CouncilNotes
Minutes

Jun. 18, 2026 - Regular Meeting

Middletown · School Committee June 18, 2026 Official source ↗ Retrieved Jul 22, 2026

agreements for student supports and insurance, security system award, budget amendments, school entry sign designs

What happened

The Committee approved student-support and insurance agreements, a central office job description, multiple policy readings including ADA revisions, awarded the MSHS security system, approved FY26/FY27 budget amendments, and accepted entry sign designs; reports covered literacy, ESY/summer staffing, grants, facilities and upcoming building walks.

Budget/MoneyZoning/Land UsePublic SafetySchools
12Formal actions
12Policy decisions

Key decisions 12

Approve routine consent items (vouchers, minutes, policy reviews, homeschool request)

Passed · Unanimous

The board approved the bundled consent agenda covering vouchers, invoices, minutes (Regular May 21, 2026; Policy Subcommittee June 5, 2026), policy reviews, and one homeschool request. These routine items were handled together as a single consent action.

Result Passed unanimously
Motion by Tami Holden
Seconded by William Nash
Individual votes Not recorded
Source wording

Approve the Consent Agenda

See it in the full record

Approve homeschool instruction request 26-27-1

Passed · Unanimous

The board approved a homeschool instruction request identified as 26-27-1.

Result Passed unanimously
Motion by Tami Holden
Seconded by William Nash
Individual votes Not recorded
Schools
Source wording

Approval of homeschool instruction requests: 26-27-1

See it in the full record

CTE update on grants, updated space, and new layout

A CTE update was presented covering grants, updated space, and a new layout for programs.

Informational item — no recorded vote.

Schools
Source wording

CTE Update- Grants, Updated Space, and New Layout

See it in the full record

Agree to contract with C3Wellbeing for student assistance services

Passed · Unanimous

The board considered and approved an agreement with C3Wellbeing to provide student assistance services.

Result Passed unanimously
Motion by Wendy Heaney
Seconded by William Nash
Individual votes Not recorded
SchoolsPublic Safety
Source wording

Consider and Vote on Agreement for Student Assistance Services C3Wellbeing

See it in the full record

Approve job description for Administrative Assistant to Central Office Administrators

Passed · Unanimous

The board reviewed and approved the job description for the position titled Administrative Assistant to Central Office Administrators.

Result Passed unanimously
Motion by Wendy Heaney
Seconded by William Nash
Individual votes Not recorded
Follow-up Required
Source wording

Consider and Vote to Administrative Assistant to Central Office Administrators Job Description

See it in the full record

Adopt final readings of policies required for Chartwells and RIDE (#3110–3150)

Passed · Unanimous

The board completed second and final readings and approved policies #3110, 3120, 3125, 3130, 3140, and 3150 to meet requirements for the Chartwells School Lunch Program and RIDE.

Result Passed unanimously
Motion by Wendy Heaney
Seconded by William Nash
Individual votes Not recorded
Schools
Source wording

Consider and Vote on second and final readings of policies required for Chartwells School Lunch Program and RIDE, Policies #3110, 3120, 3125, 3130, 3140, 3150

See it in the full record

Adopt revised Policy #6172.35 on disability nondiscrimination (504/ADA)

Passed · Unanimous

The board completed a second and final reading and approved revision of Policy #6172.35, titled 504/ADA Prohibition Against Discrimination Based on Disability.

Result Passed unanimously
Motion by Wendy Heaney
Seconded by William Nash
Individual votes Not recorded
SchoolsPublic Safety
Source wording

Consider and Vote on second and final reading of revision, Policy #6172.35 504/ADA Prohibition Against Discrimination Based on Disability

See it in the full record

Memorandum of Agreement with Atlas Behavioral Consultation

Passed · Unanimous

The board considered a Memorandum of Agreement with Atlas Behavioral Consultation. The superintendent noted the agreement had been tabled in May and reviewed by legal counsel. The vote on the agreement was Unanimous.

Result Passed unanimously
Motion by Wendy Heaney
Seconded by William Nash
Individual votes Not recorded
Schools
Source wording

Consider and Vote on Memorandum of Agreement for Atlas Behavioral Consultation

See it in the full record

Award contract for MSHS Integrated Electronic Security System to National Security Fire Alarm Systems

Passed · Unanimous

The board awarded the contract for the MSHS Integrated Electronic Security System for MSHS/MMHS (new Middletown Middle High School) to National Security Fire Alarm Systems.

Result Passed unanimously
Motion by Wendy Heaney
Seconded by William Nash
Individual votes Not recorded
InfrastructureSchools
Source wording

Consider and Vote to Award for MSHS Integrated Electronic Security System to National Security Fire Alarm Systems

See it in the full record

Entry sign designs for new Middle High School, Valley and Forest Elementary

Passed · Unanimous

The meeting considered and voted to approve entry sign designs for the new Middle High School, Valley Elementary, and Forest Elementary. The signs are concrete cast with raised powder-coated metal lettering, and the Gaudet fields will be named the Gaudet Sports Complex.

Result Passed unanimously
Motion by Wendy Heaney
Seconded by William Nash
Individual votes Not recorded
Zoning/Land Use
Source wording

Consider and Vote to approve the Entry Sign Designs for the new Middle High School, Valley Elementary, Forest Elementary

See it in the full record

Approval of minutes from May 21, 2026

The minutes for the Regular Meeting of May 21, 2026 were on the agenda.

Informational item — no recorded vote.

Source wording

Minutes Regular Meeting, May 21, 2026

See it in the full record

Community walks to visit the new building

Community walks were announced for July 17, July 31, and August 7 so residents can visit the new building.

Informational item — no recorded vote.

Public Comment
Source wording

New Building and Visits - Community Walks, July 17th, 31st and Aug 7th

See it in the full record

Consent calendar 1 item

Approved as one block

1 item adopted together on the consent calendar

Review and minor edits to listed policies
Multiple policies were reviewed for archiving or minor modifications; the policies listed include 1097, 2090, 4113, 5035, 5100.5, 6020, 7020, 7030, 7060, and 9120.
policy
Follow-up Required
Source wording

Review, Archive and Minor Modifications of Policies

See it in the full record

Contracts & money 3

Join the Group Term Life Insurance Program — The board approved a membership participation agreement to enroll in the Group Term Life Insurance Program. Passed · Unanimous
Result Passed unanimously
Motion by Wendy Heaney
Seconded by William Nash
Individual votes Not recorded
Budget/Money
Source wording

Consider and Vote Membership Participation Agreement for the Group Term Life Insurance Program

See it in the full record

Approve FY27 budget amendments including Director of Educational Technology — The board approved FY27 budget amendments, which include funding to continue hiring a Director of Educational Technology per the Town Council recommendation. Passed · Unanimous
Result Passed unanimously
Motion by Wendy Heaney
Seconded by William Nash
Individual votes Not recorded
Budget/MoneySchools
Source wording

Consider and Vote to approve FY27 Budget Amendments

See it in the full record

FY26 budget amendment approval — Council considered amendments to the FY26 budget and the measure passed unanimously. Passed · Unanimous
Result Passed unanimously
Motion by Wendy Heaney
Seconded by William Nash
Individual votes Not recorded
Budget/Money
Source wording

Consider and Vote to approve FY26 Budget Amendments

See it in the full record

Also in the record 3

School Department Administrators present

From the record
School department administrators present

School Department Administrators present included Superintendent Willliam Niemeyer; Assistant Superintendent and Director of Teaching and Learning Michelle Fonseca; Director of Student Services Leslie Brow; GMS Principal Gerald Haas; Gaudet Learning Academy Principal Katy Gibbins; Forest Ave Principal Rebecca Silveira; and Principal Erica Bulk.

Source wording

School Department Administrators present - Superintendent Willliam Niemeyer, Assistant Superintendent and Director of Teaching and Learning Michelle Fonseca, Director of Student Services Leslie Brow, GMS Principal Gerald Haas, Gaudet Learning Academy Principal Katy Gibbins, Forest Ave Principal Rebecca Silveira, Principal Erica Bulk

See it in the full record

Staff roster

From the record
List of ESY and BTB staff and assistants

A roster of ESY and BTB staff and assistants is provided, including Tara Donaldson; Amy Smith; Susan Leys; Jennifer Lynch; Laurie Bradley; Tanaysia Hicks; Madisyn Potter; Alexandria Reeg; Rachel Stalnaker; Moira Willis; Casey Amaral; Whitney Bucci; Kerri Carllin; AndreaCulipher; Kerri Allder; Raili Paddock; Ariel Maggiacomo; Melodie Gardullo; Eve Weber; Nina Phillips; Crista DiSano; Amanda Beuttenmuller; Robin Westmoreland; Patricia Berkeley; and Christina McFadden.

Source wording

Tara Donaldson, ESY Special Education Teacher Amy Smith, ESY Special Education Teacher Susan Leys, ESY Special Education Teacher Jennifer Lynch, ESY Special Education Teacher Laurie Bradley, ESY Special Education Teacher Assistant Tanaysia Hicks, ESY Special Education Teacher Assistant Madisyn Potter, ESY Special Education Teacher Assistant Alexandria Reeg, ESY Special Education Teacher Assistant Rachel Stalnaker, ESY Special Education Teacher Assistant Moira Willis, ESY Special Education Teacher Assistant Casey Amaral, ESY Special Education Teacher Assistant Whitney Bucci, ESY Special Education Teacher Assistant Kerri Carllin, ESY Special Education Teacher Assistant AndreaCulipher, ESY Special Education Teacher Assistant Kerri Allder, ESY Special Education Teacher Assistant Raili Paddock, ESY Special Education Teacher Assistant Ariel Maggiacomo, ESY Special Education Teacher Assistant Melodie Gardullo, ESY Speech Pathologist Eve Weber, ESY Speech Speech Pathologist Nina Phillips, BTB Nurse Crista DiSano, BTB Nurse Amanda Beuttenmuller, BTB Nurse Robin Westmoreland, BTB Special Education Teacher Assistant Patricia Berkeley, BTB Special Education Teacher Assistant Christina McFadden, BTB Special Education Teacher Assistant

See it in the full record

BTB staff and literacy highlights

School Committee position
BTB school staff list and highlights

A list of BTB staff and substitutes is provided, naming teachers, teacher assistants, MLL teacher, and substitutes. Highlights include strong progress in literacy planning, expanded student and staff supports, significant community partnerships and grant funding, preparations for new school facilities and summer cleaning, a focus on student success and family engagement, and establishment of a K-12 Literacy Committee through the RI READS grant.

Source wording

Nelia Almeida, BTB Special Education Teacher Assistant Jamie Comeau, BTB Teacher Jasmine Dutra, BTB Teacher Francesca Pellegrino, BTB Teacher Mercedes Woodward, BTB Teacher Camille Guerin, BTB Teacher Jennifer Holubesko, BTB Teacher Samantha Judson, BTB Teacher Kate Homer, BTB Teacher Christa Robinson, BTB Teacher Brittanie Clarke, BTB Teacher Kaitlyn Duggan, BTB Teacher Amy Dunn, BTB Teacher Tara Sweeney, BTB Teacher Abigail Williamson, BTB Teacher Kelly Butala, BTB Teacher Alicia OBrien, BTB Teacher Kristen Pacheco, BTB Teacher Sophia Perrotti, BTB Teacher Keri Walsh, BTB Teacher Johanna Cadoret, BTB Teacher Jeanine Maher-Pari, BTB Teacher Assistant Kyla Vieira, BTB Teacher Cathy Bulmer-Anderson, BTB Special Education Teacher Assistant Robyn Borges, BTB MLL Teacher Mary Lanctot, BTB Teacher Assistant Kelsey Vieira, BTB Substitute Teacher Kelly Brennan, BTB Substitute Teacher Sarah McCarty, BTB Substitute Teacher Jessica Tucker, BTB Substitute Teacher •Strong progress in literacy planning •Expanded student and staff supports •Significant community partnerships and grant funding •Preparing for new school facilities/ Summer Cleaning •Focused on student success and family engagement •K-12 Literacy Committee established through RI READS grant

See it in the full record

Read the full text the original record, verbatim

Official record ↗

MIDDLETOWN SCHOOL COMMITTEE

Thursday, June 18, 2026

Regular Meeting 5:30 PM

MINUTES

1.1 Call to Order: Wendy Heaney called the School Committee meeting to order at 5:30 pm at Michael S. Pinto Conference Room, 26 Oliphant Lane, Middletown, Rhode Island 02842.

1.2 Determination of Quorum: School Committee Members – Vice-Chair Wendy Heaney, Tami Holden, Clerk William Nash and Theresa Spengler Chair Gregory Huet - excused

School Department Administrators present - Superintendent Willliam Niemeyer, Assistant Superintendent and Director of Teaching and Learning Michelle Fonseca, Director of Student Services Leslie Brow, GMS Principal Gerald Haas, Gaudet Learning Academy Principal Katy Gibbins, Forest Ave Principal Rebecca Silveira, Principal Erica Bulk

REGULAR SESSION

1.3 Pledge of Allegiance: The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

1.4 Moment of Silence:

1.5 Public Forum / Comment: None

MOTION: 1) Tami Holden, 2) William Nash

That the School Committee approve the Consent Agenda. Unanimous vote.

3.1 Vouchers

3.2 Invoices

3.3 Minutes Regular Meeting, May 21, 2026

Policy Sub Committee Meeting, June 5, 2026

3.4 Review, Archive and Minor Modifications of Policies

1097 Collective Commitments

2090 School Improvement Teams

4113 Professional Conduct with Students

5035 Title IX Policy and Protocol for Reporting and Investigating Sexual Harassment and Retaliation

5100.5 Standing Orders for School Health Programs

6020 Career Technical Education Regulations

7020 Hazing

7030 Alcohol Sensor Device - School Substance Abuse

7060 Suicide Prevention

9120 Indoor Air Quality Management

3.5 Approval of homeschool instruction requests: 26-27-1

MOTION: 1) Tami Holden, 2) William Nash Unanimous vote.

Members of the Gaudet Parent Teacher Group, Lorraine Buffman, Laura Foley, Tara Donaldson and Vince Linley presented many great opportunities that the group was able to provide for students and staff and families. Some of the great highlights were: Fieldtrips, STEM Night, Student Dances, Planetarium Nights, Thanksgiving Baskets, Teacher Appreciation Week events and lunches and classroom supply donations. The great events and highlights can be found on their Instagram page @gaudetschoolptg

5.1 Consider and Vote on Agreement for Student Assistance Services C3Wellbeing

MOTION: 1) Wendy Heaney, 2) William Nash Unanimous vote.

5.2 Consider and Vote Membership Participation Agreement for the Group Term Life Insurance Program

MOTION: 1) Wendy Heaney, 2) William Nash Unanimous vote.

5.3 Consider and Vote to Administrative Assistant to Central Office Administrators Job Description

MOTION: 1) Wendy Heaney, 2) William Nash Unanimous vote.

5.4 Consider and Vote on second and final readings of policies required for Chartwells School Lunch Program and RIDE, Policies # 3110, 3120, 3125, 3130, 3140, 3150

MOTION: 1) Wendy Heaney, 2) William Nash Unanimous vote.

5.5 Consider and Vote on second and final reading of revision, Policy #6172.35 504/ADA Prohibition Against Discrimination Based on Disability

MOTION: 1) Wendy Heaney, 2) William Nash Unanimous vote.

5.6 Consider and Vote on Memorandum of Agreement for Atlas Behavioral Consultation

MOTION: 1) Wendy Heaney, 2) William Nash Unanimous vote.

Comment: Superintendent Niemeyer commented on the agreement that was tabled at the May School Committee meeting, that this agreement was reviewed by legal counsel.

5.7 Consider and Vote to Award for MSHS Integrated Electronic Security System to National Security Fire Alarm Systems

MOTION: 1) Wendy Heaney, 2) William Nash Unanimous vote.

Comment: This Award was previously approved by the Town Council. William Nash clarified that MSHS is also identified as MMHS, it refers to the Middletown Middle High School new construction building.

5.8 Consider and Vote to approve FY27 Budget Amendments

MOTION: 1) Wendy Heaney, 2) William Nash Unanimous vote.

Comment: Budget adjusted to include the Town Council's recommendation to continue to hire a Director of Educational Technology.

5.9 Consider and Vote to approve FY26 Budget Amendments

MOTION: 1) Wendy Heaney, 2) William Nash Unanimous vote.

5.10 Consider and Vote to approve the Entry Sign Designs for the new Middle High School, Valley Elementary, Forest Elementary

MOTION: 1) Wendy Heaney, 2) William Nash Unanimous vote.

Comment: After many sign versions and modifications presented, final sign designs were presented. They are concrete cast with raised powdered coated metal lettering. The Gaudet fields will be named the Gaudet Sports Complex.

● The senior scholarship ceremony was held earlier this month. The Sports Booster Club hosted the event with students being named senior athletes of the year.

● The art projects of MHS students were displayed at Ocean Pointe church earlier this month with the choir and band concert held on the same night.

● National Honor Society/ Spanish Honor Society - the National Honor Society and Spanish Honors Society Induction Ceremony was held on May 27th. Multiple students were invited to give speeches as representatives of the 4 core pillars of NHS, then all of the inductees were given their official certificates.

● Graduation/walk through: The 2026 graduation ceremony was last Saturday 7/13. The seniors walked through the hallways at MHS, Forest, and Aquidneck elementary schools. Congratulations to them!

9.1 Enrollment

9.1 Financial

9.1 Personnel

APPOINTMENT EFFECTIVE May 29, 2026

Jamie Toner, Summer Beyond the Bell Coordinator, 9-12

RETIREMENT EFFECTIVE June 24, 2026

David Fontaine, School Library Media/Makerspace Specialist , MHS

RESIGNATION EFFECTIVE June 24, 2026

Tristan Winter, Special Ed Teacher Assistant, FA

APPOINTMENT EFFECTIVE July 1, 2026

Lauren Babbitt, Business Office Manager, MPS

APPOINTMENT EFFECTIVE July 6, 2026

Jennifer Mulcahey, ESY Special Education Teacher

Ceili McCarthy, ESY Special Education Teacher

Eimile Garvey, ESY Special Education Teacher

Sarah Alexander, ESY Special Education Teacher

Tara Donaldson, ESY Special Education Teacher

Amy Smith, ESY Special Education Teacher

Susan Leys, ESY Special Education Teacher

Jennifer Lynch, ESY Special Education Teacher

Laurie Bradley, ESY Special Education Teacher Assistant

Tanaysia Hicks, ESY Special Education Teacher Assistant

Madisyn Potter, ESY Special Education Teacher Assistant

Alexandria Reeg, ESY Special Education Teacher Assistant

Rachel Stalnaker, ESY Special Education Teacher Assistant

Moira Willis, ESY Special Education Teacher Assistant

Casey Amaral, ESY Special Education Teacher Assistant

Whitney Bucci, ESY Special Education Teacher Assistant

Kerri Carllin, ESY Special Education Teacher Assistant

AndreaCulipher, ESY Special Education Teacher Assistant

Kerri Allder, ESY Special Education Teacher Assistant

Raili Paddock, ESY Special Education Teacher Assistant

Ariel Maggiacomo, ESY Special Education Teacher Assistant

Melodie Gardullo, ESY Speech Pathologist

Eve Weber, ESY Speech Speech Pathologist

Nina Phillips, BTB Nurse

Crista DiSano, BTB Nurse

Amanda Beuttenmuller, BTB Nurse

Robin Westmoreland, BTB Special Education Teacher Assistant

Patricia Berkeley, BTB Special Education Teacher Assistant

Christina McFadden, BTB Special Education Teacher Assistant

Nelia Almeida, BTB Special Education Teacher Assistant

Jamie Comeau, BTB Teacher

Jasmine Dutra, BTB Teacher

Francesca Pellegrino, BTB Teacher

Mercedes Woodward, BTB Teacher

Camille Guerin, BTB Teacher

Jennifer Holubesko, BTB Teacher

Samantha Judson, BTB Teacher

Kate Homer, BTB Teacher

Christa Robinson, BTB Teacher

Brittanie Clarke, BTB Teacher

Kaitlyn Duggan, BTB Teacher

Amy Dunn, BTB Teacher

Tara Sweeney, BTB Teacher

Abigail Williamson, BTB Teacher

Kelly Butala, BTB Teacher

Alicia OBrien, BTB Teacher

Kristen Pacheco, BTB Teacher

Sophia Perrotti, BTB Teacher

Keri Walsh, BTB Teacher

Johanna Cadoret, BTB Teacher

Jeanine Maher-Pari, BTB Teacher Assistant

Kyla Vieira, BTB Teacher

Cathy Bulmer-Anderson, BTB Special Education Teacher Assistant

Robyn Borges, BTB MLL Teacher

Mary Lanctot, BTB Teacher Assistant

Kelsey Vieira, BTB Substitute Teacher

Kelly Brennan, BTB Substitute Teacher

Sarah McCarty, BTB Substitute Teacher

Jessica Tucker, BTB Substitute Teacher

9.2 Status Report

Key Takeaways

•Strong progress in literacy planning

•Expanded student and staff supports

•Significant community partnerships and grant funding

•Preparing for new school facilities/ Summer Cleaning

•Focused on student success and family engagement

Teaching & Learning

•K-12 Literacy Committee established through RI READS grant

•Comprehensive literacy plan developed for RIDE submission

•Focus on leadership, assessment, MTSS, professional learning, and family engagement

•Creates long-term literacy improvement roadmap

● Extended School Year (ESY) begins July 6

● Summer services support academic, social, and emotional growth

● Staff survey guiding 2026-27 professional development

● SEL identified as priority area

● QBS Safety-Care training planned

● Summer readiness plan in place for all schools

● Support ongoing summer programs and construction projects

● Furniture selections nearing completion for MHS and Valley

● Valley playground projects nearly ready for bid

● Preparing for transition to new and renovated facilities

● Awarded $141,375 Van Beuren Foundation grant

● Continued support for multilingual learners and families

● CCRI partnership for English classes and certifications

● Launch Beginnings job coaching partnership

● 500 backpacks secured through Cradles to Crayons

● Summer outreach for MLL and McKinney-Vento families

10.1 CTE Update- Grants, Updated Space, and New Layout

10.2 New Building and Visits - Community Walks, July 17th, 31st and Aug 7th

11.1 School Building Committee

11.2 Middletown Prevention Coalition

11.3 Policy Committee

11.4 Others as required

ADJOURN FROM MEETING

MOTION: 1) Tami Holden, 2) William Nash

To adjourn from the School Committee Meeting at 6:26 p.m. Unanimous vote.

Next Regular Meeting: Thursday, July 16, 2026