Smithfield committee approves part‑time facilities manager role to coordinate school facility bookings

The Smithfield School Committee on Jan. 2 approved a part-time facilities manager job template intended to centralize booking and coordination for gyms, cafeterias, auditoriums and other shared spaces.

The proposed hourly position was described as flexible week-to-week, with administrators suggesting an average of about 15 hours per week. District staff said a short trial and monitoring period would be used to adjust hours as needed; the first hiring cycle this year would likely cover about 20 weeks and cost roughly $8,000 including employer taxes.

Pay was estimated at $18–$20 per hour with no benefits attached. Administrators said the role would relieve current staff who have been handling scheduling in addition to other duties — a benefits staffer had spent roughly 10–15 hours per week on the task during a short study period — and would reduce double-bookings.

Committee members debated fiscal priorities and whether adding an administrative role was premature. Supporters said better coordination could generate rental revenue for fields and reduce facility conflicts; one member suggested the position could be supervised and adjusted after an initial trial. The director of technology and administration will investigate calendar-sharing and potential software options to improve public visibility of bookings.

A motion to approve the facilities manager part-time template was made and seconded and carried by voice vote. The committee reported identified funding to cover the position for the remainder of the current school year.