NKSD Public Forum on School Construction Projects-October 22nd, 2026

The North Kingstown School Department community forum on school construction projects was held October 22, 2026 (the metadata lists October 23). Officials and project teams reviewed the state RIDE approval process and the status and scope of bond-funded work. The new Wickford Middle School is estimated at $72.4 million, with about $68.9 million for district-wide capital improvements; the overall project budget was described as approximately $141 million. Wickford is at roughly 60% construction documents, with approval expected at an upcoming Building Advisory Committee meeting and then the School Committee in November. The district plans to advance long-lead electrical and structural work, with construction targeted to begin in late fall or early winter and the school expected to open for the 2028–29 school year. Shamit Design and Construction is the construction manager at risk; Peregrine is the owner’s project manager, and Perkins Eastman and DBVW are among the architecture teams.

The district-wide work includes a high-school roof replacement, elementary-school roofs, media centers and secure entry vestibules, and multi-summer renovations at Davisville Middle School. The elementary and Davisville documents are expected to go to public bid, with construction beginning next summer and work at the elementary schools scheduled to finish by summer 2028. Some items—including Wickford fields and other project alternates—are outside the current base scope and may be reconsidered using contingencies, savings, or other funding. The financing presentation described a $48 million bond anticipation note at 2.59% and a projected $137.2 million, 30-year bond at 4.35%; officials said 35% reimbursement may apply to $115.16 million of eligible costs. No votes or spending approvals were recorded at the forum; upcoming committee approvals and final bids remain ahead.