Kingston School Committee Awaits Regionalization Study Proposal
UMass Boston's Collins Center expected to provide comprehensive analysis of full district regionalization
KINGSTON - July 7 - The Kingston School Committee continues to await a proposal from UMass Boston's Collins Center regarding a comprehensive study on potential full regionalization of the school district, while accepting a $70,000 donation from the Kingston Foundation for Education during its July 7 meeting.
Committee Chair Megan Cannon provided an update on the regionalization study, explaining that officials met with the Collins Center several weeks ago to discuss what services they could provide. The committee currently waits for a detailed proposal outlining the scope and cost of the potential study.
"We're not moving forward with anything," said committee member Jeannie Coleman, clarifying the purpose of the study following public speculation after initial news reports. "This is going to be a study that will view all of the pros and the cons and all of the impacts of a potential full regionalization."
Coleman emphasized that the study would include extensive stakeholder engagement, involving unions, administration, students, parents and other community members. She noted that even if the committee proceeds with hiring the Collins Center, it would not indicate a commitment to regionalization itself.
"This would be something that would need to be approved by all three school committees, Kingston, Halifax and Plympton, as well as I believe Silver Lake, all three towns, Kingston, Halifax and Plympton, the select boards, and then go to a town meeting warrant for all three towns before it's even something that would be considered," Coleman said.
The process, if pursued, would take at least 18 months to two and a half years to complete, according to Coleman.
The Kingston Foundation for Education presented its annual donation during the meeting, with representatives Krissy Armstrong and Erin Barrette announcing the $70,000 contribution. Both are departing the organization as their children graduate to sixth grade.
"We had a great year," said KFE representative Allison Brown. "We kicked off the beginning of the year with the Playground Fundraiser, raised a bunch of money there."
The donation represents funds raised through various events throughout the school year, including the playground fundraiser organized by committee Vice Chair Tricia Arrieta. The money will support school projects and initiatives that require funding beyond the regular budget.
"I know how much work has gone into it because we communicate all year long and you're amazing at the back and forth and we appreciate it so much," said Principal Kerri Whipple. "And I always say like Kingston is the best. They're the best community and our kids are lucky to be able to have this extra funding source."
The committee unanimously approved accepting the donation, with Armstrong planning to deliver the check to the district's central office.
In other business, the committee voted to support dedicating the Kingston Elementary School playground in memory of Sean, a Kingston parent who recently passed away. His organization donated $10,400 toward playground improvements.
"We thought maybe an idea about is dedicating the playground in his name and putting up a plaque," said Whipple. "We just thought that'd be a nice way to kind of celebrate his life for the family."
The dedication proposal requires approval from the town's Board of Selectmen since the property belongs to the town. Committee member Sheila Vaughn made the motion to support the dedication, noting Sean's instrumental role in getting the playground fixed.
The committee also endorsed a traffic safety initiative proposed by Assistant Principal Jake Galewski, who presented plans for school zone signs and flashers to improve pedestrian and school safety around the Kingston schools. The Kingston Police Department has agreed to fund the project using available grant money.
"There isn't actually even a general speed limit sign posted, but much like the high school, middle school has, where the school zone sign flashes during school hours to prompt people to slow down," Galewski explained.
The signs would bookend the school property, with regular school zone signs placed 500 feet from the property and flashing signs with 20 mph speed limits positioned 250 feet away. The flashers would activate during school hours and could be adjusted for daylight saving time.
The Police Chief and other town officials assessed the property and agreed the safety measures are needed. The proposal now moves to the Board of Selectmen for final approval.
Business Manager Sarah Hickey presented the fiscal year 2025 budget closeout, showing the district ended the year with a surplus of $26,159. The committee voted to move these funds to the stabilization fund rather than return them to the town, contingent on town approval.
"I just don't want to give back $26,000 knowing how tight our budget is for next year," Coleman said. "If there's a possibility that we can carry it forward."
The operating budget totaled $14,568,739, with $38,533 remaining after expenditures but $116,012 in encumbrances for outstanding orders and invoices. A surplus in vocational education funding of $103,638 contributed to the overall positive balance.
The committee adjourned into executive session to approve previous executive session meeting minutes from May 5 and June 9.