The Chariho Regional School District School Committee took several formal actions at its Oct. 21 meeting that set planning and administrative work in motion.

Key formal actions taken

• Stage 2 authorization — unified elementary school (approved): The committee voted to advance a Stage 2 application to the state school-construction process for the single unified elementary-school concept. Stage 2 authorizes conceptual design work, refined cost estimates and additional community engagement; it does not commit the district to a final design or a bond question. (Roll-call recorded in the meeting minutes; motion carried.)

• Bond counsel (approved): The committee approved contracting a bond counsel (firm/attorney referenced at the meeting) to prepare draft legislation and support the district through state and municipal steps needed for a potential bond question and timing. The committee voted in favor; the attorney will return to advise on next steps.

• Superintendent goals (approved): The committee approved the superintendent’s performance goals for school year 2025–26, aligned to the district’s strategic plan and to measurable targets the superintendent will report on in committee updates.

• Legal counsel contract renewal (approved): The committee approved renewal of the district’s general legal counsel contract for the coming fiscal year.

• Grants and budget transfers (approved): The committee approved grant awards presented at the meeting and several budget transfers; the grants include programs noted in the packet and the transfers were recommended by staff to balance FY25 accounts.

Other items: The committee also approved routine consent-agenda items and minutes, and voted to extend the meeting past the typical 10 p.m. adjournment to finish business.

Meeting notes: Many of the administrative approvals were unanimous during the session. The Stage 2 authorization drew the most discussion and public input and included a recorded roll-call vote.

Next steps: The approvals enable staff to proceed with consultant procurements, planning and outreach work needed for conceptual design, legal review for any potential ballot timelines, and grant and budgeting follow-ups.

The committee will return to these items at subsequent meetings with refined cost estimates and public materials ahead of any vote to place a bond question before district voters.