Pat Dubois

The meeting commenced with the roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance. Student and staff recognition included congratulating the undefeated girls volleyball team (to be formally recognized in January) and recognizing two coaches, Dave Carnival (esports) and Michael Joyce (wrestling), as Coaches of the Year, with a note to clarify if Shannon Real also received an award. A representative discussed the successful 'Reach Across America' event. Public comment included concerns about placing the discussion of approval of meeting minutes early in the agenda and objections to a requirement for committee members to use school email accounts for communication due to security concerns. Key agenda items involved capital projects updates, specifically the approval of OPM services for the Ponaganset High School boiler replacement project, which generated discussion regarding prior decisions and related details. The Superintendent introduced a new team member at Ponaganset High School, Newell Roberts, who shared remarks about his positive initial experiences. The Superintendent also requested approval for two contracts: one for a confidential final financial analyst (to address accounting support gaps) and another for a special educator coordinator to restructure special education support. Approval was also sought for a leave without pay request for an instructional teacher assistant. The High School Principal reported the school moved from a three-star to a four-star accountability rating, highlighting improvements in chronic absenteeism and a significant increase in ELA literacy proficiency (70% on SAT scores). Furthermore, updates on school culture included a spirit week focused on mental health and enhancements to the student of the month recognition program.

The meeting included student and staff recognition, specifically celebrating the salutatorian and valedictorian for 2024, as well as honoring the state champion wrestling team and the unified basketball team. The school committee discussed and approved monthly bills. There was also discussion regarding legal services, including a motion to dismiss Heus Carol and Lombardo as the school committee's legal counsel, which led to significant debate among committee members regarding the process and appropriateness of the decision.

The meeting included a school counseling presentation, focusing on the American School Counselor Association national model. The presentation covered topics such as academic improvement, career development, and social-emotional development for students. There was also a discussion about school engagement and belonging, with concerns raised about survey results indicating low engagement among some students.

The meeting included discussions on various topics such as approval of meeting minutes, finance data, personnel actions, and facilities. There were questions about budget adjustments, personnel appointments, and facility improvements. Public comments addressed concerns related to policies, inclusivity, and the treatment of transgender students.

The meeting included student and staff recognition, with Shannon Black being recognized as the 2026 Rhode Island Middle School Art Educator of the Year. A new hire, Bob Shields, was welcomed to the unified arts program. The committee convened to an executive session to discuss legal advice on pending litigation, privacy of student records, union negotiations, and a collective bargaining update. The superintendent provided a report covering various topics, including a legal institute training, curriculum planning, wellness committee updates, a community event for the CTE, and a PD day focused on AI. There was a discussion regarding AI policy guidelines. The committee discussed and approved the superintendent's personnel report, monthly bills, budget adjustments, and a vehicle purchase.