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Westerly School Committee Meeting
January 21, 2026
Westerly Town Hall
Regular Session
School Committee Members: Also in Attendance:
Leslie Dunn, Chair (absent) Mark Garceau, Superintendent
Michael Ober, Vice Chair Steven Morrone, Assistant Superintendent
Timothy Killam, Clerk William Nardone, Esquire
Angela Goethals Rose Falcone, Recording Secretary
Joseph Jackson
Peter Nero
Lori Wycall
1. Michael Ober called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. 
Roll Call: Michael Ober, Timothy Killam, Angela Goethals, Joseph Jackson, Peter Nero and
Lori Wycall. Leslie Dunn was unable to attend
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Westerly Public Schools Mission
Michael Ober entertained a motion to move Executive Session to next on the agenda.
Michael Ober moved to convene in Executive Session in accordance with RIGL § 42-46-4, RIGL § 42-46-5(a)(9) Grievance Hearing and RIGL § 42-46-5(a)(2) Litigation/Legal Expenditures Update.
6. Executive Session: The School Committee may vote to go into Executive Session for discussion and/or action regarding those items of business exempt from open meetings under RIGL § 42-46-4 and
a. RIGL § 42-46-5(a)(9) Grievance Hearing
b. RIGL § 42-46-5(a)(2) Litigation/Legal Expenditures Update
7. Open Session (at the conclusion of Executive Session)
Report of votes in Executive Session
Confidentiality status of Executive Session
In executive the School Committee voted four (4) in favor, two (2) opposed to uphold the Superintendent’s denial of a Level 2 grievance. Michael Ober entertained a motion to keep the remainder of executive session minutes confidential.
4. Student’s Report
Joe Jackson read Brady Cassidy’s report regarding upcoming StageDogs performances, SkillsUSA competitions, a May 2, 2026 car show event, recent robotics club award, and winter sports team statistics.
5. Presentations
Mark Garceau gave an overview of the bullying report. Principals detailed the school-level initiatives that have successfully led to a reduction in bullying incidents. Discussion ensued.
b. Westerly Middle School Schedule/Recess
WMS Principal Desiree Derix presented the current schedules, specials by grade levels, opportunities/limitations, and recess. Discussion ensued throughout the presentation.
Director of Pupil Personnel Services Christina Amanti Mathieu and Assistant Director of Pupil Personnel Services Kaylee Harrison gave an overview of state and local data, universal practices for all students, staff and services, professional learning, multi-tiered system of support (MTSS), universal supports, screening and identification, intensive and individualized supports, bright spots and gaps to close. Discussion ensued.
6. Executive Session: The School Committee may vote to go into Executive Session for discussion and/or action regarding those items of business exempt from open meetings under RIGL § 42-46-4 and
a. RIGL § 42-46-5(a)(9) Grievance Hearing
b. RIGL § 42-46-5(a)(2) Litigation/Legal Expenditures Update
7. Open Session (at the conclusion of Executive Session)
Report of votes in Executive Session
Confidentiality status of Executive Session
Done above.
8. Open Forum: Comments shall be limited to School Committee agenda items only.
· No one came forward.
a. Committee Members’ Response
9. Assistant Superintendent’s Report: District Curriculum and Instructional Updates
Steve Morrone spoke about the Westerly High School’s designation of an AP School Honor Roll High School awarded by the College Board and the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee. Discussion ensued.
10. Superintendent’s Report: District Priorities, Staff and Student Recognition
Mark Garceau provided an update on preparations for the implementation of the electronic devices policy in Fall 2026, clarified that no relocation of Grade 5 is planned for the 2026-2027 school year but it remains a possibility for 2027-2028, and discussed correspondence from the Town Manager regarding a proposed emergency radio antenna tower, noting it is restricted to emergency radio reception only and will have no cellular equipment included.
11. Financial Report: Discussion/Action/Potential Vote
Cindy Kirchhoff provided an update on the RI DEM electric bus award, noting concerns regarding implementation timelines and extension dates. She highlighted the logistical challenges of aligning the project with the FY28 capital request cycle. Discussion ensued. The School Committee reached a consensus to decline the award.
a. 2026-2027 Budget
12. Consent Agenda: Action/Vote
a. Approval of Executive Minutes (01/07/26)
b. Approval of Minutes (01/07/26; 01/13/26)
Michael Ober entertained a motion to approve the Consent Agenda.
13. New Business: Discussion/Action/Potential Vote
a. First Reading: Procurement Code of Conduct Policy XXXX
Cindy Kirchhoff reported on the findings of a recent RIDE Procurement audit concerning the food service program. She noted that a dedicated stand-alone Procurement Code of Conduct Policy is required, as current inclusion within the purchasing manual’s professional code of conduct is no longer sufficient for compliance.
L. Wycall made a motion to waive additional readings, seconded by
L. Wycall entertained a motion to approve the Procurement Code of Conduct Policy XXXX seconded by
b. First Reading: Non-Union Benefits Summary Policy 4510 Update
The Finance Subcommittee has vetted and approved the Non-Union Benefits Summary Policy 4510 update to be moved to the School Committee for action.
P. Nero made a motion to waive additional readings, seconded by
P, Nero entertained a motion to approve the Non-Union Benefits Summary Policy 4510 Update, seconded by
14. Old Business: Discussion/Action/Potential Vote
a. Second Reading: Graduation Requirements Policy 6104
Peter Nero entertained a motion to approve the Graduation Requirements Policy 6104, seconded by
15. Correspondence
· None.
16. Committee/Liaison Reports
· Special Education Advisory Meeting is scheduled for February 9, 2026.
· The Finance Subcommittee has established its upcoming schedule, with a meeting set for February 24, 2026. Additionally, a session has been proactively scheduled for September 22, 2026, to ensure an early start on fiscal planning.
· The Multicultural Committee recently met to plan for Neighbor Day, which is scheduled for May 17, 2026. This year’s event will be centered around the theme: Honoring the Diversity of Westerly’s Forgotten Patriots.
17. Future Agenda Items
· WMS Traffic Pattern (Goethals)
18. Open Forum: Non-agenda item comments allowed.
· No one came forward.
a. Committee Members’ Response
19. Adjournment
Michael Ober entertained a motion to adjourn at 8:27 p.m.
These are the minutes of the School Committee meeting identified above as approved and adopted by the School Committee on February 4, 2026.
Timothy Killam
Clerk
Details of the aforesaid proceedings are available on the website video.