East Providence School District public meetings in 2020

East Providence School Committee

The East Providence School Committee will discuss school improvement, COVID-19 updates, and building project progress. The body is scheduled to vote on several service invoices and the 2021 meeting schedule.

• Contract for Sr. Systems Manager IT
• Contract for Facilities Plan Development
• Building Committee recommendations for transferral of dedicated areas of new EPHS
• Invoices for Ai3, Peregrine, Gilbane, Stephen Turner, Inc., and Thielsch Engineering
• Approval of 2021 EPLAC Members

The district will shift to virtual learning for students and staff due to staffing issues and a 9.8% positivity rate. The committee approved several million dollars in invoices for the new high school project and a contract for facilities plan development.

• Approved $7,764,533.48 in building project invoices (Unanimous)
• Approved Gilbane Construction Co. invoice for $7,571,212.01 (Unanimous)
• Approved Peregrine Group, LLC invoice for $59,000.00 (Unanimous)
• Approved Ai3 invoice for $122,474.84 (Unanimous)
• Approved contract for Facilities Plan Development (Unanimous)
• Approved 2021 EPLAC members (Unanimous)
• Approved 2021 monthly meeting schedule (Unanimous)
• Tabled Sr. Systems Manager IT Contract (Unanimous)

East Providence School Committee - Building Committee

The East Providence Building Committee will meet virtually to receive an update from the OPM. The committee will also consider and vote on approving invoices for services and the minutes from the October 12, 2020 meeting.

• OPM Update
• Vote to approve invoices for services
• Vote to approve October 12, 2020 minutes

The East Providence Building Committee approved $7,140,916.14 in invoices for services related to the school construction project. These invoices will be forwarded to the School Committee for final approval. The committee also approved the minutes from the October 12, 2020 meeting.

• Approved $7,140,916.14 in October invoices (unanimous, one present vote)
• Approved October 12, 2020 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:13 p.m. (unanimous)

East Providence School Committee

The Committee approved several million dollars in construction and service invoices for the high school building project. Personnel actions including multiple appointments, resignations, and recalls were approved. The board also reviewed COVID-19 testing procedures and distance learning enrollment splits.

• Approved Gilbane Construction Co. September 2020 invoice for $9,956,457.59
• Approved Ai3 September 2020 invoices totaling $124,292.71
• Approved Peregrine Group September 2020 invoice for $59,000.00
• Approved City reimbursement of $2,432.75 for legal fees
• Approved multiple personnel appointments, resignations, and recalls
• Approved warrants totaling $1,598,054.63
• Approved retirement of David Jarvais (10/2/2020)
• Approved retirement of technology equipment for e-recycling

East Providence School Committee - Building Committee

The committee met virtually to review the monthly OPM report and previous minutes. No formal action was taken on service invoices as they had been previously approved by the School Committee.

• Approved August 10, 2020 minutes (unanimous)

East Providence School Committee - Policy Sub-Committee

The East Providence School Policy Sub-Committee is meeting to discuss and review district policies. No specific policies or outcomes were listed on the agenda.

• Discussion and review of district policies

East Providence School Committee - Negotiations Sub-committee

The Negotiations Sub-committee is meeting to discuss collective bargaining. The agenda includes an executive session specifically regarding custodial negotiations.

• Executive session for collective bargaining regarding custodial negotiations

East Providence School Committee

The East Providence School Committee will discuss school re-entry and the movement of portable stands at CTC. The committee is scheduled to vote on the boiler replacement at Hennessey School and the relocation of portable stands to support city youth sports.

• Vote to approve/award boiler replacement at Hennessey School
• Vote to approve movement of portable stands at CTC
• Discussion on school re-entry

The School Committee approved a contract for a new boiler at Hennessey Elementary School. Members also received updates on the district's hybrid re-entry plan and the temporary loan of portable stands to the city.

• Approved boiler replacement project awarded to Fleet Plumbing for $34,650.00 (unanimous)

East Providence School Committee

The Committee held a budget workshop to review the FY2021 school budget, including a local request of $50,420,351. No votes were taken on the budget; a vote is scheduled for August 25, 2020.

• Adjourned meeting at 8:40 p.m. (unanimous)

East Providence School Committee

The East Providence School Committee will discuss school re-entry plans, pandemic-related instruction, and federal COVID-19 funding. The body will vote on the high school's name, new scoreboards, and several service invoices.

• Vote to approve removal of 'Senior' from the EPHS name
• Vote to approve new high school scoreboards
• Vote to approve invoices for Ai3, Peregrine, Gilbane, Stephen Turner, Inc., and Thielsch Engineering
• Discussion of federal COVID-19 money and affected line items
• Update on the School Re-entry Plan

The East Providence School Committee approved the consent agenda, personnel actions, and multiple district invoices during its virtual meeting on August 11, 2020. Officials also discussed school reopening plans, distance learning enrollment numbers, and COVID-19 relief funding. Additionally, the committee voted 3-2 against opening in-person public meetings at this time.

• Approved consent agenda by unanimous consent
• Approved resignations as submitted by unanimous consent
• Accepted retirement of EPHS Principal Shani Wallace by a vote of 4-1
• Approved recall of Victoria Moore as Special Education Teacher by unanimous consent
• Tabled the removal of 'Senior' from the EPHS name by unanimous consent
• Approved donation of existing athletic scoreboards to the City by unanimous consent
• Voted 3-2 not to open to public in-person meetings at this time
• Approved July invoices for Ai3, Peregrine, Gilbane, Stephen Turner, Inc., and Thielsch Engineering by unanimous consent

East Providence School Committee

The School Committee is meeting for a special session to conduct Budget Workshop I. The meeting includes a period for public comments.

• Budget Workshop I

The committee conducted a budget workshop focusing on personnel costs and staff schedules for the 2021 fiscal year. No formal votes were taken on budget items during this session.

• Adjourned meeting at 6:53 p.m. (unanimous)

East Providence School Committee - Building Committee

The Building Committee approved several invoices totaling $9,124,806.66 for services related to the high school building project. The committee also approved the minutes from June 8 and June 22, 2020.

• Approved invoices totaling $9,124,806.66 (unanimous consent)
• Approved June 8 and June 22, 2020 minutes (unanimous consent)

East Providence School Committee

The East Providence School Committee is holding a special meeting to discuss and vote on a bus transportation contract. The primary action item is the approval of a contract with Ocean State Transit.

• Vote to approve Ocean State Transit contract

The School Committee unanimously approved a three-year contract with Ocean State Transit for school bus services. The agreement includes two optional one-year extensions and covers 38 buses.

• Approved Ocean State Transit Contract for $3,859,886.15 (5-0)

East Providence School Committee

The School Committee approved a transportation bid from Ocean State Transit and authorized several million dollars in construction-related invoices. The board also approved multiple staff appointments, retirements, and recalls for the 2020-2021 school year.

• Accepted RFP Transportation bid award to Ocean State Transit (Unanimous)
• Approved Gilbane Construction Co. invoice for $3,005,511.53 (Unanimous)
• Approved warrants for $2,693.00, $122,376.23, and $922,264.37 (Unanimous)
• Approved Ai3 invoices for $145,414.79 and $3,190.00 (Unanimous)
• Approved Peregrine Group invoice for $59,000.00 (Unanimous)
• Approved Thielsch Engineering invoice for $14,186.26 (Unanimous)
• Approved Stephen Turner, Inc. invoice for $6,637.88 (Unanimous)
• Approved National Grid invoice for $1,242.82 (Unanimous)

East Providence School Committee - Building Committee

The East Providence Building Committee will meet to receive an OPM update and discuss the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP). The committee will also consider voting on invoices for services and the minutes from the May 11, 2020 meeting.

• Discussion on GMP
• Vote to approve invoices for services
• Vote to approve May 11, 2020 minutes

The Building Committee approved several invoices totaling $3,235,183.28 for the high school building project. The committee also reviewed a draft of the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) and noted that the district is now responsible for $60,000 in paving costs after a RIDOT denial.

• Approved $3,235,183.28 in invoices for services (unanimous consent)
• Approved May 11, 2020 meeting minutes (unanimous consent)

East Providence School Committee

The East Providence School Committee will discuss and vote on layoffs for certified and non-certified staff. The committee will also consider personnel changes including retirements, resignations, and recalls from non-renewals.

• Vote to approve layoffs of certified and non-certified staff
• Vote to approve retirements
• Vote to approve resignations
• Vote to approve recalls from non-renewals

The School Committee approved layoffs for teachers, paraprofessionals, administrative assistants, and supervisory aides due to potential state budget cuts. The committee also accepted one retirement, one resignation, and three recalls from non-renewals.

• Approved layoffs for Teachers #1-34 (4-1)
• Approved layoffs for Paraprofessionals #1-36 (4-1)
• Approved layoffs for Administrative Assistants #1-5 (4-1)
• Approved layoffs for Supervisory Aides #1-31 (4-1)
• Accepted retirement of Laura Harris (unanimous)
• Approved resignation of Jessica Gomes (unanimous)
• Approved recalls from non-renewals for Russell Levendusky, Mary Duhancik, and Abigail Jaffa (unanimous)

East Providence School Committee

The East Providence School Committee is holding a special meeting to convene in executive session. The body will discuss pending litigation before returning to open session.

• Discussion regarding pending litigation pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5(a)(2)

The School Committee held a virtual special meeting that primarily consisted of an executive session regarding pending litigation. No votes were taken during the executive session. The committee voted to seal the minutes of the meeting.

• Voted to enter executive session for pending litigation (unanimous)
• Voted to seal the minutes (unanimous)

East Providence School Committee - Building Committee

The committee approved several invoices for the high school project and the Ai3 Architect's furniture, fixtures, and equipment schedule. Members also voted to request that the state resume responsibility for paving Pawtucket Avenue.

• Approved request to Governor's Office for DOT to pave Pawtucket Avenue (Unanimous)
• Approved Ai3 Architect's FF&E schedule (Unanimous)
• Approved Ai3 invoice for $145,414.79 and $11,629.85 (Unanimous)
• Approved Peregrine invoice for $59,000.00 (Unanimous)
• Approved Gilbane invoice for $3,337,123.86 (Unanimous, 1 present)
• Approved Thielsch Engineering invoice for $1,300.00 (Unanimous)
• Approved Stephen Turner invoice for $1,055.93 (Unanimous)
• Approved March 9, 2020 meeting minutes (Unanimous)

East Providence School Committee

The East Providence School Committee is holding an emergency meeting. The body will discuss the state of emergency pertaining to the school department.

• Discussion regarding State of Emergency Pertaining to the School Department

East Providence School Committee - Negotiations Sub-committee

The Negotiations Sub-committee is meeting to discuss collective bargaining. The agenda includes an executive session specifically regarding custodial negotiations.

• Executive session for collective bargaining regarding custodial negotiations

East Providence School Committee

The East Providence School Committee will discuss facility updates and security selection. The body is scheduled to vote on several service invoices, an updated attendance policy, and technology contracts for the new high school.

• Vote on Oshean Internet Service Contract for 2020-2021 SY
• Vote on RFP Award for Network Infrastructure for new EPHS
• Vote to approve updated attendance policy
• Vote on RFP Award for cafeteria lunch trays
• Invoices for services from Gilbane, Thielsch Engineering, Stephen Turner, Inc., Ai3, and Peregrine

The School Committee approved several high-value construction and service invoices, including over $4 million to Gilbane Construction Co. The board also updated the student attendance policy and approved a memorial brick fundraiser.

• Approved Gilbane Construction Co. invoice for $4,066,389.76 (unanimous)
• Approved RFP award for new EPHS network infrastructure (unanimous)
• Approved updated Attendance Policy to include doctor/dentist visits as excused (unanimous)
• Approved memorial brick fundraiser for Friends of Townie Athletics (unanimous)
• Approved Oshean Internet Service Contract for 2020-2021 (unanimous)
• Approved RFP award to Kittredge Foodservice Equipment for lunch trays (unanimous)
• Approved retirements of Pamela Lucas and Arlene Boyd (unanimous)
• Approved four home school requests (unanimous)

East Providence School Committee

The East Providence School Committee is convening an emergency meeting. The agenda consists primarily of an executive session to discuss personnel and district safety protocols regarding coronavirus.

• Discussion regarding personnel
• Discussion of district safety protocols regarding coronavirus

East Providence School Committee - Building Committee

The East Providence Building Committee is meeting to discuss an OPM update and vote on several administrative items. The committee will consider approvals for a fundraiser and service invoices.

• Vote to approve fundraiser for Memorial Bricks
• Vote to approve invoices for services

The Building Committee approved several invoices for services totaling more than $1.9 million. These approvals will be sent to the School Committee for final approval on February 11, 2020. A fundraiser for memorial bricks was tabled.

• Approved Ai3 invoice for $214,234.64 (unanimous consent)
• Approved Peregrine invoice for $59,000.00 (unanimous consent)
• Approved Gilbane invoice for $1,643,149.99 (unanimous consent)
• Approved Thielsch Engineering invoices for $11,080.00 and $895.00 (unanimous consent)
• Approved Stephen Turner invoice for $1,358.60 (unanimous consent)
• Approved City of East Providence reimbursement to EPSD for $10,359.00 (unanimous consent)
• Tabled fundraiser for Memorial Bricks
• Approved January 13, 2020 meeting minutes (unanimous consent)

East Providence School Committee

The East Providence School Committee meets to vote on the superintendent's one-year contract rollover and approve secure entrance upgrades for Riverside Middle and Whiteknact schools. The agenda also includes approving the FY2018 audit, a new bill collection agency, and the EPHS 2020-2021 Program of Studies. Executive session discussions cover personnel matters and the Career & Technical Center Director's appointment.

• Vote to approve Superintendent’s One-Year Contract Rollover
• Vote to approve Secure Entrances RFP awards for Riverside Middle and Whiteknact schools
• Vote to approve FY2018 Audit and City Reimbursement for EPHS Building Project
• Vote to approve RFP for Bill Collection Agency and Student Device Refresh
• Vote to approve EPHS 2020-2021 Program of Studies

The School Committee approved a one-year contract rollover for the Superintendent in a 3-2 vote. The board also approved several million dollars in construction invoices, a new program of studies for EPHS, and an RFP for a debt collection agency to recover $52,000 in school lunch debt.

• Approved Superintendent's one-year contract rollover (3-2)
• Approved RFP for outside bill collection agency for school lunch debt
• Approved $1,144,116.37 in Ai3 services invoices
• Approved $1,018,673.10 in Gilbane Construction Co. invoices
• Approved EPHS 2020-2021 Program of Studies
• Approved secure entrance RFP awards for Riverside Middle and Whiteknact Elementary
• Approved FY2018 audit
• Approved $3,331,565.13 in total warrants (Vouchers 1056, 1057, 1004, 1005)