1.    Call to Order/ Pledge of Allegiance

2.    Open Forum

·         J. Edwards, Town Council President, and a parent of three young children. He stated that the Town Council is committed to making strategic investments to enhance the education system.

·         J. Wolf stated concerned about the decisions of the committee.

·         M. Madera stated concerns about the fourth graders moving to the Middle school.

·         D. Truver expressed concern about the suggestion to eliminate specialists.

·         A. Mullen emphasized that the most effective consolidation plan should prioritize the needs of the entire district.

·         C. Marchand suggests forming a committee to spearhead changes.

3.    Consent Agenda — Consideration and Possible Votes

a.    Enrollment

·         March Enrollment

4.    Chairpersons Remarks

a.    NESDEC (Superintendent Search) Update

·         D. Farnworth stated that an anonymous donor provided a check to cover the cost of the NESDEC consultant for the superintendent search. The bid cost is $13,768.00.

·         The contract will be voted on at the following March 18, 2025, meeting.

D. Pallasch made a motion to move Item 6a up on the agenda

J. Sherman seconded the motion

The vote taken was 5-0

5.    Old Business — Consideration and Possible Votes

a.    Elementary Reconfiguration Options
Discussion and Possible Vote

·         Dr. Sanchioni presented to the board three options for the upcoming school year that will affect the budget.

·         K. Paquette made a motion to eliminate option 2.

·         D. Farnworth seconded the motion.

·         The vote taken was 5 - 0

o   D. Pallasch made a motion to approve Option 1, K-3 at Ranger School, PK-3 Pocasset, and Grade 4 at TMS.

o   J. Sherman seconded the motion.

o   The vote was taken 3 yes and 2 E. Pavao and K. Paquette.

6.    New Business — Consideration and Possible Votes

a.    ACLU of RI Updated Report on Remote Open Meetings Practices in RI

·         The town clerk, J. Chabot, offered the school committee the opportunity to file agendas, backup, meeting minutes, and school policy in ClerkBase.

·         The cost would be paid out of the clerk’s office.

·         D. Pallash made a motion to accept the offer presented by Town Clerk Chabot.

·         Seconded by E. Pavao

·         The vote was unanimous

b.    Approve 2025-2026 School Year Calendar

·         J. Sherman made a motion to approve the 2025 - 2026 School Year Calendar

·         Seconded by E. Pavao

·         The vote was 5 -0

c.    Approve Early Retirement Incentive Plan

·         D. Pallasch made a motion to approve the Early Retirement Incentive Plan presented by Dr. Sanchioni.

·         Seconded by J. Sherman.

·         The vote was 4 - 1 E. Pavao voted against the motion

d.    FY 26 Budget Update

·         The team met with all the principals, who had already consulted with their department heads, parent advisory groups, and teacher advisory groups, and presented their budget considerations to us. It’s important to remember that contract negotiations with both unions are still pending. B. Andrade presented an updated line-by-line budget to the board, building on the presentation from the previous meeting.

7.    Announcements/Future Meetings – Chairperson

·         March 18, 2025

·         April 8, 2025

8.    Executive Session
D. Pallasch made a motion to move into executive session under:

a.    RIGL 42-46-5(a)(1) (Job performance, character, physical or mental health) (Administrative Performance)

b.    RIGL 42-46-5 (a)(2) (Legal Advice - Council 94 MOA)

·         Seconded by K. Paquette.

·         The vote taken was 5 -0

9.    Return to Open Session

a.    Report on any votes taken in Executive Session

·         D. Farnworth reported that the board received legal counsel and is now proceeding to the next phase regarding the Council 94 MOA.

b.    Seal the Executive Session minutes

·         D. Pallasch motion to seal the minutes.

·         J. Sherman seconded the motion

·         The vote was unanimous

10. Adjournment

·         J. Sherman made a motion to adjourn the meeting

·         Seconded by D. Farnworth

·         Vote 5-0

Respectfully submitted,

CA Mendes