Sandy Farias-Borges

The meeting began with a motion to convene an executive session to discuss an EPA cost share grievance, a proposed resolution, and non-certified employee termination pursuant to Rhode Island general laws. Following the executive session, the meeting returned to open session. The agenda included a student liaison report highlighting positive energy, successful student life events such as a car wash, meet the teachers night, a blood drive, a military appreciation football game, a color run, spirit week, homecoming, a talent show, and the induction of new members into the National Honor Society. The athletics update noted the performance of fall sports teams, including the football team's semi-final loss, and championship/semi-final appearances by girls volleyball, tennis, and soccer teams. Unified basketball and Cheer both secured state championship wins. The activities report highlighted DECA's success at the fall leadership conference, receiving the Presidential Diamond Award for chapter growth. The committee also received a presentation from the Rhode Island Department of Health regarding the tobacco control program, focusing on youth nicotine and cannabis use trends (including dual use and emerging products like nicotine pouches and smart vapes), the importance of transitioning to 100% tobacco-free school policies, and the recommendation to replace suspension for tobacco possession with evidence-based alternative to suspension programs.

The committee meeting included discussion and a vote regarding the potential sale of a temporary generator salvaged from Martin Middle School. The goal was to sell the generator for an estimated $10,000 to $12,000 and use the funds toward the purchase of a new K Cabota snow plow and sand attachment for the New Martin facility, estimated to cost around $47,000 total. An alternative consideration was trading the generator with the highway department for two needed sanders. The committee voted to approve the motion regarding the generator sale. Following the open session, the committee convened an executive session to discuss the superintendent evaluation tool and contract, pursuant to Rhode Island general laws, before adjourning and reconvening into open session.

The committee convened an executive session to discuss the superintendent's annual performance evaluation and the 2025 to 2028 agreement for professionals, followed by a motion to adjourn and reconvene into open session. The open session included a presentation on program of studies updates, focusing on additions to the curriculum, particularly in mathematics to improve testing scores and incorporate financial literacy topics such as loans and investing. A new EMT pathway was proposed for the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, designed to provide a more comprehensive, multi-year preparation sequence. The presentation also mentioned that the only new pathway being introduced is EMT, while other career pathways in areas like government, social science, and education are being promoted through assemblies. Finally, the session included a district recognition segment highlighting positive student feedback about new school facilities, such as larger classrooms, better lunchrooms, and improved acoustics in the band room.

The EPSD School Committee meeting included a presentation on the Rhode Island Recycling Project, focusing on the Get Food Smart program. Discussions covered the 2023 law requiring schools to compost food and recover edible food for food-insecure families. The presentation highlighted the problems of food waste, its environmental impact, and the specifics of food waste in schools, including the amount wasted and the potential for donation. The committee also discussed how the program involves students in project-based learning, reduces waste, and offers cost savings, with case studies from other schools demonstrating significant waste reduction.

The FY 2026 budget includes allocations for salaries, benefits, professional and technical services, property services, other services, supplies, property, and miscellaneous expenses. It details specific expenditures within each category, such as health, dental, and pension benefits, as well as funding for transportation, printing, and educational services. The budget also outlines revenue sources, including local funds, state aid, tuition, rental income, and Medicaid reimbursements.