[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6480036,"mediaKeyId","5692004-0e3cf024fdfd8bd25f32014c7663c023","parentId",5692004,"title","Votes at a glance: Cumberland School Committee actions on Aug. 28, 2025","audioSeconds",301,"startMs",47865,"endMs",349650,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5692004-0e3cf024fdfd8bd25f32014c7663c023&start=47&end=349","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5692004-0e3cf024fdfd8bd25f32014c7663c023/thumbnail_47865.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6480036/Cumberland/School-Districts/Rhode-Island/Votes-at-a-glance-Cumberland-School-Committee-actions-on-Aug-28-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6480036-5e9e91226176bd68a59ae9ed28d2fe78/orig.mp4?Expires=1771078767&Signature=FDUB-IXvXb-n~hZI0-UO-FNOyvP2g9HbWJ3vyY2qlMsZW61SUpsD3Am89ULjrDP4h6ck1h4S6N3OTxHG04WYvRNvlDQfgCSPGh~6IDVP2v92dLCasvO2yTF7~WRT40oIpj92fv6VRLvzouB3B~8geGD1fB0klPehRgEljdbEtKn41UfdgbsoSvU~ObxesHPvjbpIuLDa7H-iT-TgYnQOtOw0H1ARMiFKtNjAB9h~a~vNd9vvGP0eecQqHuprA4guY69dqQ6eG2fX6sSZBRpmfZDG4ZW0rtKbJ--R7pC5FaR1zLFhITYaNRNDhIVRs1PAHilG5tpxcclcmaVD7Xy~LQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Cumberland","date","2025-08-29T12:09:41Z","article","The Cumberland School Committee took a series of motions on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025. Below are the primary motions, movers/seconders when recorded, and vote tallies.

- Approval of the agenda: Motion by Miss Feather; second by Miss Shea. Passed 6–0.

- Consent agenda (including approval of minutes for regular and executive-session meetings of 08/14/2025): Motion by Miss Feather; second by Miss Goldstein. Passed 6–0.

- Seal minutes of executive session (vote to seal): Motion by Miss Shea; second by Miss Feather. Passed 4–2 (Miss Dean and Mister Bacon in the negative).

- Approval of personnel announcements (resignations and six appointments): Reported by Miss Drezet; appointments announced, no separate recorded opposing vote.

- Approval of overnight field trips (CHS Cross Country Manchester Invitational, NH and Bowdoin Park Cross Country Classic, NY): Motion by Mister Bacon; second by Miss Shea. Both passed 6–0.

- Approval of homeschool instructional requests for 2025–26 school year: Motion by Miss Feather; second by Mister Bacon. Passed 6–0.

- Revised school calendar (preschool start date changed from Sept. 3 to Sept. 4): Motion by Miss Shea; second by Miss Goldstein. Passed 6–0.

- Superintendent salary and benefits for 2025–26 per contract (3% step/benefit mirror motion): Motion by Mister Bacon (to mirror G6 benefits and step 10 salary raise); second by Miss Goldstein. Passed 5–1 (Mister Dean opposed).

- Transportation efficiency study (Transpar Group Inc., expanded scope ~ $79,000): Discussion held; item tabled for further detail and consultant presentation at a future meeting. No formal vote approving the expanded scope was recorded.

- Establish districtwide Student Safety and Behavioral Health Committee in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws §16-53-1-2(a)(3): Motion by Miss Shay; second by Miss Goldstein. Passed 6–0.

- Approval of amended policies G21 (noncontracted at-will employee) and J21 (FERPA): Motion by Miss Feather; second by Miss Goldstein. Passed 6–0.

- Amendment and passage of K5 (K–5 appeals process): Amendment by Mister Dean to define \"reasonable time\" as five school days in the school year or five business days in summer; amendment passed 6–0; final passage of amended K5 passed 6–0.

- Approval of resolutions SCPR-082025-101 through SCPR-082025-113: Motion to approve; passed 6–0.

- Motion to adjourn: Motion by Mister Bacon; second by Miss Shea. Passed 6–0. Meeting adjourned at 7:59 p.m.

These motions reflect the votes recorded in the meeting transcript and minutes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Cumberland School Committee 8/28/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The committee approved routine agenda items, personnel and policy actions and a number of operational items; key roll-call votes and tallies are summarized for quick reference.","taxTitle","Cumberland, School Districts, Rhode Island","taxId",73254,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6480039,"Committee approves amended G21 and J21 policies and amends K5 appeals process to set response timelines",1884,1587130,3471425,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5692004-0e3cf024fdfd8bd25f32014c7663c023&start=1587&end=3471","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5692004-0e3cf024fdfd8bd25f32014c7663c023/thumbnail_1587130.jpg","/articles/6480039/Cumberland/School-Districts/Rhode-Island/Committee-approves-amended-G21-and-J21-policies-and-amends-K5-appeals-process-to-set-response-timelines","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6480039-db7fe85bd9b2783bd60bebf08fdb5741/orig.mp4?Expires=1771078767&Signature=TlphPt7R108rDywfeOfIZk0yfsLFTfVBQ-Ou7MZj1UcCCzl4SG1J7m-cUjIIhRzhq4f7NEMrlbkdcOpYyyzXwYCAjr7Zi-ul0IUXNWWtrN8gxH8RrFliQyIL-o7pKv039Hi58q0V3Wr4ajjRlZWrY-NigZRn~B5zO7-mCbJWjiHWhXHxQRaJolQetU1Ab9viapg9WS7xkCbRZ-CAe-wumbKTLNYTajfnx~Ee5sUS~1bMZNTTkkbFV6e70lRfRwOa5nRYCvLDTwWMYpUjMnKooX53VjHDpsYwN6kVWO-BYuZ11wnPRfYe55vEzUbeJ7x7WKY4Y4CkmYuJq52dCCnDgg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cumberland School Committee voted on amended personnel and student-records policies and approved a change to the K–5 appeals process that adds explicit response timelines.

Miss Feather, chair of the policy and procedure subcommittee, presented three amended policies: G21 (noncontracted at-will employee policy), J21 (FERPA policy) and K5 (K–5 appeals process). The G21 amendment aligned the minimum wage language to current state law; the J21 revision broadened FERPA language to address incomplete previous wording and to secure records for subcommittees and operational needs, with attorney Stephanie assisting in the draft.

K5, the appeals process for K–5 matters, drew extended discussion. Committee members expressed concern that prior language used \"reasonable time\" without definition. Mister Dean moved an amendment to define the reasonable time for Level 1 and Level 2 responses as five school days during the school year or five business days during the summer; the committee adopted this amendment 6–0. Following the amendment, the committee voted to approve the amended K5 policy; the final K5 passed 6–0.

G21 and J21 were voted on and approved together by the committee 6–0 earlier in the meeting. The superintendent and committee members noted the K5 changes were intended to give clearer timelines for appeals and allow the superintendent an opportunity to respond before matters reach the committee.

The committee also clarified the K5 process differentiates these appeals from suspension appeal procedures (which use a separate policy). Board members discussed the cumulative length of appeal windows and agreed that inserting defined timelines would reduce ambiguity for parents and administrators.","The School Committee approved amendments to policy G21 (noncontracted at-will employees) and J21 (FERPA) and amended K5 (K–5 appeals) to define 'reasonable time' as five school days during the school year or five business days during summer; all three policies were advanced and K5 passed as amended.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6480041,"School committee establishes districtwide Student Safety and Behavioral Health Committee under new state law",414,2247980,2662525,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5692004-0e3cf024fdfd8bd25f32014c7663c023&start=2247&end=2662","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5692004-0e3cf024fdfd8bd25f32014c7663c023/thumbnail_2247980.jpg","/articles/6480041/Cumberland/School-Districts/Rhode-Island/School-committee-establishes-districtwide-Student-Safety-and-Behavioral-Health-Committee-under-new-state-law","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6480041-2bc3a6abd6bec25af76863adcea752fb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771078767&Signature=lLCMOISjOg6f5lB5dLcyHgx9g5q4d02iZ9A1P92Clvc75UcxkdQxKfJj5gG-VotxC3CsBVPLJdNDIirIM1lNDlgCAM39TIFIShhEQexWMmO4sHw6C94-~pG~Xt38BnsZl0~w3utzHMIpFu6ngaO1VE0vKPcGf8i4lHrO76Uy9IG-W0Df91C6eXdBPBRrAb71cWTX4jRVjb4-yOzJca5~n7cIJfs~FGxxSGAdEyJalG0ebPVVpL5ZSCct0ruoVIM15lVlGYyiYMnxx3kzMv~6SmEkPlR2w78sDVL6jFXD5pSQa1nvkRGjgh6B8~LVDiv2ZCrp5pqAF0dAcRUpdKQ~JQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cumberland School Committee voted 6–0 on Thursday to establish a districtwide Student Safety and Behavioral Health Committee (SSBHC) in accordance with an amendment to Rhode Island General Law 16-53-1-2(a)(3).

Board members discussed whether the new statutory committee could mirror or combine with the district’s existing health and wellness subcommittee. Committee members noted statutory appointment rules require specific types of appointees — two certified staff appointed by the local collective bargaining agent, two support staff appointed by the local collective bargaining agent, and administrative appointees by the superintendent — which differs from the current health and wellness group’s composition.

School counsel and committee members advised that the new SSBHC is a separate, statutorily required entity even where functions overlap. Committee discussion centered on practical implementation, the potential for a single, unified committee if statutory appointment requirements were met, and the need for clearer guidance on membership and responsibilities.

After discussion, a motion to establish the Student Safety and Behavioral Health Committee carried 6–0. Committee members said further work is required to appoint members consistent with statute and to clarify the relationship between the new committee and the existing health and wellness subcommittee.","Cumberland’s School Committee voted unanimously to establish a districtwide Student Safety and Behavioral Health Committee in compliance with Rhode Island General Law 16-53-1-2(a)(3). Members discussed overlap with existing health and wellness groups and the appointment process required by statute.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6480043,"Committee delays decision on broader transportation study; consultants to return for questions",272,1962065,2234680,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5692004-0e3cf024fdfd8bd25f32014c7663c023&start=1962&end=2234","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5692004-0e3cf024fdfd8bd25f32014c7663c023/thumbnail_1962065.jpg","/articles/6480043/Cumberland/School-Districts/Rhode-Island/Committee-delays-decision-on-broader-transportation-study-consultants-to-return-for-questions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6480043-7709f53dd35ff15490a859fe9cf46cb4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771078767&Signature=X0ShyvrMRTnU-kop~MzOFp8y-ymbbkaBFu7zXw8lC68qWr5Y0QsPAjNLQHUYCXY-ye4GW02lu5WaWcVXn69xOZphxPjymuhAs4cqQmcLeVKPERHnbbuBF7jT-UvHEKkRteSOmbc24Rnfjz6KTYgD21pN2XLDt-W0-JzH8v4sgYa2xw9QNQLGhT-BfOSX~Glb9zAejqZBpVH~bCNUeUOQ27PZG5Asf8YWpLMKzhZnvuRyYclwfAVAMps4G-BEs2uNJ-emVpn5Zu86N1-IMlCAems5p4hlPlGcIJZMmqzuAzBLf9Q6aIRJP95VKv2AJ-Bp0s7AEiPPbUEbZhH02yLKDw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cumberland School Committee discussed a proposal from Transpar Group Inc. to conduct a broader transportation efficiency study, including potential boundary changes and start-time analysis, but committee members asked for additional detail and requested a consultant presentation at the next meeting.

Superintendent Dr. Thornton explained the district previously approved a baseline package from Transpar and that the new price for expanded work (including boundaries and start times) was included in the meeting packet; he said the figure in the packet was approximately $79,000 for the expanded scope.

Committee members asked whether Transpar would consider separate start-time scenarios for high school versus elementary students and whether the firm would join the next meeting in person or virtually to answer questions. Dr. Thornton said Transpar had been scheduled for the meeting but would instead appear at the next meeting, likely via Zoom, and the district would collect committee questions in advance through staff (email to Melanie) so the consultant could respond thoroughly.

Board member Mister Dean and others sought clarification on whether the previously approved baseline work (phase 1) remained separate from the expanded scope (phase 2). Dr. Thornton characterized phase 1 as already approved and said the new proposal would be an additional engagement; committee members asked staff to bring Transpar back to answer questions about costs and timelines.

There was no formal committee vote approving the expanded $79,000 proposal at Thursday’s meeting. The chair indicated the item will be placed on a future agenda with the consultant present to respond to committee questions.","The committee discussed a proposal from Transpar Group Inc. to study district transportation efficiency, redistricting and start times. Members asked for more details and requested the consultant return at the next meeting; no formal vote to approve the expanded study was recorded.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6480044,"Cumberland outlines multi-year capital work; BF Norton replacement advances to site work",974,399340,1373505,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5692004-0e3cf024fdfd8bd25f32014c7663c023&start=399&end=1373","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5692004-0e3cf024fdfd8bd25f32014c7663c023/thumbnail_399340.jpg","/articles/6480044/Cumberland/School-Districts/Rhode-Island/Cumberland-outlines-multi-year-capital-work-BF-Norton-replacement-advances-to-site-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6480044-d11880cbb6c46479214c4bd4e2708c60/orig.mp4?Expires=1771078767&Signature=ZsBEjyQ3jvhcfOAghbPogOMx~RmX30jCYEPnoI~H7tTUKqpXf9phBy1AGKhxvn60JR3fdTL-b88kMXQjabjZo0vHt9ZmNMTV3rv2NN6com8tSTSggHDxR-QPzPx4QcqaoXyjZ0KL~38x8qXDakdgCcMNr5zEO22MPLuYre2PzhXGkPLtXOpyz4JXfNkUFsk-HwgI~IFzFVTDDTvDRJ6soXLlE5joa-Y3vQpM4uyunAle-VOQQ7KpZ5w31MyEAPRDBM48o2hbDFeyhgFFQ~ZlfX-WyRX8JCj4AjMPixWHNCKLgpAk9E1gah4XcR4SWO2k8BM1c332avgijJnxkJp8UA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Megan Havrilla, a project manager with Colliers Project Management, and Anne Marie Andre provided a districtwide update to the Cumberland School Committee on Thursday on completed and upcoming capital projects, including a new replacement school for B.F. Norton.

Havrilla told the committee that the district has completed the five-year capital plan with RIDE that dates to 2019 and that multiple school renovations finished this summer, including swing-space work at the high school, interior renovations at Community Elementary and Garvin Memorial, and playground improvements at Ashton, Cumberland Hill and Garvin Memorial.

Anne Marie Andre said crews renovated six science classrooms at McCourt Middle School and a similar set of classrooms at North Cumberland Middle School, upgrading plumbing, new prep rooms, luxury vinyl tile flooring, new lighting and flexible furniture to support science instruction.

Work in the transitional building (upper level) included renovations for preschool classrooms and a CTE classroom, new millwork and storage, upgraded toilet and reflection rooms, and an open renovated central media area, Andre said. She also reported a significant flat-roof replacement at the main high school building that was completed over spring break.

The committee also received details about the new B.F. Norton Elementary School. Havrilla described the building as a 64,500-square-foot, K–5, four-track school designed for 576 students, and said site work had begun with cleaning and grubbing; she said a groundbreaking ceremony was expected in about two weeks. Renderings shown to the committee depict an academic wing and a separate community zone that contains the gymnasium and cafeteria, and the design includes learning commons, a dedicated media/STEM area and varied student dining configurations.

Havrilla and Andre emphasized construction safety and circulation plans for the active B.F. Norton site, including a fenced construction area, blackout work hours during student drop-off and pick-up, and an on-site circulation path intended to prevent queuing on Broad Street. She said the project will relocate the Veterans Memorial to the front of the site and that the existing B.F. Norton building will be removed in a final phase to create staff parking and community space, with demolition beginning as the project nears completion in mid-2027.

The Colliers team identified Constigli Construction as the district’s construction partner and asked that staff, parents and contractors follow posted safety protocols during active work. Superintendent Dr. Thornton and staff thanked custodial and central office teams for their summer work that supported the projects.

Committee members asked clarifying questions about capacity and timing. A committee member confirmed that the new B.F. Norton will convert the school from a three-track to a four-track configuration to increase capacity; Havrilla said the new building is scheduled to open in 2027 with demolition of the old building and parking work to follow.

The presentation concluded with the committee thanking the Colliers team and construction partners for the summer work and noting there will be continued coordination with building principals as phases complete.","School leaders and Colliers project managers reported on completed summer renovations across the district and gave an update on the new B.F. Norton elementary school, which is entering site work with a groundbreaking planned in about two weeks.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Cumberland School Committee actions on Aug. 28, 2025

Committee approves amended G21 and J21 policies and amends K5 appeals process to set response timelines

School committee establishes districtwide Student Safety and Behavioral Health Committee under new state law

Committee delays decision on broader transportation study; consultants to return for questions

Cumberland outlines multi-year capital work; BF Norton replacement advances to site work