POSTED – OCTOBER 2, 2025
SPECIAL MEETING – OCTOBER 9, 2025
The following items of business, having been filed with the Town Clerk under the Rules of the Council, will come before the Council at a special meeting to be held on Thursday, October 9, 2025, 5:00 P.M. at the Oliphant School, 26 Oliphant Lane, Middletown, Rhode Island. Said meeting will be conducted in person. Youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/@middletownpublicschoolsrho3022/streams
Wendy J.W. Marshall, MMC
Town Clerk
Town of Middletown
Town Hall – 350 East Main Road
Middletown, Rhode Island 02842
Dear Ms. Marshall:
Pursuant to the provisions of Article II, Section 203 of the Town Charter and in accordance with Sections 42-46-2., 42-46-4., 42-46-5., and 42-46-6., RIGL, I hereby call a Special Meeting of the Town Council to formally consider, discuss and act upon the following items of business. All items on this agenda, may be considered, discussed and voted upon.
1. Executive session - Pursuant to provisions of RIGL, Sections 42-46-2, 42-46-4 and 42-46-5 items:
a. Work session related to collective bargaining (RIGL §42-46-5(a)(2))
b. Discussion of Potential Litigation / Legal Strategy - review of statutory obligations, risks, and potential disputes arising from regionalization (RIGL §42-46-5(a)(2)) and legal advice regarding these issues.
c. Collective Discussion of Real Estate and Asset Transfers - potential impacts on ownership/transfer of school facilities and property (RIGL §42-46-5(a)(5))
2. Discussion of Town Administrator’s memo dated August 26, 2025, including attachments (enabling 2022 legislation H8267 for school regionalization and the City of Newport resolutions):
a. Appointment of Representatives to an Academic Integration Advisory Committee – Each community (Town Council and School Committee) would appoint an equal number of members to participate
b. Discussion of Use of State Reimbursement Funds – Both communities should jointly consider establishing an endowment with reimbursement funds dedicated to educational improvements
c. Discussion regarding a Joint Meeting with Stakeholders – A session involving both Councils, both School Committees, both Superintendents, and the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) to discuss the scope, structure, and potential impacts of regionalization.
Said meeting will be held at the Oliphant School, 26 Oliphant Lane, Middletown, Rhode Island 02842 on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 5:00 P.M.
____________________________________
Paul M. Rodrigues, President
Middletown Town Council
cc : Town Council Public Library Finance Director
Town Administrator Town Solicitor School Committee
This meeting location is accessible to the handicapped. Individuals requiring interpreter services for the hearing-impaired should notify the Town Clerk’s Office at 847-0009 not less than 48 hours before this meeting.
Posted on October 2, 2025 at Middletown Town Hall, Oliphant School, Middletown Public Library and Secretary of State Web Site.