Cumberland School Committee Approves Revised School Calendar and Establishes Behavioral Health Committee

The Cumberland School Committee convened on August 28, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including adjustments to the school calendar, superintendent salary discussions, transportation efficiency studies, and the establishment of a new committee focused on student safety and behavioral health.

The meeting commenced with a proposal to revise the school calendar, specifically to push back the start date of preschool by one day to accommodate a full school day on the first Wednesday of the academic year. The motion to approve this change was made by Miss Shay and seconded by Miss Goldstein, passing unanimously with a 6-0 vote.

Next, the committee discussed the superintendent's salary and benefits for the 2025-2026 school year. A motion by Mr. Bacon to approve a 3% salary increase, mirroring the benefits for teachers, was seconded by Miss Goldstein. This motion passed with a vote of 5-1, with Mr. Dean opposing.

The committee then turned its attention to the transportation efficiency study proposal from Transpar Group Inc. While initial discussions highlighted the need for further details, it was decided to table the proposal for future consideration. The committee expressed interest in exploring various aspects of transportation, including start times and district boundaries, with a projected cost of $79,000 for the study. The committee plans to invite a representative from Transpar to the next meeting for further discussion.

A significant topic of discussion was the establishment of a Student Safety and Behavioral Health Committee, mandated by a recent amendment to Rhode Island law. The committee will consist of representatives from administration, certified staff, and support staff, with the aim of addressing behavioral health issues within the district. A motion to establish this committee was made by Miss Shay and seconded by Miss Goldstein, passing unanimously with a 6-0 vote.

Finally, the committee reviewed amendments to three policies, including updates to the non-contracted employee policy to align with the current minimum wage and revisions to the FERPA policy to enhance student information security. These amendments were also approved, reflecting the committee's commitment to maintaining compliance with legal standards and ensuring the welfare of students.

In conclusion, the Cumberland School Committee's meeting addressed critical issues affecting the school district, with a focus on improving operational efficiency, enhancing student safety, and ensuring compliance with state regulations. The committee plans to reconvene to further discuss the transportation study and the newly established behavioral health committee.