff are well-trained and supported. The plan outlines objectives and strategies to enhance curriculum, provide professional development, engage students and families, and maintain updated technology and facilities, all aimed at providing students with an exceptional education.