SC Meeting July 1 2026

The Pawtucket School Department held a School Committee meeting on July 1, 2026, primarily focused on discussing proposed adjustments to elementary school start times to optimize transportation efficiency and reduce costs. The administration presented a comprehensive analysis involving independent transportation consultants and their vendor, First Student, highlighting operational improvements that have already saved approximately $600,000 annually by reducing bus usage by five buses. The current recommendation aims to adjust start times at four elementary schools to eliminate the need for three additional buses, potentially saving an additional $360,000 annually. The committee discussed the impact on families, including concerns about childcare and sibling supervision, and emphasized the need for ongoing oversight and communication. The committee voted to approve the superintendent's recommendation to change the start times at Curvin Richards, Agnes Little, Potter Burns, and Jacqueline M. Walsh Elementary Schools. Additionally, the committee authorized the superintendent to execute a $25,000 capital grant agreement from the Rhode Island Health and Educational Building Corporation to support transforming the Slater Middle School library into a 21st-century career and technical education space.