Kingston School Committee members learned April 6 that $42,867 in unspent vocational tuition will allow the district to restore a paraprofessional position, along with some technology and curriculum spending, in next year’s budget — a modest rebound as officials urged residents to turn out for the May 2 town meeting to support the school spending plan. The committee also voted unanimously to opt out of the school choice program for another year, citing class sizes and staffing constraints.
Stefani Hatton, the district’s new Director of Finance and Operations, presented the updated numbers in her first in-person appearance before the committee. She reported that $175,000 had been budgeted for vocational tuition for approximately five Kingston students attending vocational schools next year, but actual costs came in at $132,132.16 — leaving $42,867.84 available to return to the budget.
Superintendent Dr. Jill Proulx told members the leadership team had identified how to deploy the savings. “After discussing it with the team, we thought that we would be able to bring back a paraprofessional position and some things, such as technology and curriculum,” Proulx said. She cautioned, however, that the figure was not large enough to save any additional positions, noting, “There’s not enough money to cover another position.”
The savings only partially offset previously announced staffing reductions. Committee members confirmed that one classroom teacher position and one English Language Learner teacher position — the latter an unfilled role — remain on the chopping block. Member Sheila Vaughn pressed the administration to keep looking. “Keep searching. Keep searching,” she said. “If any more money turns up,” added Chair Megan Cannon.
The budget news landed against the backdrop of a recent Finance Committee meeting, where members said the school budget received an unusually smooth reception. “We went to the FinCom meeting and they did approve our budget, which I thought was really great,” said Vaughn. “I’ve never seen everybody approve our budget all at once and with minimal questions, which I thought was really great.” Cannon added that the committee appreciated the Finance Committee’s support and repeatedly urged residents to attend the May 2 town meeting at 9 a.m. at Kingston Intermediate School. “Please go and vote. We need your support for our budget… It’s very important.”
The regular session was preceded by the annual school choice hearing required of every Massachusetts district. Vaughn moved immediately to withdraw from the program, citing capacity concerns. “Based on the classrooms and that we just don’t have the staffing for that,” she said. Member Jennifer Krowchun agreed, noting the district needs to “meet existing need” first. Cannon reminded the committee that accepting a school choice student is a long-term commitment: “Once they come, we own them until graduation or they leave.” Proulx confirmed Kingston has not participated in school choice for as long as she has been superintendent. The roll-call vote to decline participation was unanimous.
Following an earlier executive session discussion, the committee voted unanimously in open session to approve the contract for the Kingston Intermediate School principal, Dr. Kerri Whipple. Meanwhile, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Tricia Clifford reported that the Kingston Elementary School principal search committee interviewed candidates during the final week of March and narrowed the field to two finalists, with the next round of interviews taking place this week. Clifford thanked the search committee members for their work.
KES Interim Principal Jake Galewski introduced new Interim Assistant Principal Amy Koskowski, who he said has had a “very successful transition.” Galewski reported on PAC Assorted Fruits and Vegetables week — during which some students tried dragon fruit for the first time — the PTO-sponsored Harlem Wizards game, and the conclusion of the CKLA pilot on April 3. Teachers have now begun piloting the Wonders ELA curriculum from McGraw Hill. Galewski announced an upcoming Social Emotional Learning night on April 29 that will include a new sensory-friendly window at the start of the event for students with sensory sensitivities. Kindergarten enrollment currently sits at 143 students, which Galewski said is lower than previous years at this point.
KIS Principal Whipple reported that MCAS testing is underway and credited the assistant principal, team chair and IT staff for a seamless rollout. Updates included a new grab-and-go breakfast program, revisions to the school’s positive behavior system with added recognition via a bulletin board outside the office, and a student-led advocacy effort from last year’s school council — now sixth graders — who delivered a research-based presentation successfully arguing for snacks in fifth and sixth grade classrooms. The principal also reported on a World Down Syndrome Day celebration, Battle of the Books results (Peter Brown’s The Wild Robot was the student favorite), and an honorable mention for student Ellie Hill in the MSLA Bookmark Design Contest.
Clifford reported that the PRISM grant field test has shifted from CKLA to Wonders, with Curriculum Council members set to finalize their program ratings on April 27. The final round of math coaching will take place in late April and May. Clifford also highlighted a March 16 professional development session at Halifax Afterschool, where 25 elementary teachers from across the three-district Silver Lake region gathered for training on “Teaching Students to Write in Response to Reading,” led by Halifax teachers Meg Parker and Katie Berna.
On regionalization, Proulx confirmed that the regionalization study committee has begun interviewing stakeholders about their experiences with the partially regionalized system. She also reported that all member school committees have now approved the proposed calendar for the 2026-27 school year, making it official. Her own evaluation will begin following the April 16 Joint School Committee meeting.
The meeting closed with committee members recognizing Jeanne Coleman, who is stepping down after nine years of service. “The amount of time and effort that you put in, it’s a full-time job, really,” Vaughn said. “It doesn’t go unnoticed. And stepping up is not always easy. Big shoes to fill, Jeannie. Big shoes.” Cannon thanked Coleman for her service before the committee adjourned to executive session.